Is there anywhere I can get reasonably historic scales or lamella for armor construction? Seems like someone would be producing these fairly affordably.

Heh, yes, you would think, but I have only found one place to buy them commercially made. An excellent write-up on the different sizes/shapes of the individual lames.

http://ask-vikingekampgruppe.dk/uk0017.html


If you knowhat sizes you want, and figure out the quantity, you should be able to head down to a metal/machine shop and get some cut out...especially if they have a CNC plasma cutter.

Deepeeka (in India) offers a variety of loose scales in steel and brass, mostly designed for Roman and Greek armor but probably applicable for other cultures as well. At least, they used to! The trick is finding a vendor that actually has them in stock. Maybe try these:

http://www.lawrensnest.com

http://www.SouloftheWarrior.com

http://www.finditarmory.com

http://www.by-the-sword.com

http://stores.ebay.com/Von-Sussen-Enterprises

http://www.esford.com (Australia)

http://www.armae.com (France)

Good luck!

http://www.tangentcreations.net can cut any plate with any hole pattern you want in several different metals. He has several different predrawn patterns, but can draw up new ones if you want. Just go to the Gallery section, and you will see the Lamellar and Scale selection.
I bought my lames from them, and he is great to work with...

Hello
Try theringlord.com they have loose scales .