Viking / Anglo-Saxon Round Shield 75cm Black & Red

Viking / Anglo-Saxon Round Shield 75cm Black & Red – Lord of Battles

Your New Shield in Detail

Visual Design and Authenticity

This shield immediately captures attention with its generous diameter of approximately 75 cm (nearly 30 inches) and its dynamic black and red war paint, divided into four quadrants. At its centre, a massive steel boss (umbo) with a diameter of about 20 cm (7.87 inches) including its flange, stands proud, secured with six robust rivets to reliably protect your hand. The shield's edge is reinforced with a metal rim, attached with further rivets around the entire circumference. What truly gives this shield its unique character are the intentionally created signs of use – scratches and dents – lending it the appearance of a battle-hardened veteran. So, you can join the shield wall without your comrades asking if you just stepped out of a car paint shop!

Construction and Materials

The core of the shield is crafted from sturdy 12mm (approx. 0.47 inches) thick plywood, ensuring durability in combat. The central boss is made from approximately 2.0mm thick mild steel, while the protective metal rim around the edge is approximately 1.0mm thick. On the blackened back, you'll find a solid wooden handle, firmly attached directly through to the boss with a through-rivet, ensuring maximum grip strength. The handle's rectangular section of about 31.6mm (1.24 inches) is ergonomically shaped down to a rounded diameter of about 29.5mm (1.16 inches) for a comfortable hold. The total weight of the shield is approximately 4712 grams (around 4.71 kg or 10.39 lbs), an optimal balance between protection and manoeuvrability.

Uses for Your Shield – From Historical Reenactment to Unique Decoration

This Viking or Anglo-Saxon style round shield is ready to serve you in many roles:

• Historical Combat & Reenactment: Fully functional for training and battles, ideal for portraying a Viking warrior, Anglo-Saxon Huscarl, or other Early Medieval characters.
• LARP Events: Add authenticity and combat readiness to your character.
• Martial Arts Training: Excellent for practising techniques with historical weapons.
• Decoration: An impressive addition to your home, office, club room, or themed establishment.
• Costume Centrepiece: An unmissable element for historical festivals, theatrical performances, or film shoots.
• Original Gift: Delights any enthusiast of history, Vikings, and medieval battles.

The Round Shield in the Hands of Warriors Past

Advantages in Combat

Although the Early Medieval round shield didn't offer shin protection like later Norman kite shields, it excelled with far superior manoeuvrability. An experienced warrior could quickly change cover and react effectively to an opponent's attacks. The metal-clad edge of the shield could also be used as an offensive weapon. For dynamic man-to-man combat, whether in the heat of battle or during raids and skirmishes, the round shield was the ideal choice.

Role in Viking and Anglo-Saxon Society

While Vikings and Saxons could form fearsome shield walls (the Skjaldborg or Scildburh), much of their combat took place outside this formation, where individual skill and the advantages of the round shield truly shone. It was a faithful companion not only in major battles but also in raids on conquered lands.

Did You Know? The Shield as More Than Just Protection

In Viking and Anglo-Saxon society, the round shield was more than just defensive gear. It also served as a legitimate offensive weapon, for instance, when striking with its edge. Furthermore, it was a permitted part of a warrior's equipment in the Holmgang (a Viking judicial duel) or similar legally sanctioned duels that settled disputes. Thus, in a warrior's hands, the shield represented not only protection but also an instrument for upholding justice.

Caring for Your Shield – For Lasting Beauty and Functionality

To ensure your new shield serves you well for as long as possible and maintains its authentic appearance:

• Storage: Keep the shield in a dry place. Do not expose it to direct sunlight for extended periods or to extreme changes in temperature and humidity.
• Cleaning: Wipe wooden and lacquered parts with a dry or only slightly damp cloth. After use, especially in damp conditions, dry any metal parts (boss, rim) and lightly treat them with a conservation oil to prevent rust.
• Inspection: Regularly check the tightness of rivets and the handle, especially if you actively use the shield in combat.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lord Of Battles®
• Shield Type: Early Medieval Round Shield (Viking/Anglo-Saxon Type)
• Paint Finish: Black and Red, divided into quadrants
• Overall Diameter: Approx. 75 cm (nearly 30 inches)
• Board Material: Plywood, approx. 12 mm thick (approx. 0.47 inches)
• Boss (Umbo): Mild Steel, approx. 2.0 mm thick, diameter including flange approx. 20 cm (7.87 inches), secured with 6 rivets
• Metal Rim: Mild Steel, approx. 1.0 mm thick
• Handle: Solid wood, riveted to the boss; rectangular section approx. 31.6 mm (1.24 inches) shaped to a round grip of approx. 29.5 mm (1.16 inches)
• Weight: Approx. 4712 g (approx. 4.71 kg / 10.39 lbs)
• Surface Finish: Intentionally battle-worn appearance for authenticity