I started on some of the accessories, such as a pair of silver spurs, and an Oakshott XII sword.
The spurs I ordered are accurate for the 12th and 13th centuries so they will be right for the impression.
I purchased them from Revival Clothing, (http://www.revivalclothing.com/12-13thcenturyprickspurs.aspx), because they came with the period straps.
When they arrived, I wasn't happy with the straps... Way too thin and not the best leather. They'd last less than a day, so I measured them then harvested the buckles from them, but cutting the leather away from the buckle.
I laid out the straps on some 3-4 oz. vegetable tanned cow skin. 1 cm wide by 40 cm long. I soaked the straps in water to make them easier to work. I folded over one end about 2 cm and punched four holes in a square. I try to work in metric on reproductions because its more reliable, and all the archaeological data is listed in metric. Then on the fold I used a 1/2 inch chisel and cut out a slot for the buckle. I i moved the prong through the hole and stitched the strap closed with waxed linen thread. then set them aside to dry. I still need to punch the hole for the spurs to be strapped to the turn shoes, and they need to be oiled or sealed with lanolin, but I'll wait to do that when I have more leather work done.
(photo by K. Beckham)
Straps ready to punch and oil.
(photo by: K. Beckham)
Time to look up leather care in the 12th century...
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