Bronze cast items

[caiusbeerquitius]

If you could choose for certain greek bronze objects to be reconstructed, which ones would you choose? I am going to make several Greek objects as well, so this is your chance to say what you want!
I will also have two different versions of 5th century butt-spikes, please lmk which ones you prefer to have. Also a suggestion for a specific Macedonian butt-spike is welcome.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

A correct corinthian helmet? 8)

[Susanne]

A bell cuirass!

[M. Demetrius]

A spearhead and butt spike to match?

[LUCIUS ALFENUS AVITIANUS]

I think Tarquitius will make cast items, so a helmet and a bell cuirass are not included...

What about hilting parts and chape for swords? And the internal fittings for a shield?

[Matthew Amt]

I think Tarquitius will make cast items, so a helmet and a bell cuirass are not included...

Correct, those were hammered out, NOT cast.

What about hilting parts and chape for swords? And the internal fittings for a shield?

I don't think any of those were cast, either! Except possibly some chape pieces, but I haven't seen any photos or descriptions of originals that were clear enough to be sure. Hilts were apparently a sandwich construction like a pugio, with sheet iron plates over wood/bone/horn/etc.

Classical Greek spearheads were usually iron, though a few bronze ones were around.

Now, if you can make Bronze Age socketed spearheads, though, I'll start sending you customers!! We are frantic for good spearheads. Western European socketed axes, too. Do you need pictures?

I really wish there was some good information on things like Greek fibulae or other little bits and pieces. We have tons of Roman ones in any archeological report or museum, but I've never seen a picture of a common Greek brooch, Iron Age or Bronze Age! Wacky.

Woohoo, melting bronze!! Go for it! I'll be thrilled to see whatever you come up with!

Matthew

[caiusbeerquitius]

A spearhead and butt spike to match?

That should work. Something specific in mind? ?

Correct, those were hammered out, NOT cast.

Exactly...

Bronze Age socketed spearheads, though, I'll start sending you customers!! We are frantic for good spearheads. Western European socketed axes, too. Do you need pictures?

Gimme pics, I´ll see if I can make them.
Do the blades have to be hammered?

Well, in fact I was thinking about smaller objects like fibulae, belt fittings or buckles, decorative pieces etc....

[D B Campbell]

Catapult washers ..?

[caiusbeerquitius]

Could be made. The Auerberg type?

[M. Demetrius]

Ornaments like Medusa heads to be affixed to other things, such as helmet decoration, etc?

Medallions like amulets, etc., to be hung around the neck? Bracers for the wrists? pommels and guards for swords and daggers?

[Dan Diffendale]

Ornaments like Medusa heads to be affixed to other things, such as helmet decoration, etc?

Maybe something like these for us earlier types?
http://www.freewebtown.com/italica/ital ... ttic29.jpg
http://www.freewebtown.com/italica/ital ... apt01a.jpg

[caiusbeerquitius]

Dan, these could be made, but I need better pics, or drawings. Could you provide some?

[caiusbeerquitius]

Matt, something like this?

or rather this

or this:

[Matthew Amt]

OH! Right, forgot all about this, it's been a wacky few weeks.

The first one is Asian, I guess, no real use to me. (Though you could probably sell them on ebay as originals...) The second is better, looks like a short-socketed Mycenaean style. The third one is wonderful, popular in Britain and Ireland at least, though I think those loops on the socket will make for difficult casting.

Here's something a little more basic, good for several cultures:

http://www.larp.com/hoplite/levat1.jpg

The socket simply continues as a midrib all the way to the point. The originals are hollow almost all the way down, but that wouldn't be essential. Keep the blade and the walls of the socket as thin as possible, though. Overall length anywhere from 6" to 12", at a guess, though 8 or 9 inches is good (20 to 22 cm). Maximum socket diameter about 1" (25mm). (These would even be usable for Roman signum and vexillum finials, especially if tinned or silvered.)

There are a couple places making *little* spearheads, 4 or 5 inches long, but we're really looking for something more substantial (though not necessarily "barge poles"!).

Must do some scans for you! I'll stick a note to my forehead.

Thanks!

Matthew

[caiusbeerquitius]

O.K.
These are not so difficult to make.
From my pics the first one is from Israel, the second and third are from the UK.
Waiting for scans.