I feel bad about taking a little longer then anticipated in posting this. I especially feel bad because I told Allan I would have something posted by Sunday night. :\

Enough of that. Here are two pictures. Ignore the quality please, I had to take them inside today since Chicago weather has been overcast for almost a week now. :(




First off, let me say that dealing with Allan was a pleasure in regards to the shield. If anyone is thinking about ordering ashieldd from Allan and having them do some heraldry work, do it. The price isextrememlyy reasonable and the results look really great in person. It is a service I am more then likely going to be using agin when next I order another shield. For the curious, the device is the O'Brien family which I have a little, very little, bit of blood flowing through the veins.

The fit and finish are what I have come to expect from the Mercenary's Tailor. Very business like and well put together. Nothing super fancy butdefinitelyy useable. I think what strikes me the most about the shield is how light it feels when on the arm. I have not done any extended time wearing it as I am still working on getting all the strapping set up, especially the guige. Elling, if you read this how long do you have the guige on your kite shield. I have it short right now and am thinking of making it longer so that I can hang it on my back for two handed weaponusagee when desired or needed.

Scott

Looks oh so sweet! :D

Thank you Sam. As I said, Allan and his group do a great job of making thier stuff for a very reasonable price. This is now the fourth item that I have ordered from them with a set of gauntlets that will hopefully be here by the end of this week!

Beautiful shield sir! Looking at the second photo, It appears that you have two grip choices. Would that be 1)horizontal for dismounted combat and 2)slightly angled for mounted usage?

Juan,

I would be more likely to use it the other way around. Horizontal for horseback so that you can keep the shield in a more upright position while holding the reigns, and angled for dismounted combat. having the angled grip allows for a more comfortable, "boxer's pose", which allows me to block attacks with less effort. That could be an SCA development though.

Love the coat of arms! Allen does amazing work every time. My dream kit would include full-plate armour from Mercenary Tailor, a sword from Albion, and a scabbard from DBK. Curse the limitations of my budget! :wtf:

A handsome shield, Scott. I like the detail work on the lions and the way they reduce in size down the shield. Nice touch.
Don't scratch it! ;)

Thank you Jeff. The detail is even better in person on the lions. I agree that the reduction in size is a nice touch. The best part, Allan and gang did it without me having to ask. Of course it wasn't something that I had thought of so I am really glad they did. :) It has already fallen onto the facing in my family room. Luckily it is carpeted as can be seen in the pictures. I am tempted to buy a second unpainted one to bash around with. Not sure yet on that one yet though. There are other pieces that I want to get before I do that.

Looks great! I am looking to have a shield made however The last quote I received was 800.00. Who is Allen and where can I get a good quality historically accurate shield with my coat of arms around 13th-14th century?

Ok yes I am new to this. I have found Albion and DBK to be worth every penny and if I am going to lay down another grand I would like to have some reference to quality and historical accuracy. My question is two part. One where can I have one made and 2 hopefully for less.

Why not make one? It'll be cheaper and you can make it to your exact measurements. Most makers make their shields out of plywood as well, which is strong, but heavy and inauthentic. To be honest the only way you're going to get an authentic one for the money you want to spend is to make it yourself.

Having said that, I do own a pre-made plywood shield for a second period I do, and it holds up well in fighting etc. so it depends what you want. If you're going to be doing a lot of fighting with it and don't have the time to make one, then it looks like the Merc Tailor ones have good reviews. You just wouldn't be able to claim full authenticity if they are made of plywood.