Centre boss - Revision history

User 144: /* Saxon Centre Boss Shields */

2007-11-17T14:53:04Z

Saxon Centre Boss Shields

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:53, 18 November 2007
Line 7:		Line 7:
	==Centre Boss Shields By Culture==		==Centre Boss Shields By Culture==
	===Saxon Centre Boss Shields===		===Saxon Centre Boss Shields===
	There is relatively small amounts of archeological evidence for the dimensions of [[Saxon]] shields, but an extent shield from the [[Sutton Hoo]] place that shield at between 84 to 96cm with inferences that others ~~were~~ much smaller. Board fragments have so far been poplar or willow for half the found specimens, a quarter were lime and the reminder were of [[alder]], [[ash]], [[beech]], [[birch]], [[maple]] or [[oak]]. The board thicknesses appear to increase over time from 6.5mm on average during the [[5th century]] to 8.5 in the late [[6th century\|6th]] to [[7th century\|7th centuries]]. A [[guige\|carrying strap]] could be attached by metal plaques (as in the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial) or a simple leather thong wrapped around the [[grip]] (Pewsey find). Decorative metal [[plaque]]s could also be added to the face. The shield would be covered on both sides with leather. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Iron]] handgrips (and one [[copper]] [[alloy]]) are known that lap around a [[wood]]en core. Typically the grip would be [[rivet]]ed to the shield separately to the boss. Rims may have been of leather, metal or rawhide although no archeological evidence has supported this to date.		There is relatively small amounts of archeological evidence for the dimensions of [[Saxon]] shields, but an extent shield from the [[Sutton Hoo]] place that shield at between 84 to 96cm with inferences that others may have been much smaller. Board fragments have so far been poplar or willow for half the found specimens, a quarter were lime and the reminder were of [[alder]], [[ash]], [[beech]], [[birch]], [[maple]] or [[oak]]. The board thicknesses appear to increase over time from 6.5mm on average during the [[5th century]] to 8.5 in the late [[6th century\|6th]] to [[7th century\|7th centuries]]. A [[guige\|carrying strap]] could be attached by metal plaques (as in the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial) or a simple leather thong wrapped around the [[grip]] (Pewsey find). Decorative metal [[plaque]]s could also be added to the face. The shield would be covered on both sides with leather. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Iron]] handgrips (and one [[copper]] [[alloy]]) are known that lap around a [[wood]]en core. Typically the grip would be [[rivet]]ed to the shield separately to the boss and were predominately (only one find has suggested otherwide) constructed of metal. Rims may have been of leather, metal or rawhide although no archeological evidence has supported this to date.

	Archeological evidence indicates that Saxon shields were likely flat or curved in the vertical plane only. This is reinforced by some pictorial depictions.		Archeological evidence indicates that Saxon shields were likely flat or curved in the vertical plane only. This is reinforced by some pictorial depictions.

User 144 at 17:33, 9 October 2007

2007-10-09T17:33:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:33, 10 October 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[image:shieldsround.jpg\|right\|200px\|thumb\|Replica centre boss shields. The one on the right is has a padded leather front.]]A '''centre-boss shield''' was a type of round, oval, oblong or coffin-shaped [[shield]] common in [[period]]. It has called a centre-boss because of the single central [[grip]], protected by a [[metal]] [[boss]]. Most centre-boss shields actually had a hole in the centre with the [[grip]] flush to the ~~shield~~, with the protective boss projecting outward from the shield face itself. Most centre-boss shields appear to be flat, but the best-quality centre-boss shields were ''lenticular'' (lens-shaped), that is, having a slightly conical shape back from the centre boss itself. As extent curved planks of [[wood]] for [[shield]]s have been found with wooden shield [[boss]]es and flat boards with decorated iron bosses, personal, economic or regional variations can be found.		[[image:shieldsround.jpg\|right\|200px\|thumb\|Replica centre boss shields. The one on the right is has a padded leather front.]]A '''centre-boss shield''' was a type of round, oval, oblong or coffin-shaped [[shield]] common in [[period]]. It has called a centre-boss because of the single central [[grip]], protected by a [[metal]] [[boss]]. Most centre-boss shields actually had a hole in the centre with the [[grip]] flush or adjacent to the hole under the boss, with the protective boss projecting outward from the shield face itself. Most centre-boss shields appear to be flat, but the best-quality centre-boss shields were ''lenticular'' (lens-shaped), that is, having a slightly conical shape back from the centre boss itself. As extent curved planks of [[wood]] for [[shield]]s have been found with wooden shield [[boss]]es and flat boards with decorated iron bosses, personal, economic or regional variations can be found.

