Hi guys, just looking for a bit of guidance on whether the socket of a typical Norman lance of the 12thC would have the split welded up or left as a butted joint.

Many thanks



Tod

Hi Todd

Hard to say as a broad rule.


My own studies would suggest 'poorly welded' as a general rule.

Thanks Fabrice,

So basically welded, not welded or anything in between would be OK?

Tod

If you're going to have to make lots of these as part of your Norman contract, you might be interested in this as a time-saver:

Not long ago I found a supply of Hanwei "Viking Throwing Spears" for $30 USD and got one to see if it could make a convincing 15th c. spear. The fake niello on the socket is simply copper-plated steel and the thin plating comes off quickly with a file (even faster with a belt sander). As purchased, the seam is open, but is easily closed with the tension of the rivet (see last photo below). Just a thought....

---

 Attachment: 35.91 KB



 Attachment: 43.43 KB



 Attachment: 54.29 KB

Yep.

After drawing out the socket and rolling it, the ends overlapped a bit and were tentatively forge-welded. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't.

Here's an example of what I mean :

[ Linked Image ]

I hope it helps.

Cheers

Fab

Thanks for all your help, it is appreciated and nice work Fabrice.

Quote:

Sean Flynt wrote If you're going to have to make lots of these as part of your Norman contract, you might be interested in this as a time-saver:

Darrin read that last night and posted his unwanted one to me today, so quick progress indeed.

I think that you are right Sean and this could make a good basis for a lance with a bit of reworking.

Basically I have an wide ranging contract for a number of items and some bulking out needs to occur to fill the gaps in a cost effective way which is where these come in, but combined with some higher grade examples this will work well I think.

Regards

Tod