What i am after is people's opinion on what sort of belt decoration should be worn by common soldiers or middle class people in continetal europe during the 15thC?

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While there are far more detailed depictions of the aristocracy rather than the middle class in higher quality late medieval paintings and sculpture, there are a large number of survivals of belt 'findings' (buckles, strap ends, and decorative washers - even lengths of belt leathers with some metalwork attatched) in the archaeological record. From their quality and type, ranging from pewter or brass, up to gilt latten and silver, simple to elaborate in decoration, they seem to run the range of the middle class.

The Museum of London has a book on the subject, with a fairly large number of entries from the 12th century to the year 1450. That would be a good place to begin your search. from the number of survivals of decoration, decorated belts seem to have been commonplace, even amongst the middle classes.

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I have the MOL books, but they dont seem to mention social class. Anyway Thanks for the reply it gives me a good idea of where to look. Do you know of any good online Archeology sites? i have found some but they are not quite what i am after.

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Artists and Warfare in the Renaissance

Hale

Yale press

lots and lots fo pictures, however actual detail is always scarce.

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