	Lenticular centre-boss shields had the benefit of structural strength in addition to the resiliency of [[wood]] and [[rawhide]], in the same way that a dome is stronger than a flat roof.		Lenticular centre-boss shields had the benefit of structural strength in addition to the resiliency of [[wood]] and [[rawhide]], in the same way that a dome is stronger than a flat roof.
Line 7:		Line 7:
	==Centre Boss Shields By Culture==		==Centre Boss Shields By Culture==
	===Saxon Centre Boss Shields===		===Saxon Centre Boss Shields===
	There is relatively small amounts of archeological evidence for the dimensions of [[Saxon]] shields, but an extent shield from the [[Sutton Hoo]] place that shield at between 84 to 96cm with inferences that others were much smaller. Board fragments have so far been poplar or willow for half the found specimens, a quarter were lime and the reminder were of [[alder]], [[ash]], [[beech]], [[birch]], [[maple]] or [[oak]]. The board thicknesses appear to increase over time from 6.5mm on average during the [[5th century]] to 8.5 in the late [[6th century\|6th]] to [[7th century\|7th centuries]]. A [[guige\|carrying strap]] could be attached by metal plaques (as in the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial) or a simple leather thong wrapped around the [[grip]] (Pewsey find). Decorative metal [[plaque]]s could also be added to the face. The shield would be covered on both sides with leather. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Iron]] handgrips (and one [[copper]] [[alloy]]) are known that lap around a [[wood]]en core. Typically the grip would be [[rivet]]~~ted~~ to the shield separately to the boss. Rims may have been of leather, metal or rawhide although no archeological evidence has supported this to date.		There is relatively small amounts of archeological evidence for the dimensions of [[Saxon]] shields, but an extent shield from the [[Sutton Hoo]] place that shield at between 84 to 96cm with inferences that others were much smaller. Board fragments have so far been poplar or willow for half the found specimens, a quarter were lime and the reminder were of [[alder]], [[ash]], [[beech]], [[birch]], [[maple]] or [[oak]]. The board thicknesses appear to increase over time from 6.5mm on average during the [[5th century]] to 8.5 in the late [[6th century\|6th]] to [[7th century\|7th centuries]]. A [[guige\|carrying strap]] could be attached by metal plaques (as in the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial) or a simple leather thong wrapped around the [[grip]] (Pewsey find). Decorative metal [[plaque]]s could also be added to the face. The shield would be covered on both sides with leather. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Iron]] handgrips (and one [[copper]] [[alloy]]) are known that lap around a [[wood]]en core. Typically the grip would be [[rivet]]ed to the shield separately to the boss. Rims may have been of leather, metal or rawhide although no archeological evidence has supported this to date.

	Archeological evidence indicates that Saxon shields were likely flat or curved in the vertical plane only. This is reinforced by some pictorial depictions.		Archeological evidence indicates that Saxon shields were likely flat or curved in the vertical plane only. This is reinforced by some pictorial depictions.

