The Armour Archive

Templar Bob has asked me to host some pictures of his scabbards. I have photos but no text. If this works, we'll have the text up Thursday. Click here:

http://monsieurgeoffrey.faithweb.com/photo3.html

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Virtus vincit invidiam
"Virtue overcometh envy"

Very nice! I'm assuming these are for rattan weapons--are they solely leather, or is there PVC/something else backing the leather? For that matter, the crossguard/pommel sets are pretty darn spiffy, too!

First, let's get the important stuff out of the way:

Thanks to Albatros for taking the photographs and putting them to disk. Thanks to James Ridge, who converted the files to JPEG, and to Bascot and Gaston for hosting these pictures on their sites.

Now, to answer questions:

Robert' de Tyre's Scabbard pics

The two scabbards are shown with sword fittings developed by Anshelm Arms and Armour, Brent Junkins, proprietor. Brent (a.k.a. Sir Luther Anshelm in the Society) is very helpful. I've done a lot of business with them in the past, and we've become friends over the years.

The black scabbard with the red belt is made of 5 ounce vegetable-tanned saddle-skirting. It is of a "slit-belt fastening" design common in Western Europe (particularly Germany, England and Scandinavia) during the 11th-13th centuries. The scabbard lacing is based on Ewart Oakeshott's The Archaeology of Weapons, (Frederick A. Praeger, Publishers) Figure 119.

The red scabbard is made of 5 ounce vegetable-tanned saddle skirting, with the white belt made of latigo. It is similarly based on Oakeshott's work, but has metal plates I made out of sheet brass, and a 14th century belt fitting kit, also made by Anshelm Arms.

In the future, I will have photos and a step-by-step article showing how to make these scabbards. Keep posted.

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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice

Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 04-05-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 04-05-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 04-05-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 04-05-2001).]

BTW, these scabbards are for rattan swords.

I received the two-handed sword-fittings yesterday from Anshelm Arms, and mounted them on my Epee' de Guerre last night. A couple of weeks ago, I made a scabbard for that sword, and was only waiting for the sword-fittings. This will look pretty spiff when I go to Kinser.

I will have pictures of that project soon.

Stay tuned.

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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice

Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 04-05-2001).]

ah T bob, this would definetly qualify as "one of the little things that will make a big impact on your kit" that has been asked about the last few weeks on the archive. Great work. Its going to really add to your field presence.

Can't wait to see it at Kinser.

Janos

Posted the text - hope I got the right text/picture combinations!
I also swiped a picture from albatros at the Tournament of Chivalry. If it's a problem, e-mail me at:

jfulton14@home.com

and I'll delete it.
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Virtus vincit invidiam
"Virtue overcometh envy"

[This message has been edited by Bascot (edited 04-05-2001).]

T-Bob,
Wow those pictures came out better than I hoped!!
again great work!!
I cant wait to get mine!!


I have seen these scabbards up close they are first quality!

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Conrad the Mad

Practical considerations:

These are questions that have been flooding my mailbox since I had these pictures posted.

1. Do you use a PVC core for your scabbards?

I haven't yet---I had concerns about tripping over the thing and breaking my legs in combat. I've fought wearing these and find that the wide mouth of the scabbard make it easy to draw the blade, but not so loose that the blade would fall out.

Having the belt cinch your waist in doesn't hurt, either

2. Why do these scabbards not have a chape?

Simple. I don't know how to solder or braze yet. Nor have I figured out how to attach the chape once I did. If anyone has any ideas, I'd welcome them...

3. Are you making these for sale? If so, when...and for how much?

Not yet...I have logistics issues to settle first. Once those are settled (if there's enough interest), I may well consider it.


Hope this helps,

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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice

Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 04-05-2001).]

To all:

I can't believe that only Albatros, Bascot, Gaston, Janos and Jaeger are the only other comments!



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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice

Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 04-05-2001).]

You know what I think and you know I want one.
-V

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Vitus:
<B>You know what I think and you know I want one.
-V</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

...and just wait 'til I show the one for the Epee' de Guerre!

IMPORTANT NEWS NOTE!

