There isn't a single moment we can point to when equipment issue transferred, it likely began as all individual (hence the differences in class armour ratings, etc due to income) then ether consuls or 'the state' would issue for a campaign (probably by funding manufacture and resell through their agents for profit) thus generating apparent uniformity and eventually state issue or supply became the norm as size and permanency of units became usual (by this time the difference between HC&T had diminished to nomenclature only and legios fought in cohors).

Ii still have great difficulty imaging that hastate - principes and trariii of the same legio would have different colour shields for each line. Ether a mix of random privately purchased and painted or 'state' supplied which would be by legio - so all (more or less) one colour. We have some evidence suggesting that s possible, none whatsoever for each line being distinguishable by shield colour (and Polybius goes into quite a bit of difference about the differences between classes - if shield colour was one I think he's have mentioned it)

And remarked upon possibly BECAUSE of that?

Quote from: toxicpixie on 18 December 2016, 09:38:20 AM
And remarked upon possibly BECAUSE of that?

Sorry, too laconic - who remarked on what because why?

Decided the principes will have an even more substantial majority of red shields in this legion, whilst the Triarii will be all red.

Quote from: toxicpixie on 18 December 2016, 09:38:20 AM
And remarked upon possibly BECAUSE of that?

Quote from: Zippee on 18 December 2016, 08:08:14 PM
Sorry, too laconic - who remarked on what because why?

I'm assuming this refers to

Quote from: FierceKitty on 18 December 2016, 05:04:00 AM
I find myself remembering the story of the legionary given a snide comment by his general for having an ornate and oversized shield. That sounds like an item that didn't pass through government channels.

and the possibility that the general was remarking on a shield unusual in having been sourced outwith normal procurement channels.

Exactly that, ithorial. Think Zippies comment must have slid in as I posted?

Quote from: toxicpixie on 18 December 2016, 10:30:05 PM
Exactly that, ithorial. Think Zippies comment must have slid in as I posted?

Ah right - obscurity enhanced by starting page 4 no doubt 

Snide remark made probably because it meant the lout hadn't purchased his shield from the prescribed factor who just happened to be a client of said general.

Haha, yes - right on both counts,  I suspect.