Medieval bag and belt fittings
- Available
-
Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
Belt fittings and bag fittings are among the small details that complete a medieval outfit – historically authentic, functionally designed and crafted from brass or bronze, as evidenced by archaeological finds from the High and Late Middle Ages.
What are medieval fittings – and what were they used for?
Medieval fittings are metal parts that were attached to leather straps, belts and bags – to protect the leather, for decoration or to fulfil specific functions. In the broadest sense, this includes all metal appliqués that were sewn, riveted or screwed onto leather.
The range extends from simple end fittings on belt straps to elaborately engraved decorative rivets and figurative bag fittings in the Late Middle Ages. Yet the distinction between decoration and function was rarely clear: a belt end fitting, known as a strap tongue, made it easier to thread the strap through the buckle whilst preventing the leather from fraying at the end – and looked good in the process. Bag fittings on the lid of a belt pouch weighed it down so that it did not bulge, whilst simultaneously lending the bag prestige.
Archaeological finds from the 13th to the 15th century, including pieces from the London Ground Finds Archive, reveal an astonishing variety of motifs and materials – ranging from simple geometric shapes to heraldic symbols that signalled the wearer’s social status. Anyone buying medieval bag and belt fittings today is drawing on precisely this tradition of finds.
The main types: an overview of end fittings, decorative fittings and bag fittings
Belt tongues & end fittings
The strap tongue sits at the loose end of the belt strap. It makes it easier to thread the strap through the buckle and tie the belt. At the same time, it protects the leather from fraying. The range includes examples for straps up to 18 mm, 20 mm and 22 mm wide – designs range from simple late medieval styles to the wolf’s head motif of the 14th/15th century.
Decorative fittings & decorative rivets
Decorative rivets were either placed only at the hanging end of the strap or distributed along the entire length of the belt. The motifs follow clearly recognisable period and social conventions: floral patterns (fleur-de-lis), animal symbols (wolf), heraldic symbols (crown, cross) and late medieval memento mori motifs (skull) are documented. Available as a set of 5 or 3 in brass.
Bag fittings & belt hangers
Late medieval belt pouches often featured one or more brass fittings on their leather lids. The dual function: to weigh down the lid to prevent it from bulging and as a visible status symbol. Belt loops combine a fastening function with a decorative element – they allowed knives, pouches or keys to be attached to the belt strap and are available for straps from 20 mm in width.
Historical context: From the High Middle Ages to the Late Middle Ages
High Middle Ages
Belt fittings from the High Middle Ages are comparatively simple in design. Geometric and floral motifs dominate, and the materials are mainly limited to brass and bronze. Iconographic sources – illuminated manuscripts, tomb slabs – depict belts with simple end fittings and understated decorative rivets distributed across the entire strap.
Transitional phase
As the urban middle classes grew in prosperity, the variety of motifs increased. The first figurative elements appeared – animals, coats of arms, ecclesiastical symbols. The fittings were cast with greater care, and solid brass casting became the norm rather than sheet metal work. Archaeological finds from London and Flanders indicate increasing standardisation.
Late Middle Ages
The heyday of belt fittings: heraldic symbols (fleur-de-lis, coats of arms), figurative motifs (wolves, skulls with crossed bones) and religious symbols dominate the scene. Fittings on belt pouches become a means of expression in their own right. Social distinction through quality and choice of motif is well documented. The range includes replicas from around €10, based on these finds.
Fitting the fittings yourself: fit, tools and strap width
The most important purchasing criterion for medieval fittings is the strap width. Each fitting specifies a maximum strap width – typical measurements are up to 18 mm, up to 20 mm and up to 22 mm. Anyone wearing a medieval belt with a 20 mm strap width requires fittings whose opening allows for at least this measurement. If in doubt, it is better to choose a size larger, as leather can stretch slightly with use.
Attachment is usually done using rivet pins: the fitting is placed on the leather, the pin is pushed through the hole previously pierced with an awl or punch, and hammered flat on the reverse side. No special tools are required – a hammer and a hard surface are sufficient for most of the rivet pins in the range.
