I'm a first-time poster on this site, and a new living history enthusiast, though I've been a lover of medieval history since childhood. I am in the midst of assembling kit for a late 14th century man-at-arms or knight. I'm looking for belt fittings and buckles for a dress belt (civilian clothing for a knight), and have a basic question on the authenticity of metal used for these items.

The large majority of offerings for commercially-made buckles and fittings seem to be one of two metals: pewter and brass. Two examples: Fettered Cock (pewter) and Revival Clothing (brass).

I seem to remember brass not existing in the 14th century, but also that there was some alloy available that was similar in appearance. Assuming the fittings are themselves designed authenically, can I go by asthetics in my choice of metals without fear of straying from 14th century realism, or should I go with non-gold colored metal to stick with period technology and fashion. Comments on social status relative to owning one metal or another would also be very useful.

As a final add-on, I'd like to expand the question to brass fittings in general. They seem also to be popular with sword replica manufacturers, but I don't know of many artifacts that used something other than steel (or gold for the really outrageous swords for high nobility).

I'd really appreciate any help you can give.

Thank you,

Lower class made great use of lead, brass/bronze. Pewter is more expensive and a small eating plate the size of your hand would probably be upper class.

Iron is stronger than brass, and most swords that I have seen are of iron fittings. Brass could be on the scabbard. You will see brass fittings on modern made swords as brass is easy to cast.

The difference in kit between a lower class man-at-arms and a knight is in the material it is made of. A knight would use expensive cloth and metals, plus have servants and do no work himself. If you are without servants, then it may be best to go the route of a man-at-arms. Though I must say that even lower class people had their own servants.

I belong to a late 14thc group PARMA on the west coast of Canada. Where are you located?

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I'm in Northern California (Bay Area). I haven't found any 14th century re-enactment groups near here, and only a few in the US in general. I hadn't heard of PARMA before, but you sound to be interested in precisely the period I'm focussing on.

I may be able to use brightly-polished brass as a visual substitute for gold. Thank you for your reply!

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