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Main => The Armoury => Topic started by: Ian on 2013-12-02, 17:29:42

Title: Plaque Belt
Post by: Ian on 2013-12-02, 17:29:42
Oh boy... I just signed for a package from Poland...  I now have a Lorifactor box sitting on the floor near my door.  To further torture myself I will go to the gym and finish up work stuff before I open it...

more to follow!
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Vander Linde on 2013-12-02, 17:54:26
The suspense is killing me slowly, like a lance to the foot.
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Wolf on 2013-12-02, 18:11:34
lol
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Douglas on 2013-12-02, 19:10:19
What a tease. ;)
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Don Jorge on 2013-12-02, 19:27:20
I just looked at their site...there better be lots of pictures Sir Ian!
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir James A on 2013-12-02, 20:28:29
Patience is a virtue.

But it better end up with pictures. :D
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Ian on 2013-12-02, 21:02:36
Oooo... what could be in this unassuming box from Polska?

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/11177978976_45c8eced90_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Ian on 2013-12-02, 21:04:58
A nice wooden box!  But what's inside???

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/11177980846_624f5a4f06_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Ian on 2013-12-02, 21:05:41
sh** just got real....

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/11177980566_73e6b21108_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Gerard de Rodes on 2013-12-02, 21:06:28
Oooo very nice  ;)
G.
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Ian on 2013-12-02, 21:07:40
Here's some detail on the plaques.  It incorporates all of my heraldic colors.  The flower is enameled in argent and sable.  The plaques themselves are of course or.  And the leather belt it's mounted on is gules!  Lorifactor's work is second to none, and I got mine with a little two-plaque section that can be subbed in to make it a little longer when in harness, and shortened when in regular attire.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/11177979316_f79d477119_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Douglas on 2013-12-02, 21:11:08
*drool* That's really nice! Congrats on the acquisition. :D

Now what was the purpose of plaque belts? Did it have a function, or was it just a fashion trend?
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir William on 2013-12-02, 21:13:01
I think fashion trend...and that's one hefty looking belt.  Nice acquisition, Sir Ian.
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Nate on 2013-12-02, 21:13:48
Your gonna find a belt missing. And a ransom note.
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Ian on 2013-12-02, 21:15:54
*drool* That's really nice! Congrats on the acquisition. :D

Now what was the purpose of plaque belts? Did it have a function, or was it just a fashion trend?

Thanks!  It functioned as a sword belt, but how swords were hung from it exactly is somewhat of a mystery.  It's most definitely first and foremost a fashion trend.  A kind of 'look at me, I'm a knight, I'm so rich!' kind of thing... :)  (of course in period these were most likely gilded with gold, but that would be astronomical in price...) But if you look at the effigies of the mid 14th century through to the early 15th century, there's virtually no knight who doesn't have one.

As far as a sword suspension, one solution that we can use today is to basically attach a small staple to the back of the scabbard throat and then thread a small strap and buckle through the staple to hang it from the belt.  This is what I plan to try when I get an appropriate arming sword (looking at the Albion Poitiers currently).  It gives the right visual, and is easily removable when you want to take the scabbard of but leave the plaque belt on as you would in battle.
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Don Jorge on 2013-12-02, 23:27:54
It serves the same purpose today...I looked at the prices Sir Ian...not even as a xmas and birthday present to myself I could justify it :)

Maybe after I have my Harness I can be like "well honey, I havent bought armor in a year..."

But it IS beautiful!
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Ian on 2013-12-03, 00:01:45
It serves the same purpose today...I looked at the prices Sir Ian...not even as a xmas and birthday present to myself I could justify it :)

Maybe after I have my Harness I can be like "well honey, I havent bought armor in a year..."

But it IS beautiful!

I thought of it like any other piece of armor essential to the whole harness.  So when viewed as one more bit of armor, it's actually not too bad compared to what the rest of the armor set me back.  Keep in mind though that this whole harness is a many year process of acquisition.  I could never afford to buy all this stuff in one shot! 
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Don Jorge on 2013-12-03, 00:05:58
BUT I WANT IT NOW.../cry
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Ian on 2013-12-03, 00:53:54
Trying to look noble!  Such an occasion demands one roll their wool hood in to a chaperone!  :)

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/11180320716_38878879b7_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Vander Linde on 2013-12-03, 01:10:02
Trying to look noble! 

