Lorica squamata- in a French biscuit tin....

[Marcus Julius]

Would that be Squamata, or actually plumata. Looking at the edges of the scale in that photo, it appears that their just might be maille underneath them? For reference, I'm looking at the side of the tin furthest from the camera in that posted photo.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

It certainly looks like it!

[Matt Lukes]

Would that be Squamata, or actually plumata. Looking at the edges of the scale in that photo, it appears that their just might be maille underneath them? For reference, I'm looking at the side of the tin furthest from the camera in that posted photo.

No, it's definitely not plumata- plumata's scales are unique in that the upper edge is folded back to 90-degrees and 4 holes punched across through which the mail rings are run. And plumata scales are INCREDIBLY tiny- just about 5 or 6mm in width and about 1cm long (not including the bent over top edge). These scales are standard squamata scales. There are squamata scales nearly as tiny as those of the plumata, but they have three pairs of vertical holes along the top for stitching just as all squamata scales have.

[Ceasar Augustus]

Yeah, those scales look more than 5-6mm across.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Yet, there is what looks like rings in there.

[Matt Lukes]

Actually that type of scale is rather wider, and there are rings Byron- that's how most scales were connected laterally, with little rings The 'staple' method was not common in the least until one gets to the more solid long type that's connected at the top and bottom as well.

[Ceasar Augustus]

I can't see any rings...

[Doug Strong]

Yeah, those scales look more than 5-6mm across.

Forgive my ignorance but what purpose would armour of that size serve?

[Marcus_Ulpius_Trajanus]

I think its body armor. They certainly found enough scales when they were exavating at Dura.

[Doug Strong]

I think its body armor. They certainly found enough scales when they were exavating at Dura.

Would that be of any use as armour?

[Marcus_Ulpius_Trajanus]

Other than the noting the fact that they made it, I can't speak to its utility.

I think there are those around here that have made armors with scales like this. That group that does the Cohors V Gallorum comes to mind.

[Doug Strong]

5-6mm across seems increadibly tiny.

[Marcus_Ulpius_Trajanus]

You'll get no argument from me on that.

From the book I mentioned earlier:

Fragments of a very fine copper alloy scale armor
Provenance unknown
Yale no. 1934.467b
Dura no. unknown
A small quantity of loose scales, 6-7 mm high by 5-6mm wide, and only about 0.25 mm think. They have pointed ends, and are held on by six holes, in three vertical pairs of of two rows of three, at the top.
Virtually identical scale armor is know from Carununtum and Vindobona. Scales of the same form, but slightly larger, are known from Great Chesters.
[url:3gaka2tu]http://ecatalogue.art.yale.edu/imageServer/imgSrv?objectId=6470&size=ref[/url]

Also
Fragments of a very fine copper alloy scale shirt
Provenance unknown
Yale no. 1934.464
Dura no. unknown
Substantial portions of a garment of extremely fine scales identical in size and shape to [the above entry] now heavily oxidized and fused together.
Despite their tiny size, the scales were linked by the conventional wire stables, and presumably the rows were affixed to the backing via the central pair of holes in each scale.

The book description goes on to say "Its strength and effectiveness in battle may be doubted. Certainly it would have been troublesome to repair damage."

[url:3gaka2tu]http://ecatalogue.art.yale.edu/imageServer/imgSrv?objectId=6467&size=ref[/url]

If you go to their ecatalogue here:
[url:3gaka2tu]http://ecatalogue.art.yale.edu/[/url]
You can find all sorts of stuff. Just pick "arms and armor" from the list of search criteria.

[Doug Strong]

Thanks for the link. The size might suggest a more ceremonial or decorative purpose than a military one.

[Ceasar Augustus]

True, although, if strong enough to withstand the force of the blow, most weapons would have a very hard time getting through.