Medieval and Viking shield, buckler and more for reenactment
Shields – defensive weapons and heraldic symbols of the Middle Ages
Shields are among the oldest defensive weapons in human history and are an indispensable part of any historical battle re-enactment – whether as a Viking shield at the start of a Nordic raid, a Norman shield on the battlefield of the High Middle Ages, or a nimble buckler in a late medieval fencing duel. From fully painted round shields and blank shields to separate shield bosses, the range offers options for re-enactment, exhibition combat, HEMA and decoration.
From the round shield to the buckler: the history of the medieval shield
Ancient origins
The Sumerians were already using shields in organised combat. Wood, wickerwork and later metal formed the basic materials of early defensive weapons.
Viking shield – the archetypal round shield
The classic Viking round shield consisted of radially assembled wooden planks with a centrally riveted iron boss (umbo). Rawhide or leather reinforced the rim, and the handle was made of wood or leather and passed through the central opening. Diameters typically ranged between 70 and 95 cm – lighter than is often assumed, and wielded with one hand.
Norman shield / almond-shaped shield
The extended lower section of the round shield developed into the characteristic Norman shield: tapering downwards, it offered mounted warriors better protection for their legs and flanks. Heraldry also became established during this period, turning the shield into a canvas for coats of arms and symbols.
Buckler – the fencing shield
From the 13th century onwards, the buckler emerged – a comparatively small hand-held shield, whose name is derived from the Anglo-French ‘bocler’ (shield boss). It served not only for defence but, as a secondary weapon, was also suitable for active counterattack. Depictions of it can be found right up to the 17th century.
Coat of arms and the late Middle Ages
The increasing sophistication of armour technology in the Late Middle Ages gradually displaced the shield from the battlefield. The triangular coat-of-arms shield remained in use as a heraldic symbol and in tournament practice.
For re-enactment, exhibition combat or decoration – which shield suits you?
Simple bucklers made from 2 mm steel or straightforward wooden blanks for first-time exhibition fighting experiences or decorative purposes. Blank heraldic shields for painting yourself also fall into this category – ideal for beginners and DIY projects.
Viking round shields suitable for exhibition combat, made from 13 mm plywood with steel buckles and steel fittings; Norman shields with arm padding and carrying straps; and Scottish targes with leather trim. Suitable for MPS markets, medieval festivals and regular re-enactment groups.
Handcrafted round shields featuring historically inspired motifs – knotwork, mythical beasts, Norse mythology (Hati and Skóll). Heavy steel Norman shields with leather straps or Scottish targes in the Battle of Culloden tradition for high-quality reenactments.
Materials and designs: wood, steel and combination shields
| Material | Suitability | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Laminated wood / plywood (13 mm) | Re-enactment | Viking round shield, Norman shield, blank |
| Steel (2 mm) | Exhibition fighting | Buckler, coat-of-arms shield, shield boss |
| Wood + steel fittings | Re-enactment | Round shields suitable for exhibition combat, Norman shields |
| Strips of raw hide | Historical | Edge reinforcement, historical shields |
| Leather | Historical | Handle, edge reinforcement, targe covering |
| Polished steel | Decorative | Coat of arms shields for painting, decorative items |
The Viking shield in detail: dimensions, construction and historical models
Archaeological finds and pictorial records paint a clear picture of the historical Viking shield: the diameter typically ranged between 70 and 95 cm, and the construction consisted of radially arranged wooden planks supporting an iron boss (umbo) at the centre. This was secured with rivets, with a wooden or leather handle running across the shield beneath it. The total weight remained surprisingly low – contrary to popular belief, these were not heavy metal constructions, but light, manoeuvrable wooden shields.
The painting was by no means purely decorative: mythological motifs such as the wolf pair Hati and Skóll, griffins or knot patterns are attested by archaeological finds. The range includes pre-painted shields featuring these motifs as well as unpainted blanks for customisation. Anyone putting together Viking clothing for men or a complete early medieval costume will find the perfect protective gear here.