According to HushGirl, I just got my buckles from Argent Company. I'll do a review tomorrow. Also, maybe I can get an arrangement with either Argent Company or with London Accessories for buckles and belt ends. I will mass-produce these puppies then!

Woo-hoo!

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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice

Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 04-05-2001).]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Templar Bob/De Tyre:
<B>To all:

I can't believe</B> that only Albatros, Bascot, Gaston, Janos and Jaeger are the only other comments! </font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We're speechless

Heck yes I'd want one! Even more I'd want to make one; I do some leatherworking myself. Do you still think you might do a step-by-step, or even just a short run-through? I've tried a couple of different scabbards for back-up weapons, and they either didn't work, were Ugggg-ly!, or both. It sounds like yours works, and it sure is pretty.

I suspect no one else is responding because you didn't form it out of metal

- Kyle

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Templar Bob/De Tyre:
<B>To all:

I can't believe that only Albatros, Bascot, Gaston, Janos and Jaeger are the only other comments!

</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think they're awesome. Someday, I'd like to have one.


Robert

[This message has been edited by Robert de Carruthers (edited 04-05-2001).]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Kyle:
<B>Heck yes I'd want one! Even more I'd want to make one; I do some leatherworking myself. Do you still think you might do a step-by-step, or even just a short run-through? I've tried a couple of different scabbards for back-up weapons, and they either didn't work, were Ugggg-ly!, or both. It sounds like yours works, and it sure is pretty.

I suspect no one else is responding because you didn't form it out of metal

- Kyle</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Kyle:

The article is already written...I just need to:

<B>1. Take photos of the building process.

2. Get the photos scanned.

3. Find someone to convert them to HTML.

4. Marry them up on a webpage with the article.</B>

Easier said than done...maybe when we get our computer...



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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice

Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.

Those are the coolest things that I have seen today! I applaud you and your efforts to raise the standard.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Templar Bob/De Tyre:
<B>
3. Find someone to convert them to HTML.
4. Marry them up on a webpage with the article.
</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If'n you want, i'll be more than happy to get the practice using Dreamweaver. Send the pics to me (either electronically or physically, I have a scaner) and I'd be more than willing to get them online.

Here you go, with the links that are available:

Scabbard Construction



[This message has been edited by Gaston (edited 04-05-2001).]

My hat's off to you, Bob!

That is one of the coolest, most unique, most functional SCA things I've evern seen.

Steve

My Lord Robert,
I would be very interested in discussing the possibility of obtaining one of your wonderous creations! Always I have known you to have the soul of the Artist, yet you never cease to amaze me with your creations.

In service to the Temple,
Lord Ondart de Clermont

Bob, if you DO start mass-producing, put me on your list, post-haste!
Simply gorgeous.
I'm quite serious, too. Post-haste.

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In Honor and Service,
Lucien Ro / Scotty

Boy do I feel stupid. I had posted looking for help with armour. One kind gentle offered his assistance. I emailed the other day to accept and expressed my hope that he worked in steel not plastic.

Now I see that the kind gentle was non other than Templar Bob.

Oh yeah... I can just see these belts wrapped around a pickle barrel breast plate.
Doh... hit me in the head again kind sir.

Name withheld in shame
(Doh... it's on the post anyway)
Jean-Claude

"quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Templar Bob/De Tyre:
To all:
I can't believe that only Albatros, Bascot, Gaston, Janos and Jaeger are the only other comments!

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

I think they're awesome. Someday, I'd like to have one."

Now wait a minute, pal, nobody said I was for sale!!!


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Virtus vincit invidiam
"Virtue overcometh envy"

[This message has been edited by Bascot (edited 04-05-2001).]

LOL, Bascot!!!

T.Bob, those are beyond cool...please let us all know if you ever start making them for sale!

T.Bob, those are simple goregous. I want one.
How can I adapt that pattern for Anglo-Saxon? Just keep it the same?
Again, T.Bob, excellent work.

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Constancius of Lincolnshire
Live and die with honor.

To all:

First, some news.

Spoke on the phone to the proprietor of London Accessories last evening. We came to an arrangement for buckles and belt ends for the high-end scabbards. I should start receiving some around next week, but am not planning on going into full production mode for another month (want to get several done first, then get pictures).

