Hand-Hammered Domed Steel Round Shield

Hand-Hammered Domed Steel Round Shield for LARP and Re-enactment

Historical Context and the Use of Domed Shields

Round shields accompanied warriors on the battlefields from deep antiquity until the late Renaissance. While the early Middle Ages were dominated by wooden shields with a central boss, all-metal shields (often called a rotella or targe) experienced their golden age in the 15th and 16th centuries. The domed shape of this shield was not chosen by accident – its convex geometry is highly functional. Enemy blades easily glance off the rounded surface and away from your body, effectively dampening the force of the impact. This piece perfectly embodies this historically proven concept and adapts it for modern re-enactment.

Construction, Strapping, and Safety Warnings

The body of the shield is honestly forged from 1.6 mm thick mild steel, with its outer edge gently rolled for increased rigidity. For practical reasons, the back of the shield is blackened and equipped with a thick textile pad covered in linen. Two riveted leather straps serve for a secure hold – one as a firm grip for the palm and the other, equipped with a brass buckle, for securing the forearm. For maximum wearing comfort, we highly recommend wearing a padded gambeson or padded arm sleeves under the shield to absorb the vibrations from incoming blows.

Strong Warning on Usage: Although the shield is made of strong steel, please be aware that it is not certified protective armour suitable for heavy, full-contact combat sports such as buhurt, HMB, or Battle of the Nations. Extreme impacts from the heaviest weapons (e.g. halberds or two-handed axes) may cause material deformation. The shield is designed for light to medium stage combat and LARP.

Maintenance of Your Steel Shield

To ensure this unique shield brings you joy for a long time, it requires regular maintenance. Mild steel is naturally susceptible to rust. We recommend that you carefully wipe the front steel side free of moisture and dirt after each use and treat it with a thin layer of gun or silicone oil. Occasionally nourish the leather strapping with a high-quality leather balm containing beeswax so it does not crack. After a demanding day on the battlefield, always let the textile padding on the back dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated room.

Table of Technical Parameters