Belt plate materials

[Primvs Pavlvs]

Wes,

As I said there are numerous finds of these "type A" plates that have no embossing at all from Vindonissa. Some of them have a central rivet and thats the only decoration. Very simple to make!

[Wes]

I am really liking the simple approach...Sarge gave me a day off today, I will try to get into the workshop and see what I can make up.....I can show pics of what I work up. Thanks for all the great advice to the rookie!!

[Gaivs Antonivs Satvrninvs]

Paul,
Are there pics somewhere of the "type A" plain plates you mentioned above? I understand they are plain but I'd like to see one for reference.
I tried to make a few but they just look so.....plain????.

[Peroni]

Here's quite a plain type B plate from Vindonissa.. (using Crispvs' 'rolled-end' classification)

cat No. 940. 5 small holes with decorative circle patterns surrounding.

[Primvs Pavlvs]

Paul,
Are there pics somewhere of the "type A" plain plates you mentioned above? I understand they are plain but I'd like to see one for reference.
I tried to make a few but they just look so.....plain????.

Andy there are plenty of these shown in the Vindonissa catalog. Sadly my catalog is with a friend at the moment. They are roughly 1.25 x 2 inches rectangluar in shape. With small rivets in the corner, and some with a center rivet. They do look very plain, but I think they look nice to break up all the flashy fancy belts.

I have one planned from silver as soon as I catch up on everyone elses belts.

[Gaivs Antonivs Satvrninvs]

Thanks for the reply, Paul. I'll check the Vindonissa site and if I get to go there in a couple of weeks( the're closing for renovation ) I'll see what's available.

[Primvs Pavlvs]

Andy,

Be sure to visit the sites in Windisch around the museum. There are some really nice things to see. If you have the time I also highly suggest going to Augst its very close approx 30 min drive. The museum is not as nice as Vindonissa, but the ruins are fantastic!

Paul

[Gaivs Antonivs Satvrninvs]

Thanks, Peroni.
You posted so quickly I almost missed it.

Thanks, Paul. I'll see if Augst is on our itenerary.Sounds great.


BTW- in case anyone's interested there's a web site for Augst.
www.augusta-raurica.ch
The english version is under construction but the German one has some nice pics and a live-cam.

[Tarbicus]

Here's quite a plain type B plate from Vindonissa.. (using Crispvs' 'rolled-end' classification)

cat No. 940. 5 small holes with decorative circle patterns surrounding.

To ward off the evil eye? Fairly similar decoration on apron studs from Vindonissa, Caerleon and Hod Hill (?the ones you made me Ade).

[Crispvs]

Just a point about belt plate classifications. If there is a central rivet it counts as a type 'B'. Type 'A' plates are rectangular and are either left plain or decorated with scribes and punches before being inlaid with niello. Most of the commercially available type 'A' plates have the decorative patterns cast into them.
Unfortunately most of the type 'B' plates which are commercially available are cast, whereas most of the originals were made from thin sheet which was stamped from behind to produce an embossed surface which wa then tidied up with small chisels.

I am afraid I don't have a picture of a plain type 'A' plate in electronic form but a quick search of the net turned up this picture of a reproduction type 'A' plate by Raymond's quiet press, who made the reproductions above too.



In reality a plate like this would probably have been tinned and the detail filled with niello. To imagine a plain plate though, simply picture this plate with no decoration but simply tinned or silvered over a smooth surface. It could be attached to the belt with rivets through the holes pictured or could have integral rivets which were soldered to the back of the plate.

Crispvs

[Tarbicus]

Type 'A' plates are rectangular and are either left plain or decorated with scribes and punches before being inlaid with niello. Most of the commercially available type 'A' plates have the decorative patterns cast into them...

...a reproduction type 'A' plate by Raymond's quiet press, who made the reproductions above too.



In reality a plate like this would probably have been tinned and the detail filled with niello.

Crispvs, how thick were these cast plates, and thanks for the info again? I have a number of these types of plates from Albion which seem hugely thick and uber-heavy (2mm?).

[Crispvs]

They vary in thickness but most are probably not more than 1mm thick. Unfortunately I do not have any of my references with me right now to consult.
I also have a set of plates from Albion and I agree that they are much too heavy. Once I get my workshop set up again I will be grinding away about half of the thickness of each.


Crispvs

[brennivs - tony drake]

Wes I have put some photos of flat belt plates no more than 1mm thick I made also it might be worth doing the Velsen belt plates which were covered in a sheet of silver without any decoration good luck with whichever you choose to do Regards Brennivs D

[Peroni]

Mine are only 1.0mm thick.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b242/ ... 2289-1.jpg

[A_Volpe]

Peroni -

WOW... hock: That niello and silvered finish is a very nice contrast!


...Wowwwwww...