User 144: /* Saxon Centre Boss Shields */

2007-10-09T17:30:39Z

Saxon Centre Boss Shields

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:30, 10 October 2007
Line 7:		Line 7:
	==Centre Boss Shields By Culture==		==Centre Boss Shields By Culture==
	===Saxon Centre Boss Shields===		===Saxon Centre Boss Shields===
	There is relatively small amounts of archeological evidence for the dimensions of [[Saxon]] shields, but an extent shield from the [[Sutton Hoo]] place that shield at between 84 to 96cm with inferences that others were much smaller. Board fragments have so far been poplar or willow for half the found specimens, a quarter were lime and the reminder were of [[alder]], [[ash]], [[beech]], [[birch]], [[maple]] or [[oak]]. The board thicknesses appear to increase over time from 6.5mm on average during the [[5th century]] to 8.5 in the late [[6th century\|6th]] to [7th century\|7th centuries]]. A [[guige\|carrying strap]] could be attached by metal plaques (as in the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial) or a simple leather thong wrapped around the [[grip]] (Pewsey find). Decorative metal [[plaque]]s could also be added to the face. The shield would be covered on both sides with leather. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Iron]] handgrips (and one [[copper]] [[alloy]]) are known that lap around a [[wood]]en core. Typically the grip would be [[rivet]]ted to the shield separately to the boss. Rims may have been of leather, metal or rawhide although no archeological evidence has supported this to date.		There is relatively small amounts of archeological evidence for the dimensions of [[Saxon]] shields, but an extent shield from the [[Sutton Hoo]] place that shield at between 84 to 96cm with inferences that others were much smaller. Board fragments have so far been poplar or willow for half the found specimens, a quarter were lime and the reminder were of [[alder]], [[ash]], [[beech]], [[birch]], [[maple]] or [[oak]]. The board thicknesses appear to increase over time from 6.5mm on average during the [[5th century]] to 8.5 in the late [[6th century\|6th]] to [[7th century\|7th centuries]]. A [[guige\|carrying strap]] could be attached by metal plaques (as in the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial) or a simple leather thong wrapped around the [[grip]] (Pewsey find). Decorative metal [[plaque]]s could also be added to the face. The shield would be covered on both sides with leather. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Iron]] handgrips (and one [[copper]] [[alloy]]) are known that lap around a [[wood]]en core. Typically the grip would be [[rivet]]ted to the shield separately to the boss. Rims may have been of leather, metal or rawhide although no archeological evidence has supported this to date.

	Archeological evidence indicates that Saxon shields were likely flat or curved in the vertical plane only. This is reinforced by some pictorial depictions.		Archeological evidence indicates that Saxon shields were likely flat or curved in the vertical plane only. This is reinforced by some pictorial depictions.

User 144 at 00:45, 17 March 2007

2007-03-17T00:45:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:45, 17 March 2007
Line 7:		Line 7:
	==Centre Boss Shields By Culture==		==Centre Boss Shields By Culture==
	===Saxon Centre Boss Shields===		===Saxon Centre Boss Shields===
	There is relatively small amounts of archeological evidence for the dimensions of [[Saxon]] shields, but an extent shield from the [[Sutton Hoo]] place that shield at between 84 to 96cm. ~~Ship~~ ~~Burial~~. Board fragments have so far been poplar or willow for half the found specimens, a quarter were lime and the reminder were of [[alder]], [[ash]], [[beech]], [[birch]], [[maple]] or [[oak]]. A [[guige\|carrying strap]] could be attached by metal plaques (as in the Sutton Hoo ~~find~~) or a simple leather thong wrapped around the [[grip]] (Pewsey find). Decorative metal [[plaque]]s could also be added to the face. The shield ~~could~~ be covered on both sides with leather. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Iron]] handgrips (and one [[copper]] [[alloy]]) are known that lap around a [[wood]]en core. Typically the grip would be [[rivet]]ted to the shield separately to the boss. Rims may have been of leather, metal or rawhide although no archeological evidence has supported this to date. ~~Archeological evidence indicates that Saxon shields were likely flat or curved in the vertical plane only.~~		There is relatively small amounts of archeological evidence for the dimensions of [[Saxon]] shields, but an extent shield from the [[Sutton Hoo]] place that shield at between 84 to 96cm with inferences that others were much smaller. Board fragments have so far been poplar or willow for half the found specimens, a quarter were lime and the reminder were of [[alder]], [[ash]], [[beech]], [[birch]], [[maple]] or [[oak]]. The board thicknesses appear to increase over time from 6.5mm on average during the [[5th century]] to 8.5 in the late [[6th century\|6th]] to [7th century\|7th centuries]]. A [[guige\|carrying strap]] could be attached by metal plaques (as in the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial) or a simple leather thong wrapped around the [[grip]] (Pewsey find). Decorative metal [[plaque]]s could also be added to the face. The shield would be covered on both sides with leather. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Iron]] handgrips (and one [[copper]] [[alloy]]) are known that lap around a [[wood]]en core. Typically the grip would be [[rivet]]ted to the shield separately to the boss. Rims may have been of leather, metal or rawhide although no archeological evidence has supported this to date.

			Archeological evidence indicates that Saxon shields were likely flat or curved in the vertical plane only. This is reinforced by some pictorial depictions.

