Viking Shield Boss (Umbo), 2 mm / 14-Gauge Steel

Viking Steel Shield Boss 19 cm with Rivets

The Shield Boss Protected The Hand

The shield boss, also known as an umbo, was used long before the Viking Age and remained an important component of many Early Medieval shields. On a centre-grip shield, an opening was cut through the wooden board to accommodate the hand. A transverse grip crossed this opening on the inside, while the iron boss covered it from the front, creating a protected cavity around the warrior's hand.

The closest historical context for this model is found among Germanic, Anglo-Saxon and Viking shields of the Early Middle Ages. Surviving iron bosses from the 5th–7th centuries occur in several conical and domed forms, generally with a broad flange and a number of fixing rivets. During the Viking Age of the 8th–11th centuries, the centre grip and iron boss remained characteristic elements of the round shield.

This particular product is not presented as an exact replica of one specific archaeological find. Its 19 cm / 7.4 in overall diameter, shallow dome and six mounting holes make it a functional historically inspired shield boss. For strict archaeological reenactment, compare the profile, dimensions and rivet arrangement with evidence from the particular region and period you intend to portray.

Pressed Mild Steel With A Hand-Finished Surface

The boss is made from approximately 1.9 mm / 14-gauge mild steel. Its main shape is pressed rather than entirely forged from a blank by traditional hand hammering. The surface is then finished by hand, leaving irregular circular and hammer-like marks that provide a suitably rustic appearance.

The centre forms a shallow rounded dome with an internal diameter of approximately 13.5 cm / 5.3 in and a depth of 3.6 cm / 1.4 in. Around it is a broad flat flange with six pre-drilled fixing holes. The complete boss measures approximately 19 cm / 7.4 in across.

How To Fit The Shield Boss

This boss is primarily intended for a centre-grip round shield. Complete the wooden shield board first and carefully mark its centre. Cut an opening large enough for your hand to operate the grip comfortably, while ensuring that the boss flange overlaps the opening securely on every side.

• Place the boss accurately over the central hand opening and ensure that the entire flange sits flat against the shield board.
• Mark all six fixing positions through the pre-drilled holes.
• Drill or punch holes matching the diameter of your rivets.
• Install a strong transverse grip on the reverse, leaving sufficient clearance for your hand.
• Pass the rivets through the boss and shield board.
• Fit the supplied washers on the reverse to help distribute pressure across the wood.
• Peen the rivets gradually, working alternately around the circumference so that the boss remains centred.
• Finish the rivet ends smoothly so that nothing sharp projects into the hand space.

Before permanently setting the rivets, grip the shield several times and check the available clearance. Your knuckles and the back of your hand should not touch the inside of the dome. Allow additional room if you intend to use the shield while wearing a glove.

Technical Specifications

Care And Safe Use

• Mild steel is not stainless. Wipe the boss completely dry after use or exposure to moisture.
• Apply a very thin coating of suitable conservation oil or wax regularly to prevent corrosion.
• Once mounted, avoid allowing excess oil to soak into the shield timber, leather edging or painted decoration.
• Remove light surface rust carefully with a fine abrasive and restore the protective coating afterwards.
• Inspect the rivets, washers, flange and central grip before every use.
• Do not continue using a boss that is severely dented, cracked or has developed sharp edges.
• Wear eye protection and suitable work gloves when drilling and riveting.
• Deburr the mounting holes and flange edges if required before installation.
• No rivet or sharp metal edge should project into the space occupied by your hand.
• A shield boss alone does not make the completed shield suitable for full-contact combat. For HEMA, buhurt, stage combat or contact reenactment, the entire shield must comply with the safety rules of the relevant event or organisation.

Recommended Accessories

For an 8th–11th-century Viking round shield, we recommend a suitable wooden shield board, a strong central grip, rawhide or leather for edge reinforcement and appropriate rivets or nails. Linen canvas and natural glue can also be used for a textile facing. For rigorous archaeological reconstruction, select the shield diameter, boss profile, grip construction and edge treatment according to evidence from a specific find. The shield, axe, grip and other accessories shown in the photographs are not included.