Viking Round Shield Brown 55cm

Viking Round Shield Brown 55cm – Handmade Wooden Replica with Steel Boss

Why Choose Our Viking Round Shield?

Authentic Look and Robust Construction

This Viking shield impresses at first glance with its traditional appearance. The front, lacquered in a rich brown, is crafted from durable plywood, ensuring both strength and a relatively light weight. The dominant feature is the massive steel boss (umbo) in the centre, protecting your hand in combat. The entire rim of the shield is reinforced with an iron or steel band, increasing its resistance to blows.

Comfortable and Secure Grip

The blackened back of the shield is practically equipped with an adjustable leather strap featuring a sturdy iron buckle for a firm attachment to your forearm. A strong metal handle, lined with wood for a more comfortable grip, ensures you can hold the shield securely, even in the heat of battle or during a presentation.

How You Can Use Your Shield

Reenactment, LARP, and Historical Combat

Thanks to its full functionality and robust construction from tough mild steel and wood, this shield is ready for action. It safely absorbs or deflects the force of a blow, becoming your reliable protection during historical battles, stage combat, or LARP events. Ideal for anyone seeking quality equipment for Viking-era combat.

Decoration with Historical Flair

Hang the shield on the wall of your home, office, club room, or game room to give the space a touch of the Viking Age. It also serves as a stylish element in thematically decorated restaurants, pubs, or escape rooms.

Theatre, Film, and Costumes

A perfect prop for theatrical performances, film shoots, or themed events and festivals. Complete your Viking, Early Medieval, or fantasy costume with an unmissable and authentic element.

Unique Gift Idea

Delight any history lover, fan of Norse mythology, Viking enthusiast, collector of unique items, or active participant in historical events with this exceptional piece.

The Round Shield Through the Ages

Advantages Proven Over Centuries

The round shield, particularly typical for Vikings and other Early Medieval warriors, was the most widespread type of protection for many centuries. Its popularity stemmed from several key advantages. It was large enough (typically 70-90 cm, though our model offers a more compact 55 cm for specific uses or decoration) to cover the torso, yet relatively light and manoeuvrable for active combat. It allowed for quick reactions and effective blocking of blows from various directions.

Smart Design for Effective Defence

The round shape also had the advantage that blows hitting the edge often glanced off, reducing the force transmitted to the warrior's arm and the risk of damage to the shield itself. Unlike some angular shields that could absorb the full force of a blow directly and be more prone to breaking, the round shield was more resilient in this regard. Vikings often decorated their shields with personal or clan symbols and colours, making the shield an expression of identity and fighting spirit.

Did You Know? The Shield Wall – The Vikings' Impenetrable Defence

Vikings were renowned for their masterful use of shields, not only individually but also in collective defence. One of their most famous tactics was the "Skjaldborg," or shield wall. Warriors would line up closely साइड-बाय-साइड, often in several ranks, overlapping their round shields to create an almost impenetrable barrier protecting them from enemy arrows, spears, and close-combat attacks. This formation required discipline, strength, and coordination but provided excellent protection, allowing Vikings to advance even under heavy enemy fire or defend strategic positions.

Caring for Your Viking Shield

To ensure your shield serves you for a long time and retains its original beauty and functionality, give it a little care:

• Storage: Keep the shield in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid areas with extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity, which could damage the wood, lacquer, and leather.
• Cleaning: Wipe lacquered wooden parts with a dry or only slightly damp, soft cloth. After outdoor use or contact with moisture, lightly wipe down metal parts (boss, rim, rivets) and, if necessary, treat them with a thin layer of conservation oil (e.g., WD-40 or specialist gun oil) to prevent corrosion.
• Leather Strap: Occasionally treat the leather strap with a suitable leather conditioner or balm to keep it supple, strong, and prevent cracking.
• Inspection: Regularly check the tightness of all rivets and the attachment of the handle and strap, especially if you actively use the shield.

Technical Specifications

• Product Name: Early Medieval Viking Round Shield 55cm
• Type: Replica of a historical shield, round
• Diameter: Approx. 55.5 cm (simplified to 55 cm in the title, equivalent to approx. 21.5 inches)
• Shield Plate Material: Durable Plywood
• Front Finish: Brown lacquered
• Back Finish: Blackened
• Shield Boss (Umbo): Steel (tough mild steel), sheet thickness approx. 1.5 mm
• Rim Fitting: Iron/Steel band, steel rivets
• Handle: Metal, ergonomically lined with wood
• Strap: Adjustable leather strap with iron buckle for forearm attachment
• Thickness at Edge: Approx. 14.5 mm
• Weight: Approx. 4 kg
• Manufacture: Handmade
• Intended Use: Fully functional for reenactment, LARP, historical combat, theatre; also as a collector's item or stylish decoration