I've been searching on here for a bit but haven;t found what I am looking for, so forgive me if I missed it. I have an Albion Prince and I want to set some natural sapphire cabochons into the recesses on the pommel (originally wanted to do a period coin, but can't find one small enough (about 12 mm). How are such stones (or coins) set in, historically?

Since Gorilla Glue wasn't invented yet, the probably used some type of resin. Just a guess.........McM

Mark has the right idea. There is evidence, cited by Oakeshott, that the resin from the Pistacia Lentiscus (or Mastic tree) was used to adhere small coins, stones, and medals in the recess of a pommel.

O.M.G.---Someone actually agrees with me! :surprised: :lol: It was the only logical answer I could bring. Other than resin, making the sword's pommel with tabs around the circumference of the recess that could be folded in like a stone in a ring...which I've never seen or heard of on a historical sword...and sounds damn-near impossible to actually do anyway. :wtf: ....McM

Using a mastic is the most common you can also use chisel strikes to expand the rim a bit in a few places to hold something that just fits tight. This is seen a lot an mistaken as decoration as opposed to holding bits in place.

Craig

Excellent! Thanks all. I'll look into a natural resin. Much appreciated!

Wow, so I got some mastic gum. When it is properly softened before use, it holds TIGHT. It reminds me of epoxy putty!