I was hoping to get this to someone with some Celtic/ Viking swords to get some better pictures, but alas it just wasn't in the cards.
Allen Foster Made this fine accessory, and its my job to create a line of Targe's and Bucklers that fit the various needs of the community. This design is (Bronzed Copper) from the book of Kells 600-800 AD.
We are seeking some feedback from the forum on size.

This version is just over 13 inches wide. As shown it leaves plenty of blade visible and feels about the right size.
I do have some viking designs, and some Templar battle scenes I am looking at for future face designs. I would love to get some ideas from the folks here as well.

Price will be around $399 for a hand made limited edition.

We will be giving one of these away at some point in the near future, if there is interest in a contest or something.
Thanks for your feedback in advance!

Sam

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Oh Wow!

That's Beautiful!

I think that looks fantastic. A good size for displaying most swords, I think.

In addition to decorative designs, could a version be made that would allow someone to mount their own buckler or targe on the face?

Really nice work sam, might buy one when my custom barta arrives.

Some other thoughts:

- A Buckler with the Wards from I.33 on the face
- Talhoffer Duelling Bucklers
- Scenes from Dante's Inferno
- Durer Woodcuts

Beautiful work Sam. I like the size too.

I can't wait to see what you do when you really put some effort into it! ;)

That is outstanding.

Maybe if I start now I can convince the Mrs. by Christmas.

I have designs from The Book of Kells tattooed on my right forearm. Wonder if she will go for something like " Honey, they match. What are the odds? It's fate I tell you "

Just drew a 14" circle on some cardboard and arranged 2 36" and 1 37-1/2 swords. While it does cover a sizable portion of the blades I wouldn't say it overwhelms them.

I don't think it would cause an issue depending on the type of single hander.

I think more of an issue would be pricing. While Sam's work is amazing and appears to be worth it, when ou start hitting that range you are getting into the price range for another decent sword.

You and sam may want to offer a mid-point option where the metal insert is more of a flat scene than a 3d shaped buckler or targe. May be easier to produce and could potentially sell more.

You May be also able to tap into the Japanese Sword Market by doing the Mons of famous samurai families.

Wow,
Thanks for all the great responses. I sure appreciate all the positive comments and suggestions. I wanted to clarify
about the A&A reference. I didn't ask Craig about using these holders. As usual I did send him some pictures, and he was very gracious as always, something about a "Royal piece" all the way. I will at some point be working with A&A on some displays and shields and hopefully some other fun stuff.

So the consensus is that the size is pretty close, so thats good.

As Allen said, I am looking for avenues for my work and these holders are going to be a lot of fun hopefully. I know the price is on the steep end, but these are made by hand in America. I don't even know how many hours I have into the shield on this puppy, it goes into the hundreds. So luckily I am able to make a few more which takes some of the sting out of my time investment.

I am looking at the recommendations for future designs, some of these I know. I am knee deep in my day job, so I have to be kinda quick.

Brian, I will try harder next time, sheesh!

Thanks
Sam

Allen,
No worries, I know we have talked about so many different things its hard to keep track.

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Thomas Jason Posted Some other thoughts: - A Buckler with the Wards from I.33 on the face - Talhoffer Duelling Bucklers - Scenes from Dante's Inferno - Durer Woodcuts

TJ, thanks for the feedback and suggestions, what Durer woodcuts would make sense. I have most of them saved on my hardrive, also what type of Dante's scene? I have visions of hell, yes? As Allen said he can put anything on there you want. If I was going for a functional display, A&A and Merc Tailor both have some sweet bucklers that would fit the bill.
I am looking at your others as well, thanks again!

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Stephen Curtin Posted: Wed 24 Sep, 2008 10:49 am Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Really nice work sam, might buy one when my custom barta arrives.

Stephen, I would be so honored to have a Barta Sword gracing something I made, thanks for the compliment!

Quote:

Nathan Robinson Posted: Wed 24 Sep, 2008 1:53 pm Post subject: Re: Custom Sword Display I'd love to see stuff based on the woodcuts from Albrecht Dürer. I'd like to see raised and enameled plaques for the medieval pieces with an effect such that is found on the Black Prince Shield. I'd suggest considering more generic decorative motifs such as those found on armours that are more geometric, floral, etc. in design rather than scenic. Consider, for example, this Rotella. For scenic stuff, consider looking at The Romance of Alexander.

Nathan,
Thanks for the suggestions. I love the Durer woodcuts as well. I have often looked at them and thought they are great
material for me to practice with. I will do my best not to botch them up. What specifically would make sense? I will look into the Romance of Alexander and your other suggestions as well. That is a sweet Rotella! I like the floral motif, I would love to work on a reproduction of that.

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J. D. Carter Posted: Wed 24 Sep, 2008 12:18 pm Post subject: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- That is outstanding. Maybe if I start now I can convince the Mrs. by Christmas. I have designs from The Book of Kells tattooed on my right forearm. Wonder if she will go for something like " Honey, they match. What are the odds? It's fate I tell you "

J.D, thanks alot. That is so cool you got this inked on yourself, a noble tattoo indeed. I agree you need one to make a matched set!

Allen likes this Viking/Norman design and wants me to make it for the next shield. Any thoughts on this one?

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