Museum Replicas Renaissance Shield
Original: Renaissance Europe
The use of the large round shield was widespread throughout Europe. This particular example is a steel shield known by the Italians as a
rotella. The
rotella was taught by many Italian fencing masters, for the obvious reason that it did well to protect the user. While not an item that would have been carried around in daily wear, a formally arranged duel could have prescribed the combatants to arrive armed with sword and shield.
Museum Replicas creates this well-made shield out of 18-gauge steel. It is not historically accurate, as the straps are bolted on in such a way that they can be replaced if torn, making it more suitable for martial artists and stage combatants than for living history. The shield comes with a satin polish, and I have painted mine with my personal heron design.
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