Roman Commander Greaves – Antiqued Brass Finish
When you march at the head of a legion, every step implies power and determination. These ornate Roman greaves are designed for precisely this purpose. Whether you are portraying a Tribune, a Legate, or the Emperor himself in a historical epic or at a LARP event, this pair of shin guards adds a touch of luxury and authenticity to your costume. Hand-formed from steel, brass-plated, and antiqued, they evoke the look of battle-hardened armour that has stood the test of time. Thanks to the comfortable padding, you can march in them for hours without discomfort. Further product information ...
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Roman Commander Greaves – Antiqued Brass Finish
A Blend of Cinematic Aesthetic and Comfort
These greaves (Latin ocreae) are not just shaped pieces of sheet metal. They are crafted from mild steel, ensuring their strength and shape retention. The brass finish with an "antique" patina gives them the appearance of bronze—preferred in antiquity for its colour and resistance to corrosion—without the high cost of solid bronze. The decoration, featuring stylised palmettes and plant motifs along the edges, underscores the high status of the wearer.
What sets this model apart from standard replicas is its interior construction. The entire inner side is lined with soft suede leather. This feature serves two functions: it absorbs impact and prevents the metal from slipping on your leg or trousers. Fastening is achieved via sturdy leather lacing threaded through metal eyelets on the back of the calf. This allows the greaves to adjust perfectly to the circumference of your leg.
Technical Specifications
| Material | Steel, Brass finish, Suede leather |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | approx. 392 mm (approx. 15.4 inches) |
| Overall Width | approx. 175 mm (approx. 6.9 inches) |
| Weight (Pair) | approx. 1744 g (approx. 3.8 lbs) |
| Fastening | Leather lacing through 6 metal eyelets |
| Includes | Pair (Left and Right Greave) |
| Manufacturer | Windlass Steelcrafts® |
History and Warning
In the days of the Roman Republic, rank-and-file legionaries often wore only one greave on the left (leading) leg. However, officers and centurions could afford richly decorated pairs of greaves that protected their shins from ankle to knee. This specific design corresponds to the popular "Hollywood" vision of Roman armour known from films such as Gladiator or Ben-Hur.
Please note that this is a decorative item and costume accessory. Although made of steel, it is not constructed for full-contact historical fencing (buhurt) or HEMA. Strong blows with steel weapons could deform the armour and cause injury to the wearer.
Product Care
To maintain a perfect appearance, we recommend:
- Regularly treating the outer metal part with oil (e.g., WD-40 or Ballistol) to prevent corrosion of the steel core beneath the brass.
- Keeping the inner suede part dry and cleaning it only with a leather brush.
- Avoiding moisture accumulation on the leather during storage.
For a complete look, we recommend combining these greaves with the muscle cuirass and vambraces from the same Roman Commander collection.
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