The bucklers we have found are of a later, high medevial date. Long after the large roundshields where replaced by kites in the battle line.

As far as I know the smallest shield found from the viking age is about 75cm in diameter.

Exactly how they fought with them in single combat is open to discussion, Roland's interpretation works, but would differ radically from the posture used in the line. I use both the open, closed and forward guards based on situation.
Forward guard works well for keeping people at a distance, but also means that I have to close a long way to strike myself. And so on.

Some shields do have metal clamps on the edges at uneven intervals, and/or holes for stiches. But as far as I know there are no preserved exaples of edges with the cover intact. So one is left to guess exaclty how the edge section looked. Or what kind of hide was used on the shield. We tend to asume rawhide, as it is hard and relatively tough. However, if replacement cost was more important than durability a thinner hide/parchment would do the same job.

I'm not in any way advocating doggy chew for proper reconstruction work but I have to say, for a cheap and cheerful buckler for practice purposes a bit of ply with one of those doggy chew frisbees soaked then nailed on is great!

All of this information has been a huge help with me deciding on how to go about rimming my shield.
Sorry that I can't provide any more to this discussion, but I had wanted to at least voice my appreciation for so much.

I have been working on making a few traditional viking shields, still a work in progress.
My sources for anyone interested or happening to come across this for the same reason as I had.
I have used the following.
http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/manu...hields.htm
http://www.utlandstorm.org/Fighters/shield.htm
https://www.youtube.com/user/lindybeige
as well as this forum here.

Thanks again for the information.

Bryce

I'm right with you, Bryce! I'm about to embark on a shield project myself, and yes, this has all been very helpful. Thanks everyone! :D ......McM