Buckler

2010-07-05T15:48:17Z

GabrielAkers: /* External Links */

[[image:buckler.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Replica 15th century buckler.]]
A '''buckler''' is a small [[shield]], used in both [[war]] with heavier single handed [[sword]]s and civilian [[duel]]ling with swords such as the [[rapier]]. They are usually between 8 and 12 inches in diameter, and primarily constructed of [[metal]] and sometimes had [[leather]] coverings. They were in common use from at least the [[13th century]] and were common sights for hundreds of years.

The earliest surviving [[fechtbucher|fencing manual]] [[I.33|Royal Armouries I.33]] demonstrates the use of this device with an [[arming sword]].

Of the shields ''per se'', it is probably the lightest, and easiest to move about. But, given that it is usually gripped by a handle across its back, it deprives its bearer of the use of the shield hand. That said, it is one of the easiest to attempt to have your opponent do a "nose-butt" on, just by putting it in the way. It also allows for a quite vicious back-hand rim-blow which could break the nose.

Swords and bucklers were, for a time, very much a [[clothing|fashion]] accessory for well-bred young men. The buckler, when not in use, was hung from the [[hilt]] of the sword, and the clatter of metal buckler on the metal sword hilt was a distinctive sound warning of the approach of a "swashbuckler", that is, an armed [[gentleman]] inclined to [[duel]].

==Bucklers in the SCA==
While historically most bucklers were round, [[SCA]] fencers have developed a number of other shapes and innovations. Most common of those adaptations are other shapes such as square, rectangular and [[kite shield]]s.

==External Links==
See [http://www.thearma.org/essays/SwordandBuckler.htm The Sword and Buckler Tradition] for a multi-page article with many illustrations from period sources [http://www.essaymill.com/ research papers].

[[category:shield]]

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Buckler