	===Viking Centre Boss Shields===		===Viking Centre Boss Shields===

User 144 at 09:18, 6 March 2007

2007-03-06T09:18:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:18, 6 March 2007
Line 7:		Line 7:
	==Centre Boss Shields By Culture==		==Centre Boss Shields By Culture==
	===Saxon Centre Boss Shields===		===Saxon Centre Boss Shields===
	There is relatively small amounts of archeological evidence for the dimensions of [[Saxon]] shields, but an extent shield from the [[Sutton Hoo]] place that shield at between 84 to 96cm. Ship Burial. Board fragments have so far been poplar or willow for half the found specimens, a quarter were lime and the reminder were of [[alder]], [[ash]], [[beech]], [[birch]], [[maple]] or [[oak]]. A [[guige\|carrying strap]] could be attached by metal plaques (as in the Sutton Hoo find) or a simple leather thong wrapped around the [[grip]] (Pewsey find). Decorative metal [[plaque]]s could also be added to the face. The shield could be covered on both sides with leather. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Iron]] handgrips (and one [[copper]] [[alloy]]) are known that lap around a [[wood]]en core. Typically the grip would be [[rivet]]ted to the shield separately to the boss. Rims may have been of leather, metal or rawhide although no archeological evidence has supported this to date.		There is relatively small amounts of archeological evidence for the dimensions of [[Saxon]] shields, but an extent shield from the [[Sutton Hoo]] place that shield at between 84 to 96cm. Ship Burial. Board fragments have so far been poplar or willow for half the found specimens, a quarter were lime and the reminder were of [[alder]], [[ash]], [[beech]], [[birch]], [[maple]] or [[oak]]. A [[guige\|carrying strap]] could be attached by metal plaques (as in the Sutton Hoo find) or a simple leather thong wrapped around the [[grip]] (Pewsey find). Decorative metal [[plaque]]s could also be added to the face. The shield could be covered on both sides with leather. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Iron]] handgrips (and one [[copper]] [[alloy]]) are known that lap around a [[wood]]en core. Typically the grip would be [[rivet]]ted to the shield separately to the boss. Rims may have been of leather, metal or rawhide although no archeological evidence has supported this to date. Archeological evidence indicates that Saxon shields were likely flat or curved in the vertical plane only.

	===Viking Centre Boss Shields===		===Viking Centre Boss Shields===
	Historically these shields had [[metal]] or [[wood]]en [[boss]]es in the centre riveted to the [[wood]]en planked body which could be up to 95cm in diameter. Behind the shield is a wooden (sometimes covered in a [[metal]] sheath) or metal crossbar to act as a [[grip]]. The [[grip]] might also be covered in [[leather]] and the ends of the [[handle]] might have [[bronze]] [[terminus\|termini]] attached. The face and back of the shield could be covered in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] and [[paint]]ed~~. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose~~. [[Guige]]s were most commonly attached using rings and eyelets.		Historically these shields had [[metal]] or [[wood]]en [[boss]]es in the centre riveted to the [[wood]]en planked body which could be up to 95cm in diameter. Behind the shield is a wooden (sometimes covered in a [[metal]] sheath) or metal crossbar to act as a [[grip]]. The [[grip]] might also be covered in [[leather]] and the ends of the [[handle]] might have [[bronze]] [[terminus\|termini]] attached. The face and back of the shield could be covered in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] and [[paint]]ed. [[Guige]]s were most commonly attached using rings and eyelets.

	==Centre Boss Shields in Combat==		==Centre Boss Shields in Combat==

User 144 at 09:17, 6 March 2007

2007-03-06T09:17:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:17, 6 March 2007
Line 2:		Line 2:

	Lenticular centre-boss shields had the benefit of structural strength in addition to the resiliency of [[wood]] and [[rawhide]], in the same way that a dome is stronger than a flat roof.		Lenticular centre-boss shields had the benefit of structural strength in addition to the resiliency of [[wood]] and [[rawhide]], in the same way that a dome is stronger than a flat roof.

⚫	Historically these shields had [[metal]] or [[wood]]en [[boss]]es in the centre riveted to the [[wood]]en planked body which could be up to 95cm in diameter. Behind the shield is a wooden (sometimes covered in a [[metal]] sheath) or metal crossbar to act as a [[grip]]. The [[grip]] might also be covered in [[leather]] and the ends of the [[handle]] might have [[bronze]] [[terminus\|termini]] attached. The face and back of the shield could be covered in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] and [[paint]]ed. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Guige]]s were most commonly attached using rings and eyelets.

