(SCA) Shield basket -pics-

Richard de Scolay · Post by **Richard de Scolay** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 9:14 pm

It's not exactly a period item of armor but since this turned out so much better than I expected, I just had to share some pictures. I recently bought a side of 12oz veg tanned leather and this is the first thing I've made from it. I used Cariadoc's instructions using the 180 degree 30 second immersion of pre-soaked leather. While I don't think this is strong enough to take repeated direct hits, it will definately be sufficient for a shield basket.

--Richard

<img src="http://www.schooley.us/images/ShieldBasket1.jpg" border=0 align=center>

<img src="http://www.schooley.us/images/ShieldBasket2.jpg" border=0 align=center>

<img src="http://www.schooley.us/images/ShieldBasket3.jpg" border=0 align=center>

medieval misfit · Post by **medieval misfit** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 10:31 pm

thats realy good!beutiful!!
~Willhelm

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mcrs(medieval chivalry reenactment society]

Cet · Post by **Cet** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 10:43 pm

Richard,

That's great looking piece, much nicer than the barwork baskets I usually see. Any interest in making more...?

Richard de Scolay · Post by **Richard de Scolay** » Thu Apr 10, 2003 11:05 pm

Cet, give me a little time to field test it. And then I might be willing to make a couple to use as barter in a trade or two.

But I may need to find an alternative basket press. I don't think my wife would be happy with me repeatedly using her tupperware bowls for as I did this time. Either that or I'll have to buy them off her.

--Richard

Brodir · Post by **Brodir** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 5:20 am

Very, very nice. I tried something similar, but your shape came out much better than mine. I also really approve of the straps rather than the handle.

Stitching or riveting on a short cuff would alleviate the need to wear a demi gauntlet on the shield hand. Just an idea?

If strength is a concern, you might consider cutting a very simple 1" wide arch out of sixteen gauge steel, and running it over the thumb & fingers, hidden on the inside of the basket.

*edit* It might also be worthwhile to track down a 12"X12" piece of REALLY thick leather (like a 14-16 oz.) specifically for a shield basket. I don't know if you could achieve the same complex shape, but it's possible.

Good job.

~Wil

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Midgard- 11th Century Living History & Re-enactment.

[This message has been edited by Brodir (edited 04-11-2003).]

Loegaire · Post by **Loegaire** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 8:22 am

That looks excellent. I'd but one and need one, if you ever get around to making more...

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-Loegaire

Richard de Scolay · Post by **Richard de Scolay** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 8:22 am

Wil,

I hadn't even considered that it might need to be extended with a cuff. Do you really think that would be necessary? It currently covers my wrist, though admittedly not much past the middle of the wrist. But given the angles involved, I'd have to have my arm extended full left and the other person would still have to take an angled shot to get around the basket. I've seen bar grill type baskets used without demi's that cover less than this does.

Thanks,
--Richard