X-post - SCA Size for a Flat-Topped Kite

[Ulricus von Geusa]

So as I've developed my kit and decided on a time-frame, I'm trying to move all of my kit to a more period appearance, now working on my shield. I'd like to use a flat-topped kite (period for 1150 yes?) And I'm curious what sizes people suggest here. It's been suggested to me not to go too large so that my form doesn't get sloppy, so based on the sizes from windrose where I intend to buy from, I'm thinking between 22"x32" and 24"32, though I'm open to suggestions. What sizes have you used, and how do you find them? Also, how do you have them strapped?

[Malcolmthebold]

I'm a bit confused by "flat-topped kite" are you thinking about a "heater" shield? Either way my preferred measurements are 24 x 36. 22 x 34 isn't really much different. Are you planning to center grip it or strap it? It makes a difference.

[Ulricus von Geusa]

No, I'm looking for a flat-topped kite. More elongated and less curved on the sides. Something like what is pictured in the portrait of Geoffrey Plantaganet, here:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... nument.jpg

Though obviously significantly smaller than that. I will be strapping it though, and I hadn't planned on attaching the boss.

[Lucas]

The flat top won't do you any favors. You will be hit by offsides from lefties and flat snaps from righties much more easily with that shield. Get a kite with a point on the middle, or barring that, a rounded top, which are both correct for 1150 or so.

[Ulricus von Geusa]

The flat top won't do you any favors. You will be hit by offsides from lefties and flat snaps from righties much more easily with that shield. Get a kite with a point on the middle, or barring that, a rounded top, which are both correct for 1150 or so.

How would it be any different than a heater with a longer point?

[Thaddeus]

How would it be any different than a heater with a longer point?

It isn't, the leg defense is more subtle than with a heater. I had a tendency with mine to throw it out (Being 7075 from mandrake it was wicked light) away from my body, so I bolted two layers of 3/8" plywood to the back. Now it stays where it ought to. The corners work just like a heaters. Mine is more of a proto heater than true flat top kite, it has a deeper 'body' I guess you might say having sides that are parallel for a few inches down from the top corners.
I think mine is 22"x42" - might be a bit wider I am not certain.

Works great.

[Malcolmthebold]

if you take the shield you have pictured, and put it in the dimensions of 22 x 32 you have a heater shield. to get the look you are shooting for you really have to have it cut long. if your top to bottom measurement falls short of 40 inches, then you are basically just fighting with a heater.

side note: i love the look of that shield, and if it is what you want, rock it!

[Ulricus von Geusa]

I'm thinking that's what I'm going to go with. I know there won't be much difference mechanically from fighting with a heater, but it will at least look closer to what my persona would fight with in shape. I'll probably get myself a proper kite for melees, but I'm looking for a tourney shield that doesn't cover me from nose to shin.

[wcallen]

I'm thinking that's what I'm going to go with. I know there won't be much difference mechanically from fighting with a heater, but it will at least look closer to what my persona would fight with in shape. I'll probably get myself a proper kite for melees, but I'm looking for a tourney shield that doesn't cover me from nose to shin.

Personally I hate big shields, but.....

The image you are trying to copy has a shield that more than covers him nose to shin, so (to look right), that should be what you are aiming for.

Wade

[Ulricus von Geusa]

Like I said, I'm more looking for the general shape rather than a direct copy, something to give the general look of a 12th century soldier without carrying a giant shield.

[Ernst]

The (probably) late-12th century Seedorf shield of Arnold of Brienz measures 87.3cm (34.4") in length, though the point is broken, and the top appears to have been cut down. Width is 65.8cm (25.9").



From a previous post--

From _The Archaeology of Weapons: Arms and Armour from Prehistory to the Age of Chivalry_, Oakeshott, Ewart R. (New York: Dover Publications), 1996; pp.275-276. Originally published by Lutterworth Press, London, 1960.

"There are some well-preserved shields dating about 1190 and 1320 which show clearly how they were made. One is in the Landesmuseum at Zurich; it was found late in the nineteenth century in a disused cupboard in the church at Seedorf, on Lake Lucerne; it bears the arms (azure, a lion Rampant argent) of Arnold von Brienz, who founded the church and monastery of Seedorf in 1179. The church was later dedicated to the Order of the Knights of St. Lazarus. The shield is somewhat damaged, the lower few inches of the point end being broken away and all the straps having perished, though apart from that it is well preserved. It is made of lime-wood covered inside and out with leather, the silver lion being moulded in low relief in Gesso Duro. Much of the silver colouring and the blue of the ground survives.

[Ulricus von Geusa]

Thanks for all the advice, I've made a couple of mock ups out of cardboard, based on the size I originally considered, and one based on the info you posted Ernst, we'll see what some of the kingdom fighters say about them at practice this weekend.

[J.G.Elmslie]

dating about 1190 and 1320... it was found late in the nineteenth century in a disused cupboard

Really, I know I've got some old crap in my cupboards, but that's just absurd.

"whan did you last have a clear-out of the stuff in there?"
"oh, about 600 years ago..."