Scutum - Museum Replicas

Reason for purchase

From the outset we have wanted to try and demonstrate a classic gladiatorial pair, with this in mind we were essentially left with two main pair types, the secutor vs retearius or a large shield vs a small shield. We have decided to go for the latter. Not knowing much about scutum construction at the time, we decided to buy one from the Museum Replicas group, as the UK branch had one and they seemed of a reasonable standard from the illustration and description given in the catalogue. Our opinion was that if we owned a boss that in time it would be easier to make a scutum to replace the (eventually) broken one.

Delivery

Delivery was prompt, within a few days because we bought the scutum from the UK branch of Museum Replicas. The shield arrived ahead of the given date and was in good order.

Initial Thoughts

I was surprised at the weight of the scutum although now it does not seem particularly heavy. The shield was well made from three ply. I was however a little disappointed at the boss, the bowl had been pressed and had little or no edging around its circumference also, the boss was attached by four bolts and screws which required to be shaved off or you would end up with them through the back of your wrist when the shield recieved a hit. Functional as a piece of equipment but hardly worth the money requested I am afraid to say.

12 Months On

The shields have stood up surprisingly well. Running repairs have had to be made as the ply began to drift apart at the top and bottom of the shields length. They will be being brought out for another season but are going to recieve new bosses and a rawhide edging otherwise they will come apart this year for sure. Although not worth the money from a resource angle they have proven to be reliable and we saved considerable time in their purchase rather than making our own.

The Scutum

Over the last three or four months the shield has taken a weekly battering and has held up very well considering initial thoughts. The edging gave way slightly and had to be reglued but it is now holding well. The curve of the shield is not quite as deep as originaly hoped for but after some near scrapes with its upper inner corner by my chin I am quite glad and hold a preference to this type of scutum rather than the deep curved versions I have seen elsewhere. In anticipation of this one falling to pieces we intend to try and make our own as it is our opinion that it will be a lot cheaper. Also my father in law has made a great boss for us and can make more reasonably easily.

Images

Some later I will add one of mine, the official pictures can be found at the Museum Replicas website.