Belts!

[Jack Roberts]

So I went searching today in "twill" for any previous discussions on the topic. I didn't turn up much. So I wanted to start a new topic and see what turns up.

In relation to belts worn around the waist. I would assume that leather was used, like today. Where there any other kinds?

If leather, what size? In my previous searches I've found around 1.5" to 2" widths mentioned.

Buckles, I would assume they where used. (ie Buckled shoes, duh.) What about the ring belts I've seen, dare I say it, at Ren Faires. Would they be in use also, or is that just a total crock, made up by the rennies?

How were they worn? Long or short? Were there belt loops on the breeches? (Like today) Or did they just wrap around the waist?

[Abrams]

Well, I'm definitely not the chief authority on this (quite the contrary, actually) but I was trying to scope this out.

In many of the pictures I've seen depicting GAoP sailors, belts are more of just...sashes, for lack of a better word. From what I can tell, quite a few pictures depict mariners with (what I assume to be) cloth tied around their waste.

I've also seen pictures that lead me to believe that leather (I think) belts with buckles weren't uncommon.

As for the ring belts, I don't doubt that it was possible -- just how common it was.

Alas, as I finish my post, I realize I was little to no help. Oh well. I bet Greg or Foxe would have a better grasp on the subject.

[Captain Midnight]

Well, I'm certainly no expert, but I believe the ring belts are fantasy-based ren faire stuff, and would not have been worn. I would think a plain leather belt of between say, 1-1/2" to 2" would have been worn, along with a normal buckle from the period. You can do a google search on period buckles and find numerous examples to choose from.

[Capt. Sterling]

I know Gentleman of Fortune has buckles on his site... or are they only shoe buckles... I wonder if his shoe buckle venture was profitable for him to invest in some more... and sword carriage buckles would be nice too.

[switters]

small diameter rope, I will look for a source and get a citation.

so right now rope belt is just something I read once.

[Rumba Rue]

The ring belts are from the Irish history- Celts.

No, they aren't 'period' for pirates.

[MadMike]

Here's a Spanish example from 1650-1700

http://www.artifacts.org/Mission.htm

all artifacts are pictured with a 1/4" grid.

More examples here-

http://www.artifacts.org/Fleetpage.htm

Yours, Mike