Gday guys,

I've recently been able to launch myself into re-enacting and fighting more than i have previously, and its cemented that i don't like strapped shields. i far prefer center griped and bossed styles, the issue i'm running into is finding this style of grip on a shield around the 14th century, I've found the ridged style but that seems later than i'd like and most bossed styles i've found are earlier.

does anyone have any references or knowledge that could help me?


thanks

http://image.ox.ac.uk/images/bodleian/ms.bodl.264/108v.jpg

Base of page on lower right. This is more in the realm of "sword and club work" or a judicial fight than combat IMO.

Of course the most common type of center-gripped and bossed shield in the 14th century is the small, round buckler.
http://manuscriptminiatures.com/search/?year=...anuscript=

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Center gripped heaters show up every once in a while. After all, the arrangement of shield straps is a matter of personal preference, and if you are in doubt you can simply mount more straps.

First of all, check the strap arrangement on you current heater. Does it cover your shoulder when you stand in your relaxed guard? If not, move the straps. Put the shield so that it covers you shoulder or cheek, hold up your arm to where it naturally rests, and put the straps there.
Do not hold the shield flat across the body, angle it 45 degrees forward, and put your hand behind the front corner. You now have a very strong guard that allows for quick strikes at your opponents upper targets (whatever hit zones you are using)
Protect your legs by extening the shield forward and slipping your leg back rather than lowering the shield.

If you still want a center grip, the easiest way to do this is to mount two long, vertical straps on either side of the shield center. When gathered in the hand, these provide a very firm grip and much better edge controll than a regular handgrip.
Below demonstrated on a small heater, but should work on larger ones as well.

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Thanks, both of you

a huge help going to add some straps to my shield and try it out

would you happen to know what that document is dated mart? i'm interested