Hi everyone. After having read threads on myArmoury for a few years, this is my first post.

I am trying to figure out what patterns and colors would have been used on germanic shields from the iron age. (Pre roman iron age through migration period). I know of the reproduction that is in a german museum but i havent found anything supporting the pattern on it. I know that the romans said they had crescents and stars on their shields, but that is about it. Google has not done a lot for me except bring up video game shields.

Thanks for your time,

Henry

Well there is this stone carving from Hornhausen, which is dated either to the 5th to 8th, or the 7th to 8th centuries:

[ Linked Image ]

Shields from the roman iron age weapon sacrifice at thorsberg were painted red and blue, and the shield from the Valsgarde 9 grave seems to have been painted red.

I hope that you will find the information at least somewhat helpful :)