Carrying Straps for a Clipeus

[Marcus Germanicus Ferox]

Hi Guys

Am doing some work on Hadrians Wall next month and do not want to have to carry my shield all the time.

Can anyone tell me the right way to attach leather straps to the clipeus to enable me to sling it over my shoulder/back?

Many thanks in anticipation.

Mark

[Conal]

You in the right section here ?

[Marcus Germanicus Ferox]

B-----ks!!!!! :oops:

No I'm not ---- moderator!!!!! Help!!!

Mark.

[Robert Vermaat]

OK done :wink:

[Peroni]

Hi Mark,

Stick the simplest pattern and method!

Here's mine.. just a simple strap riveted through the shield board before the linen covering went on.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b242/ ... hewall.jpg

and how it works.. From a brief report after marching 70 miles of Hadrians wall with it..

The method I employed for marching with a clipeus proved to be incredibly comfortable and practical for this type of shield. It can also be easily swapped from shoulder to shoulder, to ease tiredness – even whilst marching, without difficulty. The simple design also allows both hands to be free to carry other items.

The strap crossed the chest diagonally at the mid-sternum, thus making it possible to restrain the helmet (attached around the neck) to the chest preventing any movement.
If needed the helmet could be arranged so that the weight was supported entirely by the shield strap, taking away the strain on the neck. The act of arranging the strap over the helmet shortened the strap by some 150mm, allowing for a higher placement on the back, thus restricting the movement of the shield whilst marching. It also works well when hanging a shield from a horned saddle.


Construction

Basically, the strap is 1.25 metres long by 40mm wide by 3mm thick vegetable-tanned leather, secured to the shield at both ends via 4 small rivets. (Two each end).

The strap is secured at points as per the diagram below.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b242/ ... dstrap.jpg

[Marcus Germanicus Ferox]

Mate!!

What can I say - brilliant as usual - just what I wanted! Thanks.

How did you feet stand up? - Will be wearing basic calligae. Did your guys have any problems? Any tips from the experience?

Mark

[Maximio]

How did you feet stand up? - Will be wearing basic calligae. Did your guys have any problems? Any tips from the experience?

Mark

If you haven't already started training whilst wearing your Caligae then start now. You need to aclimatise your feet to unsupported heels and whilst you can't make up for a life time of modern footwear every bit of practice will help. Another worthwhile tip is to toughen up the skin of your feet by wiping them with alcohol wipes (you can get them from a good pharmacist). This will harden the skin and so reduce the chances of blisters (though it won't eliminate them). Check your feet each night and always make sure they are dry, especially between the toes.
As any of the real soldiers on the board will tell you, the feet are an infantry mans best friend.

Mind you who am I to talk, as the medic on our march I was so busy checking everyone elses feet I missed the abscess that formed under mine. Always knew I should have joined the cavalry.

[M. Demetrius]

Umbones are a good help, too, no matter what else you do!