Scabbard to Baltaeus.

[Geoff5]

I have an early Mainz gladius and I`m curious as to the correct way the scabbard fits to the belt and the Pugio to the belt, of the same period.

Thanks.

Geoff.

[Crispvs]

The pugio should be attached to the belt using only the upper two suspension rings on the sheath and leaving the lower rings to hang free. The upper rings should be tied tightly to your pugio frogs and should be almost touching them and be in line with them.

For the sword it is more difficult to say. If you are using two belts, you could try passing a strap or leather thong through each suspension ring and over the back of the belt in a figure of eight pattern to attach it to the belt. Alternatively, you could get two 'button and loop fasteners' and push the buttons through slits in you belt, so the rings lie on the inside of the belt with the buttons visible on the front, either side of where the sword will be. Pass a leather strap or thong through one loop and pass it through the four suspension rings, before passing it through the other loop and buckling or tying the ends. This method is supported by both sculptural and archaeological evidence and would certainly prevent the sword from moving about to much on the belt.

I hope that helps.

Crispvs

[Geoff5]

That's great.

Thanks.