Hand-Forged Twisted Penannular Brooch with Scrolled Terminals for Cloaks - Outlet
Are you looking for an authentic and reliable way to fasten your woolen cloak or heavy historical garment? This robust penannular brooch, also known as a fibula, is exactly the accessory that will give your costume a touch of true historical flair. It is hand-crafted from high-quality structural steel (mild steel) and features a traditional twisted design finished with elegant scrolled terminals. Thanks to its natural blackened finish, it looks as though it has just left the medieval blacksmith's anvil. Whether you are heading into a reenactment battle, a LARP event, or a medieval fair, this brooch will not fail you in functionality or raw aesthetics. Further product information ...
Hand-Forged Twisted Penannular Brooch with Scrolled Terminals for Cloaks
A Symbol of Strength and Practicality
This type of garment fastener, categorized as a penannular brooch, has accompanied humanity from the Iron Age through to the High Middle Ages. Its design is ingeniously simple yet incredibly strong. The twisted body of the brooch is not just an aesthetic feature; it increases the structural rigidity of the material. The ends of the brooch are manually scrolled into decorative spirals, which prevent the ring from slipping off the needle while protecting your garment's fabric from accidental snags on sharp edges.
How to Correctly Use the Brooch
Using a penannular brooch requires a bit of practice, but the result is worth it. First, pass the needle through both layers of fabric you wish to join. Then, rotate the ring (the horseshoe part) so that the tip of the needle passes through the gap and rests on top of the ring. The tension of the fabric will push the needle against the twisted body of the brooch, keeping it securely in place. This mechanism is ideal for coarsely woven materials like wool or linen, where the needle passes between the fibers without damaging them.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
| Material | Structural steel (hand-forged mild steel) |
| Finish | Natural blackened (forged look) |
| Outer Diameter | approx. 6.9cm (2.72") |
| Inner Diameter | 5.8cm (2.28") |
| Needle Length | approx. 8cm (3.15") |
| Weight | approx. 50g (1.76 oz) |
Historical Context: From Celts to Vikings
Penannular brooches were an indispensable part of equipment in many cultures. They gained particular popularity among the Celts and later with the Scandinavian Vikings and early medieval Slavs. They served primarily to pin cloaks at the shoulder, allowing the sword arm to move freely. Interestingly, while in Ireland and Scotland these brooches evolved into luxurious jewelry made of precious metals, this steel version represents the practical, functional tool of a common warrior or craftsman.
Maintenance and Safety
Since the brooch is made of blackened structural steel, it requires minimal but regular maintenance. To prevent rust, we recommend wiping it with a dry cloth after each use (especially if it gets wet in the rain) and occasionally applying a thin layer of oil (such as Ballistol or even common vegetable oil) or metal wax.
Warning: The needle of the brooch is functional and has a sharp point to easily penetrate fabric. Please be careful when handling it to avoid injury to yourself or others. Do not use the brooch on very fine silk or modern synthetic fabrics with a tight weave, as the needle could leave permanent holes.
To achieve a perfect historical look, we recommend combining this brooch with our wool cloaks and hand-stitched tunics made of natural linen.
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