Reproducing an effigy

[GvR]

So, this is the effigy inspiring my kit.
[img]http://effigiesandbrasses.com/static/monuments/large/johann_i_von_wertheim_a_s2_r98.jpg[/img]
I am in a quandary over the fauld.
At first glance, it looks like a scale fauld.
But on second look, I see a solid band below the scales and above the plack belt. Could this be a normal banded fauld with just fabric scales over it? If it is, it definitely looks like it is originating from UNDERNEATH the globus breastplate. I thought banded faulds hung from a flared edge at the bottom of the BP.

Other hypothesis is that the band at the bottom of the fauld is the bottom of his jupon/tunic/houpplande/whatever and the belt is attached there via whatever magic/technology held plack belts at the gangsta point and, the fauld is in fact metal scales.

Anyone got any insight?

[Angusm0628]

You second hypothesis would be the correct interpretation.

[Peikko]

You second hypothesis would be the correct interpretation.

Agreed, that is what I'm seeing as well.

[MTNScout]

I've also looked at this effigy as inspiration when making my kit, and I can only guess that it is either the backing for the scale fauld or, like was previously mentioned, the 'gangsta' position retainer for the belt.

[Destichado]

I sometimes wonder if those belts were temporarily/semi-permanently sewn to their undergarment. It would be somewhat like the hosen that needed to be stitched up every use.

[Otto von Teich]

I sometimes wonder if those belts were temporarily/semi-permanently sewn to their undergarment. It would be somewhat like the hosen that needed to be stitched up every use.

Dang, in the late 50's early 60's guys would wrap their pant legs of their jeans tightly around the calf and sew them together. The total opposite of bell bottoms. When you wanted to take your pants off, you had to break the stitches lose. LOL.. The more things change the more they stay the same.

[Errant Knight]

I also think it is the backing for the scale. I have made these floating knees, they are also in an Italian Sculpture from about 1370 a.d.

[GvR]

Thank you all for your opinions. I am inclined to agree but was hoping that the first hypothesis was correct as it would have been easier to recreate.

Now I have to decide upon trying to cut those scales myself or shell out the money and get Jamie at Polar Bear Forge to do it for me.

[Errant Knight]

are you going to do steel or hardened leather?

[GvR]

are you going to do steel or hardened leather?

Neither. Living in this hot, salt air, I'm gonna cheat and use aluminum.
I admit I am going more for style over substance, but I just don't have the time to keep the rust away.

As for leather, I am not aware that these were made of leather during the period. I DO have the skills to make this from leather, but want to at least maintain proper APPEARANCE if not actual materials.

Do you know of any documentation for leather scales around 1400?

[Errant Knight]

While the date on the effigy is 1407, he is wearing floating knees , no sabatons. So, pieces of his armour are behind the times and a bit patchy so to speak.

Trying to find 600 year old leather is a difficult task. Having said that, there will be very little, if any flexibility from the waist down if all of the scales are made out of steel. That might be ok so long as he can first get on his horse and stay on it.

On this picture (Italy 1376 a.d.) you will notice a similar style of floating knees. If the pointy part was metal, every time he bent down on one knee, the cop would dig into the ground. There is other edgeing around breastplates, shoulders. If these were steel, there would be a similar problem.

[GvR]

Let me clarify, I am building my kit, "based on" but not recreating this effigy. I will be using articulated, 14th century legs. As for the fauld, I am planning to sew each row of scales onto a runner of leather and then sew the runners onto a canvas "skirt". Then I plan to work on a way to suspend the "skirt" from my BP. I feel this should articulate pretty well.

My houpplande (sp?) wont be as long of sleeve as this one, and the daggs are likely to be different, I am even thinking of doing one of Karl's "creyfish". Like I say, this effigy is really more of inspiration than model.

I wasn't asking for any examples of leather scales, I know they wouldn't have withstood the march of time. I was just wondering if you know of any written descriptions from the period.

You just HAD to go bringing up leather. Now I have another quandary on my hands.

[elden]

Consider having the fauld tied around your waist or pointed to your foundation garments for support rather than hanging off the BP. There's no good reason that I can see for putting the fauld's weight on your shoulders when it could be on your hips. It will also give you a floating articulation in your waist which will greatly aid flexibility.

[GvR]

Very true Elden. I'll have to give this some more think. Perhaps a belt under the BP, with points to the undergarment to prevent slippage. Thanks for the insight.

[Errant Knight]

I was just wondering if you know of any written descriptions from the period.

Now I have another quandary on my hands.

The book "Armourer and his craft" is good for this kind of information. I have a crap memory so I can't tell you anything specific. But if you can get your hands on this book it is a good read and has a lot of detail.

What is your quandry?

[GvR]

Well, the quandary is; leather or aluminum. Leather I can do easily, but I still think this piece is metal.