Dear Friends:
This is the renowned Corbridge type (Variant A) lorica segmentata. The ancient Roman imperial legions outfitted their troops with progressively more formidable and versatile forms of armor. For quite some time the majority of infantry were outfitted with chainmail, adopted from Italy’s Celtic neighbors, who had been wearing such armor for centuries. Both the Greeks and Romans had utilized breastplates, or muscle cuirasses, of bronze that protected the entire torso, but such armor was costly and difficult to make, requiring that it be specifically tailored to the individual who would wear it. Other nations had seen limited use of strips or bands of metal attached to one another and employed as a body defense. In the time of Augustus, the first Roman emperor, segmented plate armor, commonly known by the modern name developed by scholars, lorica segmentata, was pioneered for usage by the average legionary, allowing protection and cost-effectiveness to go hand in hand, and producing modular armor that could be easily manufactured and easily adjusted to fit a variety of individuals.
It is possible that the widespread use of this armor by legionaries was first conceptualized during the revolt of Florus and Sacrovir, in 21 AD, in which Roman legionaries found themselves sorely outclassed by a band of rogue gladiators known as Crupellari, who wore segmented plate armor over their entire bodies. As a result, the legions, recognizing the formidability of such a defense, began to explore the usage of segmented plate armor for use by their rank and file. But attesting to usage even earlier than this incident, fragments of legionary segmented plate armor have been found in excavations of sites in Germany that date to the early Augustan period.
During the second half of the first century AD, the segmentata would undergo numerous uncharted changes by armorers and military strategists, most of which are lost to us. But one type of segmentata stands out amid the fragments of history, due to its widespread and long-term use - the Corbridge Type. In 1964, a hoard of armaments was excavated in Corbridge, England (lending its name to the type), which included sections of as many as twelve different sets of this type of armor. Since then, the Corbridge type has been one of the most widely studied forms of armor in the field of ancient military studies. Countless other fragments belonging to this type have been identified from around the Mediterranean. Through intense study of archaeological material from around the Roman Empire, scholars such as H. Russell Robinson, Peter Connolly, M. C. Bishop, and others, have contributed to the accurate reconstruction of this type of armor. As such, the Corbridge type was also in service the longest of any of the various known types of lorica segmentata, recent scholarly literature claiming that it was continually in use well into the third century AD.
It is possible that the widespread use of this armor by legionaries was first conceptualized during the revolt of Florus and Sacrovir, in 21 AD, in which Roman legionaries found themselves sorely outclassed by a band of rogue gladiators known as Crupellari, who wore segmented plate armor over their entire bodies. As a result, the legions, recognizing the formidability of such a defense, began to explore the usage of segmented plate armor for use by their rank and file. But attesting to usage even earlier than this incident, fragments of legionary segmented plate armor have been found in excavations of sites in Germany that date to the early Augustan period.
During the second half of the first century AD, the segmentata would undergo numerous uncharted changes by armorers and military strategists, most of which are lost to us. But one type of segmentata stands out amid the fragments of history, due to its widespread and long-term use - the Corbridge Type. In 1964, a hoard of armaments was excavated in Corbridge, England (lending its name to the type), which included sections of as many as twelve different sets of this type of armor. Since then, the Corbridge type has been one of the most widely studied forms of armor in the field of ancient military studies. Countless other fragments belonging to this type have been identified from around the Mediterranean. Through intense study of archaeological material from around the Roman Empire, scholars such as H. Russell Robinson, Peter Connolly, M. C. Bishop, and others, have contributed to the accurate reconstruction of this type of armor. As such, the Corbridge type was also in service the longest of any of the various known types of lorica segmentata, recent scholarly literature claiming that it was continually in use well into the third century AD.
This version of the Corbridge A was developed by us in conjunction with our partners at Daniyal Steel Crafts. We consider it to be the most historically accurate version of the Corbridge A commercially available. We have corrected the problems evident in the most common commercially available models of the Corbridge A. Since this was taken, we have corrected a few manufacturing errors. we will be offering all of our models of lorica segmentata in a variety of sizes. As for the taller individuals, we may have to produce a custom version for them. Imperium and DSC can distinguish themselves is by carving out a niche market and providing what other companies (be they dealers or manufacturers) have not been able or willing to provide.
We have an exclusive agreement with Daniyal Steel Crafts, http://www.daniyalsc.4t.com/, by which they are manufacturing numerous items for us according to our design. These items are available through us alone, or through our authorized representatives. We have found the quality of their craftsmanship consistently to be the finest commercially available. Under our direction, they have crafted reproductions of an extremely high level of accuracy, but at a fraction of the cost of a custom craftsman in the United States or Europe. - Arik AVLVS ARRIVS DIOGENES L. Arik Greenberg, Ph.D.
Accuracy Rating: 9.75-10
THIS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM US DIRECTLY !
THIS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM US DIRECTLY !
PEOPLE'S COMMENT :
I just want to add my comments about DSC's Corbidge A segmentata sold by Imperium. I have seen and tried on the prototype pictured above, it's size 46 and fit perfectly over my tunic, subarmalis and focale with no gaps. The XXXXXXX version I had would not close when I had all my gear on. I'm 5' 10'' tall and the shoulder units fit well over the girdle sections with no gaps when buckled on. In my opinion, the DSC Corbridge A is far superior and more authentic than others i've seen. Well worth the price. I will recommend these to new members of my group and will be getting one as soon as they are available. - Maius/Bill
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