Shield design (x-post from Weapons Design & Commentary)

[Kevin the Hound]

In the following website:
http://www.bnf.fr/enluminures/images/jpeg/i3_0016.jpg

Taken from the French Biblioteque manuscripts from the Age of Charles V there is illustrated (by footsoldier in the center of picture) a center grip, or at least single grip shield that has a forward curve to the top and bottom. It somewhat resembles illustrations of the jousting shields of the time, but then again not. Many other illustrations in this same collection show similar pictures.

My question is are these fantasies of the illuminators or were they legit shields used by footmen. My studies of fectbooks and renaissance fencing manuals give me hints that such shield shapes might actually be effective, but I've yet to figure out how to shape plywood like that in order to try it out.

Okay everyone, what do you think?

Kevin the Hound



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Pars Acuta in Alio (The Pointy End Goes into the Other Man)

[Patrick]

I once read about a fellow who was making these and selling them. Folks were really impressed at his ability to shape the plywood that way. Then they found out he had purchased a bunch of seat backs from an auditorium that was being remodelled. Ever since then, I have been waiting to see these sorts of seats get thrown out so I could do a little recycling.

Oh, and I suspect they were quite legitimate shields. I am personally not one to apply the whole "artist's convention" argument to everything that doesn't fit my preconceptions. You have all probably met folks who are like that. What fun .

-Patrick