Plumbata

[brennivs - tony drake]

The various shafts I used the hard wood ones have stayed on for many years.The green wood ones however,the bark on ones came of within a few months or so, were as the bark off took a little longer and all snapped but after plenty throwing.
The Wroxeter type the head tends to be weaker after throwen as the head tended to be loose after hitting the ground.
The Richabourgh type with haveing the shaft tappered and inserted into a hole in the shaft were much stronger, and as I thought at least two of the barbs came out of the lead and were still in the ground. Some finds have been found without lead.
The length of the Plumbata I made were approx 12" long,However I tried to make one to Russel Robinsons dimentions 3 feet long but I could not come to seeing how it would work :?: So I made one approx 30" long so long as it didnt hit the ground when throwing.

As you can see top is the first one I made ,The bottom is what I think is the more sensible size.

The top one is a made by some one else but have made a mistake by not having a hand grip and are much longer. They are also terrible to throw.

The top one is interesting as it is very heavy the lead is square and has a armour piercing point were it was found I dont no but I copied it from a picture, you know when this one hits the ground.The other is also unusual with a twisted shaft ( Volling ).
The flights I made of leather since I new they would be hammered and after all these years are still going.But feathered flights would be the norm.
Regards Brennivs