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Body Armour
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Helmets
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Weapons |
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Belt Components
ROMAN BELT COMPONENTS
The Roman military belt, much like the cowboy’s holster belt of the American
Old West, was a symbol of a legionary’s profession and his status as one of
the privileged members of society. The balteus (often mistakenly called a cingulum,
a later Latin term), was intended to encircle the waist, on top of the armor,
and from it a soldier suspended his sidearms. Different styles of belt are displayed
in artistic evidence over the course of time, witnessing the usage of multiple
belts (holding the sword on one, and the dagger on another), giving way to a
single, wider belt that would hold the dagger alone, with the sword being suspended
from a separate baldric hung from the shoulder. Belts were usually adorned with
metal plates, both for decoration, and also as additional protection against
slashing blows that might cut the belt and cause the sidearm to be lost. In
the first and second centuries AD, an apron of straps usually hung from the
belt in front of the groin and has often mistakenly been thought of as providing
groin protection. Scholars are uncertain about the actual purpose of this apron,
as well as its proper name, but what is certain is that great care was taken
to decorate this element, as well as the rest of the belt, and thusly, a soldier’s
wealth was prominently displayed as part of his military uniform. One of the
results was the additional noise caused by a marching army whose dangling accoutrements
jingled with every step, augmenting the din produced by the hobnails of marching
boots crunching against pavement.
Plates were either cast or stamped from brass or bronze, and frequently were
tinned to protect the metal from oxidation as well as to increase the impressive
gleam of the metal. Buckles were also cast, coming in several recognizable styles
and sizes. Two hinged pugio frogs were also riveted to the belt, from which
the pugio was suspended.
Our belt components come from several sources, including Deepeeka, European
dealers, and local craftspeople. Most of the components are copied from original
archaeological examples. A few are fashioned from artistic evidence from the
time. It would be nearly impossible to catalogue all the excavated and possible
styles of belt plate, and so a few liberties have been taken by Deepeeka in
the creation of certain styles of belt plate, yet still matching the commonly
seen contemporary designs. We carry some of the best items available and we
stand behind their historical accuracy or plausibility. We are also able to
furnish complete belt kits, and fully assembled, custom made belts - sized and
fashioned to order.
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Buckles
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AH-RPT1000 - Deepeeka Large Buckle
(3 1/2"x 2 3/4")
1st century BC - late 2nd century AD
Price: $20
Authenticity Rating: 10
This buckle is of a very
well-attested design, but is slightly larger than most attested
archaeological examples. However, its size conforms dimensionally to
some that are depicted on grave stelae and monuments. It is made of
brass and is a Deepeeka item.
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AH-RPT1001 - Deepeeka
Small Buckle (2 ½” x 1 ½”)
1st century BC - late 2nd century AD
Price: $15
Authenticity Rating: 10
This buckle is an example of one of
the most well-documented types. It is made of brass and supplied by
Deepeeka.
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IA-OU003 - Imperium Ancient Armory Small Buckle (2 ½"
x 2")
1st century BC - late 2nd century AD
Price: $17.50
Authenticity Rating: 10
This buckle is an example of one of the most well-documented types. It is made
of brass and is from one of our non-Deepeeka sources. It is of excellent quality
and has a slightly better formed hinge plate than the Deepeeka version of this
same buckle.
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Frogs
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AH-RPT2000 - Deepeeka Pugio Frog
(2 ½" x 1 ½”)
1st century BC - late 2nd century AD
Price: $16 each
Authenticity Rating: 10
These frogs are of a relatively popular style, attested throughout the archaeological
record. One example of the basic form of the button is from Hod Hill in England.
Deepeeka’s version is made of brass and is quite sturdy.
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IA-OU004 - Imperium Ancient Armory Pugio Frogs
(1 ¾"
x 3 ¼")
1st century BC - late 2nd century AD
Price: $20 each
Authenticity Rating: 10
These frogs are of a relatively popular style, attested throughout the archaeological
record. The style of disc resembles that of the concentric circles found in
many stamped belt plates of this period. The stem of the disc is of a more delicate
design, to match the exquisiteness of the disc. This is also from one of our
non-Deepeeka sources and is made of brass.
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Plates
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AH-RPT3000 - Deepeeka Belt Plate I (2 ½” x 2 ¼")
1st - 2nd century AD
Price: $6
Authenticity Rating: 9.5
This stamped brass belt plate is of a size approximating that of belts from
the late first to early second centuries AD.
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AH-RPT3001 - Deepeeka Belt Plate II (2 ½” x 2 ¼")
1st - 2nd century AD
Price: $6
Authenticity Rating: 9.5
This stamped brass belt plate is of a size approximating that of belts from
the late first to early second centuries AD.
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AH-RPT3002 - Deepeeka Belt Plate III (2 ½” x 2 ¼")
1st - 2nd century AD
Price: $6
Authenticity Rating: 10
This stamped brass belt plate is of a size approximating that of belts from
the late first to early second centuries AD and is fairly closely modeled after
a style found on a tombstone from Wiesbaden.
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AH-RPT3003 - Deepeeka Belt Plate IV (2 1/8” x 1 ¼")
2nd century AD
Price: $6
Authenticity Rating: 10
This cast, openwork brass belt plate is of a size approximating that of belts
from the early to mid-second centuries AD, probably during the Antonine Period,
and is fairly closely modeled after styles commonly found in the archaeological
record.
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AH-RPT3004 - Deepeeka Belt Plate V (1 ¾" x 1 ¾")
1st - 2nd century AD
Price: $4.50
Authenticity Rating: 9.5
This cast brass belt plate is of a size approximating that of belts from the
late first to early second centuries AD.
*Coming soon - apron terminals, apron decorations, and locally
made stamped belt plates and open work belt plates!
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Apron Buttons
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IAA-DSCABUT Cast Brass Apron
Buttons
Accuracy rating: 9.75
$1.00 each. Please inquire about quantity discounts.
 From the late first century BC to the second or third century AD, the Roman soldier’s belt (balteus or cingulum) often featured an “apron” of several straps that was decorated withnumerous brass studs. Sometimes, these were tinned or silvered. At other times, they were simply left bare. The average apron of the Roman soldier would have included as few as three or four straps, or up to as many as six or eight straps. In different time periods, the straps were longer or shorter, extending just to the groin or even as long as the hem of the tunic.
Proper reproductions of these studs have been scarce. We have had our friends at Daniyal Steel Crafts fashion and cast these brass buttons for us, according to the dimensions of some of the fairly common archaeological finds. These versions have surpassed all other past commercially available versions, which were usually welded or machined. Casting is the way that the Romans made them. The disc is approximately 1/8 inch thick and 7/8 inch in diameter, while the shaft is 1/8 inch thick, and sufficiently long enough to pass through thick leather and be peened into place with a washer.
We have also attempted to price these affordably. Depending upon what time period one’s costume represents, the wearer might want to order as many as fifty or more. Discounts will be considered for quantity orders in excess of 100 pieces.
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Accessories
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Gladiatorial
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