Post New Topic  Post A Reply
my profile | register | search | faq | forum home
  next oldest topic   next newest topic
»  FireStryker Living History Forum   » History   » Medieval Lifestyles, Activities, and Equipment   » Brass-like vs pewter fittings/buckles for a 14th century belt

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!    
Author Topic: Brass-like vs pewter fittings/buckles for a 14th century belt
Paul Tompkins
New Member
Member # 1430

posted 04-18-2007 11:22 PM     Profile for Paul Tompkins     Send New Private Message   Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote
Hello all-

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,

-Paul


Registered: Feb 2007  |  IP: Logged
Woodcrafter
Member
Member # 197

posted 04-18-2007 11:55 PM     Profile for Woodcrafter   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message   Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote
Brass was a popular lower class metal. If you are going knight, then you want gold buckles and belt mounts. You could get silver fittings and then have it gold plated, that was done by the poorer upper class.

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?

--------------------

Woodcrafter
14th c. Woodworking


Registered: Jul 2001  |  IP: Logged
Paul Tompkins
New Member
Member # 1430

posted 04-19-2007 12:20 AM     Profile for Paul Tompkins     Send New Private Message   Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote
Woodcrafter-

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!

-Paul


Registered: Feb 2007  |  IP: Logged
gaukler
Member
Member # 30

posted 04-19-2007 10:21 AM     Profile for gaukler   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message   Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote
Brass or bronze will tarnish or patina pretty quickly. Gold plating isn't that expensive. Check my website for examples of brass/bronze fittings.
mark

--------------------

mark@medievalwares.com
http://www.medievalwares.com
medieval metalwork and authentic antiquities


Registered: May 2000  |  IP: Logged
gregory23b
Member
Member # 642

posted 04-21-2007 09:34 AM     Profile for gregory23b   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message   Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote
Or indeed varnishing bronze/brass for a cheap gold effect. Or really cheaply, varnished tin.

--------------------

history is in the hands of the marketing department - beware!


Registered: Aug 2004  |  IP: Logged
damien
Member
Member # 742

posted 04-22-2007 03:46 PM     Profile for damien     Send New Private Message   Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote
if it is of any interest we make pewter plaques for 14th century military belts. If this is of any interest contact me off list and I can send you some pics and prices
damien

Registered: Feb 2005  |  IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)  

Post New Topic  Post A Reply Close Topic    Move Topic    Delete Topic next oldest topic   next newest topic
Hop To:

Contact Us | Wolfe Argent Living History

Copyright © 2000-2009 Wolfe Argent Living History. All Rights reserved under International Copyright Conventions. No part of this website may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission of the content providers. Individual rights remain with the owners of the posted material.

Powered by Infopop Corporation
Ultimate Bulletin Board 6.01