Now, for questions.

Albatros, Vitus and Murdoch:

Your scabbards are in varying stages of production, but are not finished due to a lack of belt fittings. If I don't get a shipment by Easter, they won't be ready for Kinser. Sorry.

Fra Ondart:

How simple/elaborate do you want it? If you're doing a period rig for a Templar, the slit-belt variety is what you want. While a plated belt would be inappropriate, perhaps studs on the belt?

Give me a phone call at home, and we can discuss details.

Lucien, Woeg:

Give me some persona information...military kit should match one's persona.

Constancius:

Adapting the belt to an "Anglo-Saxon" look is simple---simplify the belt-wrap. Acquiring a buckle appropriate to a Anglo-Scandinavian persona wouldn't hurt either. Suggest you try Raymond's Quiet Press or Gaukler Medieval Wares to purchase the appropriate fitting hardware.

Jean-Claude:

Give me a little time...we will get together when we're both free. The most important thing is persona development. Once you have a persona figured, plan your armour around that. We'll swap ideas.

Hope this helps,

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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice

Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 04-06-2001).]

TB those are absolutly astounding. Sorry I didn't post earlier but I'm just really tired these days.

I have a really hard time believing that's rattan in there. If I hadn't been told I wouldn't have guessed it.

Where'd ya get that fantastic cross-hilt.

I really think you might change my mind on the whole finger-gaunts and basket hilt over quillions and mittens issue. I'm gonna have to rethink it now when my brain works properly again.

OTOH your fantastic work does dissapoint me. I'm not much for leather work so making them myself isn't gonna happen. And my pitiful finances would never allow me to purchase one if you decide to sell them. Just one more thing that I really want but will never have.

NOTE: I am NOT looking for a handout.

Fantastic work. You always amaze me. Keep up the good work.

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The budding mid 14th century German Transitional guy.
Mad Matt's Armory

Very cool. Nice clean work. I am very impressed. Would be interested in a trade for my Cross Guards for one? Let me know if we can work something out.

Cheers

Melchior

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Melchior Erasmi von Frankfurt
AKA Neil Erasmus
In Service to the Dream
www.geocities.com/neilerasmus/index.html

Melchior and Mad Matt

Sent an e-mail.



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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice

Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.

T.Bob,

I am in the process of changing my personna into a 15th Century (1470-1475) Spaniard at this point...I am still working on researching the personna, and don't even know really what armour etc would be appropriate for a Spanish man-at-arms, but I am still very interested. I am part of a new group that is still forming, but I am sure several would be interested. Great work!

Woeg

Not feeling too well---heading home early from work.

Would someone start a separate thread, saying who would be interested (so I can have a list)? I'll go to the thread on Monday morning.

Thanks much,



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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice

Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.

Templar Bob, Those scabbards alone, could increase the movement away from basket hilts and towards pommel and crossgaurds! They are BEAUTIFUL!!!

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Guy

[This message has been edited by Guy Dawkins (edited 04-08-2001).]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Bascot:
Now wait a minute, pal, nobody said I was for sale!!!</font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

LMAO. That's not what the privy wall says!

Seriously, I got a big laugh out of that. Oops.

Robert

Well, I'm back from being sick, so....

This coming weekend I'm going out to acquire more leather and more brass for scabbard-making. When I finally offer them, I will offer the scabbards in the following colors:

Black, Brown, Natural, Yellow, Forest Green, Red, Oxblood, Burgundy, Purple, Blue and (in rare cases) White.

Belts will be offered in:

Natural, Black, Brown, Yellow (for the martially-minded SCA protege'), Red (for SCA squires), Green (for SCA laurel's apprentices), White (for KSCA/MSCA) and any of the other colors listed for scabbards.

Stay tuned!

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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice

Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.

[This message has been edited by Templar Bob/De Tyre (edited 04-09-2001).]

Oh, and by the way...

I am taking photographs of the scabbard-making process! I'm half-way through the article on photos at this point. I should have the information webbed towards the beginning of May.

Cheers,



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Robert Coleman, Jr.

The Noble Companie and Order of St. Maurice

Those who beat their swords into plowshares end up plowing for those who don't.