	Centre-boss shields were commonly used by the [[Anglo-Saxon]]s and [[Norse]], but were known across the [[medieval]] world.		Centre-boss shields were commonly used by the [[Anglo-Saxon]]s and [[Norse]], but were known across the [[medieval]] world.

			==Centre Boss Shields By Culture==
			===Saxon Centre Boss Shields===
			There is relatively small amounts of archeological evidence for the dimensions of [[Saxon]] shields, but an extent shield from the [[Sutton Hoo]] place that shield at between 84 to 96cm. Ship Burial. Board fragments have so far been poplar or willow for half the found specimens, a quarter were lime and the reminder were of [[alder]], [[ash]], [[beech]], [[birch]], [[maple]] or [[oak]]. A [[guige\|carrying strap]] could be attached by metal plaques (as in the Sutton Hoo find) or a simple leather thong wrapped around the [[grip]] (Pewsey find). Decorative metal [[plaque]]s could also be added to the face. The shield could be covered on both sides with leather. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Iron]] handgrips (and one [[copper]] [[alloy]]) are known that lap around a [[wood]]en core. Typically the grip would be [[rivet]]ted to the shield separately to the boss. Rims may have been of leather, metal or rawhide although no archeological evidence has supported this to date.

			===Viking Centre Boss Shields===
		⚫	Historically these shields had [[metal]] or [[wood]]en [[boss]]es in the centre riveted to the [[wood]]en planked body which could be up to 95cm in diameter. Behind the shield is a wooden (sometimes covered in a [[metal]] sheath) or metal crossbar to act as a [[grip]]. The [[grip]] might also be covered in [[leather]] and the ends of the [[handle]] might have [[bronze]] [[terminus\|termini]] attached. The face and back of the shield could be covered in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] and [[paint]]ed. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Guige]]s were most commonly attached using rings and eyelets.

	==Centre Boss Shields in Combat==		==Centre Boss Shields in Combat==
	Centre-boss shields are handled very differently from other [[shield\|shield types]] (such as the [[kite shield]] or the [[heater shield]]) which are strapped to the arm. Tending to be light-weight, a centre-boss shield can be "punched" towards an incoming blow.		Centre-boss shields are handled very differently from other [[shield\|shield types]] (such as the [[kite shield]] or the [[heater shield]]) which are strapped to the arm. Tending to be light-weight, a centre-boss shield can be "punched" towards an incoming blow.

	Centre boss shields were commonly used in [[shield wall]]s, as they were the state of the art at the time of [[Alfred the Great]], who perfected the shieldwall technique. Large centre-boss shields allowed for the easy overlap of the edges of the shields, providing great strength and rigidity to the [[formation]]. With sufficient skill and training, the shieldwall can be quickly opened and closed to allow other [[fighter]]s to slip through the ranks, either to charge or retreat.		Centre boss shields were commonly used in [[shield wall]]s, as they were the state of the art at the time of [[Alfred the Great]], who perfected the shieldwall technique. Large centre-boss shields allowed for the easy overlap of the edges of the shields, providing great strength and rigidity to the [[formation]]. With sufficient skill and training, the shieldwall can be quickly opened and closed to allow other [[fighter]]s to slip through the ranks, either to charge or retreat.

	==External Links==		==External Links==
Line 17:		Line 22:
	*[http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/fireandsteel/shield02.htm Making a Planked Linden Shield]		*[http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/fireandsteel/shield02.htm Making a Planked Linden Shield]

			==References==
			The Anglo-Saxon Shield, ''Stephenson, I.P.'' 2002
	[[category:armour]]		[[category:armour]]
	[[category:shield]]		[[category:shield]]

Cian: Reverted edits by 70.230.191.161 (Talk); changed back to last version by User 144

2007-01-03T11:23:16Z

Reverted edits by 70.230.191.161 (Talk); changed back to last version by User 144

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:23, 3 January 2007
Line 1:	Line 1:
		[[image:shieldsround.jpg\|right\|200px\|thumb\|Replica centre boss shields. The one on the right is has a padded leather front.]]A '''centre-boss shield''' was a type of round, oval, oblong or coffin-shaped [[shield]] common in [[period]]. It has called a centre-boss because of the single central [[grip]], protected by a [[metal]] [[boss]]. Most centre-boss shields actually had a hole in the centre with the [[grip]] flush to the shield, with the protective boss projecting outward from the shield face itself. Most centre-boss shields appear to be flat, but the best-quality centre-boss shields were ''lenticular'' (lens-shaped), that is, having a slightly conical shape back from the centre boss itself. As extent curved planks of [[wood]] for [[shield]]s have been found with wooden shield [[boss]]es and flat boards with decorated iron bosses, personal, economic or regional variations can be found.

