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SWCOVERSB Authentic Shield Cover
BRUTALLY AUTHENTIC Hand Sewn Shield Cover
The scutum tegimen refers to the leather cover the was put over the shield when the legion marched from location
to location. This cover was important because it protected the design on the sheild. The design on the sheild
was milk based and would easily run if water got on it.
The leather will can be one (1) to two (2) ounce in thickness. It can be goat or calf leather. If
you make it out of goat leather you may have to get two or three peices because of the size. The cow hide you may be
able to use one piece but most historical finds have been two pieces.
The umbo or shield boss was covered by its own peice of leather. This was not a complete circle as you
may thick, it was three-quarters (3/4) of a circle. This was so that wrinkles would not form in the leather for water
to get in. Once you have sewn up the umbo cover (it should look like a cone) soak it in water or neatsfoot oil.
Then place a plastic bag over the umbo (to help prevent rust) and slide the cone on the umbo. This will force the cone
to bend and take the shape of the umbo. Let the cone dry in place (at least twelve (12) hours) and you are finished.
The edges of the leather are turned back behind the scutum about three quarters (3/4) to an inch (1").
The leather is then folded over to create a casing for a string/cord to hold the cover tight on the sheild. You can
thread the string/cord through the casing, but will take some time! If you are an experienced in leather craft you might
be able to sew the the leather around the string/cord and save a lot of time!
On finds of scutum tegimen the corners have been rounded off not square with exposed lacing. This will
cause some problems with the leather so make sure you oil your leather. Work and flexing the leather may also help here
as well.
The string/cord need to hand out so that the tegimen can be tightened around the scutum and loosen to uncover
the sheild for battle. You can do this in one central location or in multiple locations. Some re-enactors have
done two in the middle of the sides and tied them to the handle for extra strength. This may also be needed to make
sure the top and bottom of the tegimen doesn't flop off the sheild.
At the top of the tegimen, the part that will touch the ground, you may want to add a reinforcing strip.
On many of the orginals extra leather peices have been sewn on in areas of heavy use.
The design on the tegimen could and can take many forms. A number of historical finds have been based on
an open-work, table-shaped applique design. Designs would include the units designation, or symbol. The cover
to the left features the Legio VI symbol, the Roman shewolf and twins. While, for obvious reasons, no colored fabric
has been found but here it is added to contrast with the leather.
There can also be two (2) to four (4) strips hanging from the bottom of the design. While we do not know
the function of these strips we think it may have been to fold up the tegimen when not in use or to hold a cloak or blanket when
marching.
Here are instructions, with pics, on how to
make a tegimen by a member of Legio VI Victrix out in California. Florentius
SWCOVERSB Hand Sewn Scutum Cover
Sewn by our own Leg VI Memebr Stacey B, these scutum covers are double stitched to prevent run or fraying.
All stitching is done by hand. Natural holes and creases are repaired and also double stitched (see the pics to see
both a crease and hole "divot" repair). Leather is 2-3 ounce cowhide. The leather ties at each corner attach the
cover to the scutum. Also has two "on duty" tie strips to store the cover nicely tied if not on the march.
We can custom make the main image using red wool backing and leather to your specs. Extensive designs could
run more than the base price, depending on design. Made solid to last a lifetime. Oiled with neatsfoot before
shippiing to insure a suppleness you will love. It does not get more authentic than this (ask any Legio VI member, Stacey
is our Stitch Counter!!) These are special ordered, and we cannot guarantee dates. Plan to allow 3-4 weeks for
manufacture and sewing, but ic could go longer. Email us for more details and specific pricing. once we settle
on the price and such, we will invoice you.
$300
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| The Sewing Artist Himself, with Shield! |
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