Hello!
I have a question about shields. Would a heater shield possibly have a strap on it to make it easier to carry if not what sort of shield would?
Thanks
David

David,
In "Medieval Swordsmanship" by John Clements on pages 102-3 there are a few illustrations showing heater shields with shoulder straps. The strap is known as a guige strap. The text says "Guige shown are rarely, if ever, seen on round shields or those types smaller than heater shields. Guige straps appear most often used by spearmen fighting with kite shields. This makes sense because they would need both hands for fighting and could leave the shield hanging in front of them." Clements, page 102. I think that guige straps were also used when jousting, but I'm not sure about that.

Ben
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Merry Christmas

David; You might want to check out this thread from a few months ago. There was quite a bit of input from fellows who joust for a living on the proper use of the guige, and other aspects of the use of shields, especially on horseback:

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...mor+armour

I hope that this is of service in your search,

Gordon