		Lenticular centre-boss shields had the benefit of structural strength in addition to the resiliency of [[wood]] and [[rawhide]], in the same way that a dome is stronger than a flat roof.

		Historically these shields had [[metal]] or [[wood]]en [[boss]]es in the centre riveted to the [[wood]]en planked body which could be up to 95cm in diameter. Behind the shield is a wooden (sometimes covered in a [[metal]] sheath) or metal crossbar to act as a [[grip]]. The [[grip]] might also be covered in [[leather]] and the ends of the [[handle]] might have [[bronze]] [[terminus\|termini]] attached. The face and back of the shield could be covered in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] and [[paint]]ed. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Guige]]s were most commonly attached using rings and eyelets.

		Centre-boss shields were commonly used by the [[Anglo-Saxon]]s and [[Norse]], but were known across the [[medieval]] world.

		==Centre Boss Shields in Combat==
		Centre-boss shields are handled very differently from other [[shield\|shield types]] (such as the [[kite shield]] or the [[heater shield]]) which are strapped to the arm. Tending to be light-weight, a centre-boss shield can be "punched" towards an incoming blow.

		Centre boss shields were commonly used in [[shield wall]]s, as they were the state of the art at the time of [[Alfred the Great]], who perfected the shieldwall technique. Large centre-boss shields allowed for the easy overlap of the edges of the shields, providing great strength and rigidity to the [[formation]]. With sufficient skill and training, the shieldwall can be quickly opened and closed to allow other [[fighter]]s to slip through the ranks, either to charge or retreat.

		==External Links==
		*[http://members.ozemail.com.au/~chrisandpeter/shield/shield.html Information on Viking Centre Boss Shields]
		*[http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/fireandsteel/shield.htm Making a re-enactment Viking Age Shield]
		*[http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/fireandsteel/shield02.htm Making a Planked Linden Shield]

		[[category:armour]]
		[[category:shield]]
		[[Category:viking]]
		[[Category:saxon]]

70.230.191.161 at 21:47, 30 December 2006

2006-12-30T21:47:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:47, 31 December 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[image:shieldsround.jpg\|right\|200px\|thumb\|Replica centre boss shields. The one on the right is has a padded leather front.]]A '''centre-boss shield''' was a type of round, oval, oblong or coffin-shaped [[shield]] common in [[period]]. It has called a centre-boss because of the single central [[grip]], protected by a [[metal]] [[boss]]. Most centre-boss shields actually had a hole in the centre with the [[grip]] flush to the shield, with the protective boss projecting outward from the shield face itself. Most centre-boss shields appear to be flat, but the best-quality centre-boss shields were ''lenticular'' (lens-shaped), that is, having a slightly conical shape back from the centre boss itself. As extent curved planks of [[wood]] for [[shield]]s have been found with wooden shield [[boss]]es and flat boards with decorated iron bosses, personal, economic or regional variations can be found.

	Lenticular centre-boss shields had the benefit of structural strength in addition to the resiliency of [[wood]] and [[rawhide]], in the same way that a dome is stronger than a flat roof.

	Historically these shields had [[metal]] or [[wood]]en [[boss]]es in the centre riveted to the [[wood]]en planked body which could be up to 95cm in diameter. Behind the shield is a wooden (sometimes covered in a [[metal]] sheath) or metal crossbar to act as a [[grip]]. The [[grip]] might also be covered in [[leather]] and the ends of the [[handle]] might have [[bronze]] [[terminus\|termini]] attached. The face and back of the shield could be covered in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] and [[paint]]ed. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Guige]]s were most commonly attached using rings and eyelets.

	Centre-boss shields were commonly used by the [[Anglo-Saxon]]s and [[Norse]], but were known across the [[medieval]] world.

	==Centre Boss Shields in Combat==
	Centre-boss shields are handled very differently from other [[shield\|shield types]] (such as the [[kite shield]] or the [[heater shield]]) which are strapped to the arm. Tending to be light-weight, a centre-boss shield can be "punched" towards an incoming blow.

