A couple of days ago Greg finished the scabbard for my Albion Reeve and I thought I'd share a few photos.

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[ Linked Image ]

I originally chose a dark chocolate brown for the belt and a lighter "english tan" for the scabbard. The scabbard turned out darker than either Greg or I expected, more of a russet than a tan color. Still, it was a very attractive combination we were both very pleased with. Unfortunately disaster struck when I got the thing home. The belt was pretty stiff so I boned it to soften it up and then applied a bit of neatsfoot oil. I've done this before without any negative results but this time was different. Everything seemed dry a few hours later so I wrapped the belt around the scabbard and went to bed. When I checked it the next morning there were dark stripe-like splotches on the face of the scabbard which pretty well ruined the look, so I was forced to dye it the same chocolate brown as the belt. It's still a nice piece of work though. A scabbard was the last major piece of gear I needed for my 11th century kit and I'm very grateful to Greg for making it for me.

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[ Linked Image ]

The fittings were purchased from Raymonds Quiet Press: www.quietpress.com

They aren't Norman but rather more Saxon or nordic. However, swords like the Reeve were common from the mid-tenth to mid-twelfth centuries so they're plausible for the period. Besides, they look sexy. :D The lighting makes the scabbard appear a bit thick and blockish but in fact it's quite thin and flat. If Greg can do this with his second attempt I'm eager to see what he'll be doing by his tenth or twentieth.

WOW! Nice scabbard! Congratulations on a fine acquisition, and congratulations to Greg for producing such an awesome piece of work.

Wow, that's stunning. You've got a nice scabbard there, congrats. Is it a dark red or more of a purple? It is hard for me to tell from the photos.

-James

Oh, sorry about that I missed it the first time. That's very nice, I'm very jealous of that scabbard! It's amazing what Greg can do when it's only his second scabbard!

-James

Patrick,
A beautiful scabbard for a beautiful sword!
I prefer the later locket suspension system (I wish I had one, but I do describe one worn by the main character in my novel), but I always thought the more complex earlier belt attachment system had a "rough-and-tumble warrior" look about it.
Especially nice buckle, belt end, and chape!

Patrick, my compliments to Greg for some really fine " professional " work even more impressive considering that he only started making scabbards recently: Talk about starting almost at the top of the learning curve. :eek: :cool: ( IMPRESSIVE )

A lovely peice. How does it feel when you buckle it on?

Hey Patrick,

That is good work!
Glad to see Greg´s obvious skill and feeling for this.


Looking forward to the completion of the next project, whatever that ight be :)

That's a great scabbard, it really suits the blade. The overdye looks great, too - do you think the fresh oil carried over some of the belt pigment, is that what happened?

Richard - Lockets aren't necessarily late, either - or did you mean you prefer the later style?
They can be early, too.

Thanks to everyone for the compliments. They are greatly appreciated! I had fun making this scabbard and tried a few things differently than the first one. Needless to say, it was a good learning experience. :eek: :lol:
I want to especially thank Peter for his kind words, as I consider him one of the best in his field and if anyone would know if it was done "right", it would be him. I have found that getting it right isn't just the mechanics of making a good fit or a perfectly sewn seam, but also how every part of the scabbard/belt comes together for the proper feel of the blade sheathed within it's confines. The next project will be a wee bit different as I'm planning on doing a latter (14th C) scabbard for the Gallowglass when/if it shows up. Already kicking ideas around in my head for artwork, design, and suspension. Special thanks also for my good friend Patrick - yeah, he's pushy, opinionated, and has a big head but other than that, he's the tops! :p :D (Joking of course) Seriously, PK has been overly kind with his words and a great believer in my talents, or lack thereof, HA! Be well all.

-Greg

For Scabbard and Belt # 2 that is really something Greg. Sure looks very well done to me! More than a little impressive if you ask me, to be able to do something like this by the 2nd attempt.

Bob