Centre boss: Difference between revisions
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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 [[shield]]s 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. There is some speculation that some may have had a slight conical shape to the [[shield]]. |
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 [[shield]]s 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. There is some speculation that some may have had a slight conical shape to the [[shield]]. |
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Historically these [[shield]]s had [[metal]] [[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 [[wood]]en or [[metal]] crossbar to act as a handle. The face and back of the [[shield]] could be covered in [[leather]] stuffed with grass and painted. [[ |
Historically these [[shield]]s had [[metal]] [[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 [[wood]]en or [[metal]] crossbar to act as a handle. The face and back of the [[shield]] could be covered in [[leather]] stuffed with grass and painted. [[Housecarl]]s were specifically instructed not to use [[leather]] from [[sheep]] for this purpose. |
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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. |
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Revision as of 07:02, 8 February 2006
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. There is some speculation that some may have had a slight conical shape to the shield.
Historically these shields had metal bosses in the centre riveted to the wooden planked body which could be up to 95cm in diameter. Behind the shield is a wooden or metal crossbar to act as a handle. The face and back of the shield could be covered in leather stuffed with grass and painted. Housecarls were specifically instructed not to use leather from sheep for this purpose.
Centre-boss shields are handled very differently from other 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 by the Anglo-Saxons and and Norse, but were known across the medieval world.
