1st CE Celtic Shield - Shield Strapping for transport

Ceadda · Post by **Ceadda** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 7:49 pm

So this one goes in either Armor or Interpretive Re-creation.

Iâ€™m working on a 1st Century Celtic-style shield. My persona is Irish, but spent most of his life in Gaul and other parts of the Roman Empire. So far Iâ€™ve figured Iâ€™ll need the wooden spine, butterfly boss, and rawhide edging.

Something like what they have here: http://kelticaironagevillage.com/Celtic.html

However, I want to add the strap to the back of the shield so I can sling it over me back. Iâ€™ve been looking online and on here for examples, but with little luck. Does anyone have any knowledge or ideas on how the strapping should be mounted? Am I being too anal about this and should I just see what works?

Niall Mor · Post by **Niall Mor** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:36 pm

I know this is an SCAism but it works very well. I use a long piece of woven trim that goes from top to bottom tied onto two rings. This way it's light, flexible and doesn't get in the way while fighting.

Check on whether you need a spine and butterfly boss or a standard round boss for your time frame. I know they were used earlier, but round bosses were used by this time as well. It might end up coming down to a regional issue. If you need more information, I might be able to look up some stuff in books.

Clinker · Post by **Clinker** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 12:58 am

You could try http://www.larp.com/legioxx/scutum.html for ideas.

Another simple way is to simply tie or buckle the ends of a strap to the handle. Carry the shield out to the battle site, and take the strap off before action. wrap it around your waist if you want to.

Kormak · Post by **Kormak** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 2:24 am

This linkage has some good mention of Celtic shields...

http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_shield.html

Best of luck and post some pics !

Matthew Amt · Post by **Matthew Amt** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:32 am

Clinker wrote:You could try http://www.larp.com/legioxx/scutum.html for ideas.

Oh, no, not THAT guy, he's so full of----wait a sec, that's MY site! Hee hee... Thanks for the plug!

Yeah, I was going to suggest the same thing:

http://www.larp.com/legioxx/scugrp.jpg

Two of the rivets or nails that hold the boss are used to attach a couple of loops and rings for the strap. I put a buckle on my strap, since it tends to snag on my armor so the buckle makes it easier to get the shield unslung. And you can use it to take up slack in the strap while fighting.

Good luck!

Matthew