Medieval shields & bucklers

Medieval shield, heater shield, buckler or drop-shaped shield purchase

The shield is one of the oldest defensive weapons. In the Middle Ages, medieval shields were widely used. The shields were mainly made of wood and reinforced with leather and rawhide or steel. shields also had a handle for a firm grip and a belt to carry it over the back during marching. The medieval shields came in various shapes. The round shape was popular at the beginning of the Middle Ages among cavalry and infantry. Later, the drop-shaped shield became popular, this elongated shield was especially favored by the Normans. A smaller version of this, particularly popular among knights and cavalry, was the kite shield. The heraldry of the family or the area for which one fought was painted on the kite shield. Thus, the kite shield is typically the heater shield of the Middle Ages.

Scottish Highland targe

The targe is a shield from the late Middle Ages with a round shape. Initially, this was a shield for jousting. Nevertheless, the targe is best known as the typical Scottish shield used during the Jacobite uprisings. The front of a targe was often decorated with a beautiful Celtic pattern and brass rivets for extra reinforcement of the material. The wooden targe was also covered with leather for additional strength. After the Jacobites were defeated at the Battle of Culloden, the use of the targe in combat was prohibited.