	Centre boss shields were commonly used in [[shield wall]]s, as they were the state of the art at the time of [[Alfred the Great]], who perfected the shieldwall technique. Large centre-boss shields allowed for the easy overlap of the edges of the shields, providing great strength and rigidity to the [[formation]]. With sufficient skill and training, the shieldwall can be quickly opened and closed to allow other [[fighter]]s to slip through the ranks, either to charge or retreat.

	==External Links==
	*[http://members.ozemail.com.au/~chrisandpeter/shield/shield.html Information on Viking Centre Boss Shields]
	*[http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/fireandsteel/shield.htm Making a re-enactment Viking Age Shield]
	*[http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/fireandsteel/shield02.htm Making a Planked Linden Shield]

	[[category:armour]]
	[[category:shield]]
	[[Category:viking]]
	[[Category:saxon]]

User 144: categorising

2006-05-19T23:43:58Z

categorising

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:43, 20 May 2006
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	[[category:armour]]		[[category:armour]]
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			[[Category:saxon]]

User 144 at 11:02, 15 May 2006

2006-05-15T11:02:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:02, 15 May 2006
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	[[image:shieldsround.jpg\|right\|200px\|thumb\|Replica centre boss shields. The one on the right is has a padded leather front.]]A '''centre-boss shield''' was a type of round or oblong [[shield]] common in [[period]]. It has called a centre-boss because of the single central [[grip]], protected by a [[metal]] [[boss]]. Most centre-boss shields actually had a hole in the centre with the [[grip]] flush to the shield, with the protective boss projecting outward from the shield face itself. Most centre-boss shields appear to be flat, but the best-quality centre-boss shields were ''lenticular'' (lens-shaped), that is, having a slightly conical shape back from the centre boss itself. As extent curved planks of wood for ~~shields~~ have been found with wooden shield ~~bosses~~ and flat boards with decorated iron bosses, personal, economic or regional variations can be found.		[[image:shieldsround.jpg\|right\|200px\|thumb\|Replica centre boss shields. The one on the right is has a padded leather front.]]A '''centre-boss shield''' was a type of round, oval, oblong or coffin-shaped [[shield]] common in [[period]]. It has called a centre-boss because of the single central [[grip]], protected by a [[metal]] [[boss]]. Most centre-boss shields actually had a hole in the centre with the [[grip]] flush to the shield, with the protective boss projecting outward from the shield face itself. Most centre-boss shields appear to be flat, but the best-quality centre-boss shields were ''lenticular'' (lens-shaped), that is, having a slightly conical shape back from the centre boss itself. As extent curved planks of [[wood]] for [[shield]]s have been found with wooden shield [[boss]]es and flat boards with decorated iron bosses, personal, economic or regional variations can be found.

	Lenticular centre-boss shields had the benefit of structural strength in addition to the resiliency of [[wood]] and [[rawhide]], in the same way that a dome is stronger than a flat roof.		Lenticular centre-boss shields had the benefit of structural strength in addition to the resiliency of [[wood]] and [[rawhide]], in the same way that a dome is stronger than a flat roof.

	Historically these shields had [[metal]] or [[wood]]en [[boss]]es in the centre riveted to the [[wood]]en planked body which could be up to 95cm in diameter. Behind the shield is a wooden (sometimes covered in a metal sheath) or metal crossbar to act as a [[~~handle~~]]. The grip might also be covered in [[leather]] and the ends of the [[handle]] might have a [[bronze]] [[terminus\|termini]]. The face and back of the shield could be covered in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] and [[paint]]ed. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Guige]]s were most commonly attached using rings and eyelets.		Historically these shields had [[metal]] or [[wood]]en [[boss]]es in the centre riveted to the [[wood]]en planked body which could be up to 95cm in diameter. Behind the shield is a wooden (sometimes covered in a [[metal]] sheath) or metal crossbar to act as a [[grip]]. The [[grip]] might also be covered in [[leather]] and the ends of the [[handle]] might have [[bronze]] [[terminus\|termini]] attached. The face and back of the shield could be covered in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] and [[paint]]ed. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. [[Guige]]s were most commonly attached using rings and eyelets.

	Centre-boss shields were commonly used by the [[Anglo-Saxon]]s and [[Norse]], but were known across the [[medieval]] world.		Centre-boss shields were commonly used by the [[Anglo-Saxon]]s and [[Norse]], but were known across the [[medieval]] world.