Viking Round Combat Shield 73cm (approx. 28.5in) Brown

Viking Round Combat Shield 73cm (approx. 28.5in) Brown – Lord of Battles

Your New Viking Shield in Detail

Visual Design and Materials

This round Viking shield has a diameter of approximately 72.3 cm (approx. 28.5 inches). Its front surface is painted a rich brown, giving it an authentic historical appearance, while the back is practically finished in black. The shield's centre is adorned and protected by a massive steel boss (umbo) made from 1.6mm (16-gauge) thick tough mild steel. The edge of the shield is carefully bound with a steel rim (from 1.2mm thick mild steel), enhancing its durability. Additionally, four distinctive triangular steel plates (also 1.2mm thick mild steel fittings) are riveted to the wooden face, reinforcing the structure and accentuating its Viking design.

Construction and Functionality

The core of the shield is a strong wooden board, designed for full functionality in historical reenactment scenarios. A sturdy wooden handle is fixed to the back, allowing for a firm and secure single-handed grip. Thanks to the combination of wood and quality mild steel used for the boss, rim, and decorative plates, this shield is ready to face impacts. It weighs approximately 4.73 kg (around 10.4 lbs), striking a good balance between formidable protection and the agility needed in combat.

Ready for Battle and Display – Uses for Your Shield

This Viking shield is truly versatile:

• Historical Combat & Reenactment: Fully functional for battle reenactments, training, and demonstrations of Viking combat techniques.
• LARP Events: The perfect accessory for your Norse warrior character, enhancing both authenticity and defensibility.
• Decoration: An imposing and stylish element for your home, office, mead hall, or themed establishment, evoking an atmosphere of ages past.
• Costume Centrepiece: An indispensable piece for Viking festivals, theatrical performances, film shoots, or cosplay.
• Original Gift: A fantastic gift idea for any lover of history, Viking culture, or collector of unique replicas.

The Round Shield in a Viking's Hands

Defence and Tactics

The round shield was the primary defensive tool for the Vikings. Its size offered good torso protection, and the centre grip allowed for excellent manoeuvrability – quickly deflecting blows, actively using the boss to punch (the "umbo punch"), or employing the shield's edge for striking or binding. Vikings were famed for their "Skjaldborg" or shield wall formation, where shields overlapped tightly to create a formidable defensive line.

Viking Age Insight: More Than Just Protection

Vikings often personalized their shields with painted designs – geometric patterns, mythological beasts, or symbols referring to their clan or status. Shields were more than just tools of war; they reflected the warrior's identity. They were also used ceremonially, hung on the sides of longships during voyages as a display of strength and for added protection, and sometimes even included in the burial goods of important warriors, underscoring their deep symbolic significance.

Caring for Your Combat Shield

To ensure your Viking shield serves you well for a long time and retains its full glory:

• Storage: Keep the shield in a dry environment to protect the wood from moisture and warping. Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
• Cleaning: Wipe wooden parts with a dry or only slightly damp cloth.
• Metal Parts: Dry the boss, rim, and decorative plates after each use (especially in damp conditions or after contact with sweat). To prevent rust, it's advisable to occasionally apply a light coat of conservation oil.
• Inspection: Regularly check the tightness of rivets and the handle, particularly if you actively use the shield.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lord Of Battles®
• Shield Type: Viking Round Combat Shield
• Diameter: Approx. 72.3 cm (approx. 28.5 inches; referred to as 73cm in product title for simplicity)
• Board Material: Wood
• Handle: Wood, centre grip
• Boss (Umbo): Tough Mild Steel, approx. 1.6 mm thick (16-gauge)
• Fittings (Rim and Plates): Tough Mild Steel, approx. 1.2 mm thick
• Paint Finish: Front brown, back black
• Weight: Approx. 4.73 kg (approx. 10.4 lbs)
• Use: Fully functional for reenactment, decoration