01-03-2012, 10:34 PM
Hello John, welcome to the forum, and happy new year everyone!
I need to congratulate you, your shield is certainly one of the best made out there. I have heard indeed of finds that support the laminated construction, but i haven't sen photos nor read any specifications.
I also like the shape you have given to the bowl.
I agree with you that your next try should be lighter, and remember, strenght does not only come from the wooden core. To the total weight of the shield the leather/linen/gesso/whatever covers and the bronze fittings should be calculated, and overall they shouldn't exceed the 7 kg, i would say. For, if a bronze covered shield (Vatican) wighed no more than that, then i should say a leather covered one should be lighter.
To counter argue my own statement above, however, i should remind that this is an assertion often taken for grantes. For instance, we usually say "a bronze cuirass was heavier, but it was better protection, it was more expensive and a status symbol". WRONG: a bronze cuirass was generally LIGHTER than anything else, plus it offered better protection, it was more expensive, and a status symbol. In all, it was a better piece of equipment is all respects, but it was more expensive.
Same with the shield, a bronze cover probably added more structural strenght than anything else, perhaps no less protection from penetration, and wasn't necessarily heavier than leather or gessoed linen. But it was more expensive and incredibly difficult to make.
Hmmm, food for thought.
But i look forward for your next experiment.
Please, tell us more about how you constructed it. Perhaps some people will want to try it themselves.
Your helmet is, well, i like Craig's helmets, i have two myself. And your sword is very accurate. I will speculate that many of its characteristics were educated guesses by its manufacturer, but i have seen in person swords in great condition that were as simple as yours. I would like to see the modified version you mentioned although if it has a solid iron pommel, this one in the photo is more accurate.
Two iron rings would probably be the most accurate option, although i have seen wood covered with sheet iron, but the idea is that you don't want a very heavy sword.
Khaire
Giannis
I need to congratulate you, your shield is certainly one of the best made out there. I have heard indeed of finds that support the laminated construction, but i haven't sen photos nor read any specifications.
I also like the shape you have given to the bowl.
I agree with you that your next try should be lighter, and remember, strenght does not only come from the wooden core. To the total weight of the shield the leather/linen/gesso/whatever covers and the bronze fittings should be calculated, and overall they shouldn't exceed the 7 kg, i would say. For, if a bronze covered shield (Vatican) wighed no more than that, then i should say a leather covered one should be lighter.
To counter argue my own statement above, however, i should remind that this is an assertion often taken for grantes. For instance, we usually say "a bronze cuirass was heavier, but it was better protection, it was more expensive and a status symbol". WRONG: a bronze cuirass was generally LIGHTER than anything else, plus it offered better protection, it was more expensive, and a status symbol. In all, it was a better piece of equipment is all respects, but it was more expensive.
Same with the shield, a bronze cover probably added more structural strenght than anything else, perhaps no less protection from penetration, and wasn't necessarily heavier than leather or gessoed linen. But it was more expensive and incredibly difficult to make.
Hmmm, food for thought.
But i look forward for your next experiment.
Please, tell us more about how you constructed it. Perhaps some people will want to try it themselves.
Your helmet is, well, i like Craig's helmets, i have two myself. And your sword is very accurate. I will speculate that many of its characteristics were educated guesses by its manufacturer, but i have seen in person swords in great condition that were as simple as yours. I would like to see the modified version you mentioned although if it has a solid iron pommel, this one in the photo is more accurate.
Two iron rings would probably be the most accurate option, although i have seen wood covered with sheet iron, but the idea is that you don't want a very heavy sword.
Khaire
Giannis
Giannis K. Hoplite
a.k.a.:Giannis Kadoglou
a.k.a.:Thorax
![[Image: -side-1.gif]](http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o118/kadoglou_gr/-side-1.gif)
a.k.a.:Giannis Kadoglou
a.k.a.:Thorax