I believe the term to describe what you achieved is "nailed it!". 
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Douglas on 2013-12-03, 01:52:44
It's most definitely first and foremost a fashion trend.  A kind of 'look at me, I'm a knight, I'm so rich!' kind of thing... :)

Hehehe...that's kind of what I had figured.


Also, I feel a whole lot better knowing I'm not the only one who has to try on my entire kit whenever I get something new. ;)
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Brian on 2013-12-03, 11:12:53
 :o :o
Sweet mother Mary that is gorgeous Sir Ian! Truly awe inspiring and surely must be the epitome of completing a harness! Congratulations on a fine acquisition!  :)
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir William on 2013-12-03, 16:51:40
Is your belly button that low on you, Sir Ian?  ;)
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir James A on 2013-12-03, 18:34:16
Excellent! And the photo effect itself is nice too. I want a plaque belt AND a photo like that. :D
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Ian on 2013-12-03, 19:39:43
Is your belly button that low on you, Sir Ian?  ;)

I'm not sure if you're asking because of the other discussion on belt placement and the natural waistline, but lest others get confused, plaque belts are worn low on the hips and often referred to as knightly hip belts for that very reason.
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Edward on 2013-12-03, 20:14:01
Holy crap that's drool-worthy.
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir William on 2013-12-03, 22:44:26
That was precisely why I asked- it can get confusing after a while.  At least for me.
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Patrick on 2013-12-04, 02:26:32
I know jealousy isn't knightly, but WOW I want one!
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Lord Dane on 2013-12-05, 19:12:10
Outstanding Sir Ian!! Bravo to your efforts. Very becoming attire.

You will definitely get invited to the royal masquerade this year. :)
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir James A on 2013-12-09, 21:01:27
I know jealousy isn't knightly, but WOW I want one!

Agreed, but, too much time around such wonderful weapons and armor, one can't help but stir up a bit of jealousy - which often fuels other purchases - in turn causing jealousy in someone else - and the cycle repeats. 'Tis a glorious thing!
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Thorsteinn on 2013-12-11, 21:01:09
Nice pic!
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: scott2978 on 2014-02-20, 07:08:47
Sir Ian, perhaps you could answer a question I've always wondered about those trapezoid belt mounts: how "solid" are they? The belt looks absolutely stunning, and sure does nail the historical look. It does sort of remind me of those deep sea diving belts with all the weights on them though, is it as heavy as it looks?

I've always wanted one of those hip belts with the big round mounts. My favorite one is on the brass of John Cray Esquire at St Andrew's church in Oxfordshire. I also like that brass because it clearly shows integral hinges on his plate cuisse, something not normally done on leg armor. And I also like his spurs... that man had style.


Scott
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir James A on 2014-02-20, 16:18:04
I've always wanted one of those hip belts with the big round mounts. My favorite one is on the brass of John Cray Esquire at St Andrew's church in Oxfordshire. I also like that brass because it clearly shows integral hinges on his plate cuisse, something not normally done on leg armor. And I also like his spurs... that man had style.

If I remember right, the Chartres cuisses have integral hinges. Either the vambrace, or cuisse, or both.
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir Douglas on 2014-02-20, 17:02:40
I don't mean to derail the thread, but Scott: that is a really nice-looking kit you have there!
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: scott2978 on 2014-02-20, 17:32:00
Thanks!

I had all of the hinges on my 1390's harness made like that. One of the personal touches I incorporated while keeping it historical. You can see more pictures of my harness over at my website gallery.

http://diceandsteel.com/gallery/ (http://diceandsteel.com/gallery/)
Title: Re: Plaque Belt
Post by: Sir James A on 2014-02-20, 20:34:45
Thanks!

I had all of the hinges on my 1390's harness made like that. One of the personal touches I incorporated while keeping it historical. You can see more pictures of my harness over at my website gallery.

http://diceandsteel.com/gallery/ (http://diceandsteel.com/gallery/)

Wow, very nice! Post an intro thread. :)