Roman Lorica Squamata Steel Scale Armour Skirt

"A proper skirt of scales turns aside a blade without robbing a soldier of his stride." Osric, Keeper of the Hearth & Forge

Scale armour remains among antiquity?s most proven defences, deployed across ancient empires from Persia to Rome. This Lorica Squamata skirt replicates that functional tradition, protecting the upper thighs while affording the mobility necessary for close-quarters rank combat.

At the workbench, individually beaten 20-gauge mild steel scales are meticulously fixed in an overlapping layout across a resilient genuine leather backing. This dual-layer construction allows the plates to glide smoothly against one another, dispersing the force of cuts and blows while keeping the total weight manageable for prolonged muster or reenactment campaigns.

Fitting is straightforward and dependable. A stout leather waist belt, equipped with a solid steel buckle and multiple adjustment holes, provides a tailored fit across varied waist sizes, whether worn over a woollen tunic or paired with a matching squamata cuirass. Because each skirt is individually handcrafted, minor variances in scale alignment and steel finish are natural hallmarks of authentic forge work.

To maintain this harness against the elements, wipe down the steel scales with a soft, dry cloth following battle or event use. Treat the steel with a light coat of oil periodically to ward off rust, and condition the leather backing to preserve its strength and suppleness through seasons in the field.