Quote:How late is late? Off the top of my head, the bulk of the epigraphic evidence (I'm thinking about career and hierarchy) is second century.
Well that is actually a good question. How much did the imperial army change in it's time? In my head when i think of an imperial army im thinking of 50-200 AD legion. So when i think of a signifer i think of of this period, which probably isn't late imperial after all.
Did the signifer wear a face mask as some pictures portray?
Did he wear Lorica Hamata in opposition to Lorica Segmentata?
How did his role change with time?
AD 50-200 is a long space of time for the Principate. I would recommend putting your efforts into representing a signifer from one specific period. Most groups in the United States seem to represent from the mid-first century to the turn of the second century.
1). The mask is debatable among reenactors, although I believe the majority of reenactors accept it as appropriate (you'll find that reenactors will argue about anything and everything).
2). To my knowledge, there is no evidence that a signifer wore segmentata. That doesn't mean that he didn't, but a good rule to go by, is "if there's no evidence to substantiate your claim, don't do it." Lorica Squamata is also appropriate.
3). Throughout the Principate, the signifer was a clerk. He was responsible for managing the pay, pension funds, and general paperwork of his century. I believe that this remained true throughout the principate.
Also, please read and study. Goldsworthy's
The Complete Roman Army is an excellent study of the Roman Army from the Republic to the fall of the Empire (TONS of illustrations, too).
As a final help, M. CVRIVS ALEXANDER has an absolutely fantastic Imagnifer inpression (mid first century to early second?). He posted a picture of his impression a while back. Since he posted it on a public forum, I'll call it "public property." :whistle:
[attachment=5348]P1010025.jpg[/attachment]
-Courtesy and property of M. CVRIVS ALEXANDER
Note: A European Brown Bear is the bear pelt to use. However, a North American Black Bear with a brown coat is perfectly acceptible as well. 8)