Anyone wishing to make their own fittings from brass sheet will find raw material in the range in thicknesses of 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm and 1.0 mm (each 200 × 200 mm). This allows you to cut, shape and punch out custom decorative pieces. Combining these with matching medieval buckles from the same strap width range ensures a harmonious overall look. There is also a separate category in the shop for ready-made individual parts for bag-making.
Material and workmanship: brass, bronze and handmade replicas
| Material | Type | Suitability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass (solid cast) | Historical | Very good – high level of detail, heavy weight | Finishing fittings, decorative fittings, bag fittings |
| 100% brass | Historical | Good – authentic appearance, easy to maintain | Decorative rivet sets, belt loops |
| Brass sheet | DIY | Ideal for DIY projects and bespoke items | Raw material for belt fittings, knife sheaths |
| Bronze (replicas) | Re-enactment | Very good – based on archaeological models | High-quality replicas for sophisticated re-enactments |
Brass is the dominant material in the range – and for good reason: archaeological finds confirm that brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) was the most commonly used metal for belt fittings in the High and Late Middle Ages. The alloy is easy to cast, captures fine details and develops a characteristic patina over time. Solid cast fittings have a noticeably different weight to stamped sheet metal parts – a detail that is noticeable when worn.
Bronze replicas based on archaeological models are the first choice for discerning re-enactments when it comes to documented pieces from specific archaeological contexts. When it comes to fastening: screw fastenings offer more hold for heavy fittings, whilst rivet pins are quicker to attach and sufficient for most decorative rivets.
Fittings in the overall outfit: an accessory with historical context
In everyday medieval life, belts, pouches and knives were worn as a cohesive ensemble – and fittings linked these parts both visually and functionally. Fitting a medieval belt pouch with matching pouch fittings and equipping the belt strap with decorative rivets and a harmonious strap tongue brings one significantly closer to the historical overall picture than using individual parts with no connection to one another.
For re-enactment and LARP, the following applies: the choice of motifs should suit the period being portrayed and the character’s social status. A simple 13th-century peasant would scarcely have worn heraldic symbols on his belt – that was reserved for the nobility. Floral motifs and geometric decorative rivets, on the other hand, are documented across all social classes. Figurative motifs such as wolves or skulls with crossed bones are clear indicators of the late Middle Ages (14th/15th centuries) and appear anachronistic in an early medieval setting.
For the medieval market, the rule is: even those who do not follow a strict re-enactment approach benefit from appropriate fittings. A medieval knife on a belt hanger, a metal-studded medieval bag on the belt and an end fitting in a matching motif – these are the details that turn a costume into a full outfit. The medieval accessories in our range can be easily matched to a specific era and material tone.
Whether it’s an end fitting, decorative rivet or bag fitting – with the right metal parts, your belt or bag gets the historical finishing touch that transforms an outfit from a costume into a true historical garment. Browse through the range and find the fittings that suit your era and your strap width.
Frequently asked questions
The most important types include belt tongues (end fittings at the end of the belt), decorative fittings and decorative rivets along the strap, as well as bag fittings on the flap of medieval belt pouches. In addition, there are belt loops that allow knives or pouches to be attached. All types served both a practical and a decorative function.
The most important criterion is the belt width: each fitting specifies a maximum belt width (e.g. up to 18 mm, 20 mm or 22 mm), which must match the width of your leather belt. You should also pay attention to the material (brass, bronze), the fastening method (rivets or screws) and the historical period of the motif.
Most fittings are attached using a rivet pin: first, pierce a hole through the leather with an awl or punch, thread the pin of the fitting through and rivet it shut on the reverse side with a hammer. Special tools are not usually necessary – a hammer and a hard surface are sufficient for standard pin rivets.
In the High Middle Ages (11th–13th centuries), simple geometric and floral motifs dominated. In the Late Middle Ages (14th/15th centuries), heraldic symbols such as the fleur-de-lis and crown, animal motifs (wolf) and memento mori symbols (skull) were added. Those involved in re-enactment should consistently base their choice of motifs on the period being portrayed.
Yes – our range includes brass sheet in thicknesses of 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm and 1.0 mm (each 200 × 200 mm). The material is suitable for cutting, punching and shaping individual belt fittings or knife sheaths. Simple hand tools such as tin snips, a file and a hammer are sufficient for working with it.