I would like to share photos of a project Dan Dickinson just completed for me. This scabbard for my Albion Next Gen Crecy was pretty long in the planning and execution stages, as one thing and another happened, including me taking a long time to make up my mind on the particulars. But the end result is what I was hoping for.

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The description I gave Dan was something like:

Quote:

"It should be a scabbard and belt that might have been worn to France in 1350 by a lesser nobleman of poor means. It should be a bit dated during that period, possibly something that was handed down by a father or uncle from the early 1300s. It should be for an experienced fighting man, a veteran of many a skirmish. A fighting man of modest means. A nice scabbard, but still all business."

Dan made a number of suggestions, and ended up patterning the belt after something in the Oakeshott books. I would encourage Dan to further explain the inspirations for the piece.

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One touch he suggested was to add a series of modest coats of arms spaced down the length of the scabbard. Since my family name is English, he researched Harris costs of arms and sent me several to choose from. In the end, we both agreed on what you see in the photos.

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Dan also designed and forged the buckle and chape, which while simple in design, I think add to the historic story of the piece's theoretical owner.

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Here are the rest of the pics. I don't think the photos do the piece real justice. But they show the detail and workmanship to an appreciable level.


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Thanks Mike for posting those.
The scabbard is based heavily on monumental brasses from the period of the XVIa's popularity. Probably the biggest inspiration was the brass of Sir Roger de Trumpington. (Here's a large pic of the actual brass)
http://www.ecclsoc.org/trumpington-37pc.jpg
However, as Mike mentioned, some concessions were made to better fit the social status he was looking for (elimination of the belt stiffeners etc). The belt designs were again inspired by Trumpington's, but slightly changed to better reflect the Crescent theme from Mike's coat of arms.

I also want to say that Mike was great to work with and if anyone gets a chance to, don't pass it up.
Thanks,
Dan

Nice leather work Dan!
I like the detail of the heraldic devices made as a relief below the covering leather.

That's really beautiful. My compliments to the craftsman. I can't quite tell from the pictures, but is that oxblood or brown?

Nicely accomplished, and interesting that some historical data was used as
inspiration. Dan's a fellow Michigander and I've wanted to work with him for
some time now. I think the time is coming soon.

Congrats to Mike and Dan on a job well done ! B-)

Thanks Guys,
As far as the colors, the body of the scabbard is chocolate brown and the belt is oxblood.
Thanks,
Dan

It looks great! Very well done. The scabbard seems to match the sword perfectly. I love the chape too.

Color me jealous but that is a greatlooking scabbard and belt Mike!

Dan, that is some great looking work. Though I have to say people here sure like to come up with ways to get me to spend my money! Keep up the great work.


Scott

Thanks Scott,
If you ever have some extra money burning a hole in your pocket and you want a scabbard, give me a shout ;)
Thanks,
Dan

I really like how you can show your inspiration for the scabbard. It combines really well with the context that Peter designed the crecy with in the first place. :)

Dan,

If you don't mind my asking: Did you use a press-plate method, hollowed two-piece, or shaped laminate for the scabbard core? The lines are very clean. I also like the way you distressed the leather.

~A

Dan & Mike - Like it a lot, especially tendencies toward "elegant simplicity" & sturdiness. Both interesting & practical. Well done.

I am wondering what the inside of the leather work at the scabbard mouth looks like? Is the leather turned in so that top grain shows there too, and then glued down?

A photo would be great. I have not had the opportunity (yet) to see artisan level scabbards first hand.

Thanks Guys for the compliments.
Adam, I'm afraid I need to keep my methods as a trade secret, but I will say you can find most of the techniques if you search here on myArmoury.
Jared, I'll try to find a shot I took of the throat, but it's nowhere near as good as those taken by Mike.
Thanks again,
Dan

Wow, very nicely done with good research too boot :) .

Sorry for the delay guys.
Jared, yes the leather is doubled over so that the top grain is on the inside as well. I kept looking, but apparently the only shot I took of that area before sending it out was rather out of focus. Here it is, but hopefully Mike will get the chance to take a better one.
Adam, no offense intended and none received. PM sent :)
Thanks,
Dan
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