Buckler – the underrated fencing shield
- 2 mm sheet steel, riveted
- Distinctive sound on impact
- Durable, easy to maintain
- Authentic for HEMA and exhibition fighting
- Weight: approx. 0.5–1.5 kg depending on size
- Can be polished or varnished
- Laminated wood core, lightweight and easy to handle
- Can be painted with heraldic designs
- Lighter than the steel version
- For lighter stage combat and decoration
- More robust than is often assumed
- Can be combined with a steel buckler
The buckler is a distinct class of weapon – not a smaller round shield, but a specialised secondary weapon. With diameters ranging from 15 to 45 cm, it is held in the fist or by a wrist strap. In HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), it is a staple: the medieval fencing manual I.33 devotes entire teaching systems to it. It was used as an offensive weapon for slashing attacks with the rim or the boss. Important note: The bucklers in this range are intended for exhibition combat and decoration – they are not suitable for LARP with foam weapons due to the risk of injury. Those looking for LARP weapons will find safe alternatives in the relevant section.
Shield types at a glance: Viking shield, Norman shield, buckler and more
Viking round shield
Round wooden shield made from 13 mm plywood with a steel boss and steel fittings. Available pre-painted (knot pattern, Hati & Skóll, griffins, horse motif) or as an unpainted blank. Suitable for display combat in robust versions.
Norman shield / almond-shaped shield
Characteristically tapering downwards. Protection for mounted fighters, with arm padding and carrying strap. Available as a blank for painting, in historical colours or with a knotted griffin motif. Wood or steel.
Buckler / Fist shield
Small steel or wooden shield, 15–45 cm in diameter, with a fist or arm grip. Indispensable in HEMA and historical fencing. Suitable for exhibition combat, not suitable for LARP.
Coat of arms shield
Triangular heraldic variant made of wood or steel. Available as a blank with anti-corrosion protection for self-painting, or with elaborate steel fittings and steel bosses. Sturdy for exhibition combat and decorative use.
Scottish targe
Leather-covered buckled shield in Highland style made of plywood, some with brass buckles. Some examples are historically based on the Battle of Culloden – for depictions of Scotland and collectors.
Scutum & Ancient Shields
For ancient re-enactments, the range also includes Roman examples. The selection complements Roman swords and legionary armour perfectly.
Build your own shields: blanks, shield bosses and umbos
DIY projects are widespread in the reenactment scene – and for good reason. A self-built and painted shield featuring a personal coat of arms or a historically researched motif is a truly unique piece. The range offers all the necessary individual components:
- Viking round shield blanks made of wood with a steel boss already fitted – pre-finished, ready to paint
- Norman shield blanks made of plywood, pre-painted white, for custom heraldic painting
- Coat of arms shield blanks made of wood or steel with anti-corrosion paint
- Separate shield bosses / umbos made of 2 mm steel, riveted – for your own construction projects and repairs
- Strips of raw hide as historical edge reinforcement material
Those wishing to combine their shield with matching head protection will find the perfect match in the Helmets and Early Medieval and Viking Helmets categories. Together with chain mail and chain shirts, as well as plate armour, this creates a complete suit of armour. We also recommend Viking axes, Viking swords or, for the Late Middle Ages, medieval swords from the display combat range.
Whether you’re looking for a Viking shield suitable for stage combat for your next re-enactment event, a buckler for HEMA training or a blank shield to customise yourself – browse through the range and find the shield that suits your character.
Frequently asked questions
Historical Viking shields typically had a diameter of 70 to 95 cm. They consisted of radially assembled wooden planks with a centrally riveted iron boss (umbo) and were significantly lighter than is often assumed – designed to be wielded with one hand and for rapid combat movements.
A buckler is a small hand shield with a diameter typically ranging from 15 to 45 cm. The name is derived from the Anglo-French ‘bocler’ (shield boss). Unlike a round shield, the buckler is not purely a defensive weapon, but was also used as an offensive weapon in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) – with strikes from the rim or boss.
No. The wooden and steel shields in this range are intended for stage combat, re-enactment, HEMA and decoration. They are not suitable for LARP with foam weapons due to the risk of injury. For LARP, we recommend special foam shields from the LARP range.
Suitable for exhibition combat means that the shield is designed for controlled combat with blunt training weapons at re-enactment events and medieval markets. Features typically include a sturdy wooden core (min. 13 mm plywood), riveted steel fittings and a secure grip. The specific rules for stage combat vary depending on the event – if in doubt, it is worth checking with the organiser.
Yes. Wooden blanks are usually pre-painted (white or with anti-corrosion paint) and can be painted directly with acrylic paints or historical tempera paints. A lightfast clear varnish is recommended for sealing. Separate shield bosses made of 2 mm steel are also available if you wish to rivet a boss yourself.