I'm seeking some information about an item that I have. I believe it may be a vintage/antique buckler, but I'm not certain. I was told that a soldier from WWI brought this home with him from the war; and the story goes that this might have been used by a Samauri warrior. I did some research on the web, but it appears to me that these warriors had little need for something like this as their armor provided the needed protection. I'm writing to see if anyone could help me authenticate this and tell me anything at all about it's origins, who used it, age, value, anything? Or, is there anyone you could direct me to for info?

Thanks!

Carol

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Well, WWI didn't involve Japan, nor did the Japanese use bucklers, so...

Fortunately, it's pretty easy to answer. Looks like a nice surviving East Indian dahl

http://chalklands.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/sh...of-bengal/

Probably Indian. (Could be Persian, Afghan, Nepalese, Tibetan, Central Asian, Turkish, etc., but most are late Persian (Qajar) or Indian (or modern Pakistani). They still make them, for modern costume use, decoration, martial arts, and for sale as fake antiques. The usual name (i.e., the Indian one) is dhal.

They vary a lot in size (from very small bucklers, to much bigger shields about 2 feet across) and material (hide, steel, brass) and decoration (painted, etched, cut steel, embossed, enamelled).

Some info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhal_Shield

The two thick cords are the handgrip - hold both in your hand. The thin cord is there to hang it up as a wall decoration.

Thanks, everyone, for the information. I had my doubts about the "Japan" story.

Does anyone know if this item has any value? How would I determine what it is worth?

I'm considering selling it, but wouldn't have the foggiest idea of a price.

Appreciate the information once again. Also, thanks for the links with the additional information.

Carol

Carol,
I don't know what the policy is here about giving valuations, but if you have a search on ebay under 'indian shield' or 'dhal' you will find other examples as a guide.
Matt

Thanks, Matt! I'll do that!

Carol

the shield looks nice enough but its not japanese in any stretch,