Description

Material: 14-gauge solid body with 16-gauge steel umbo
Diameter: 30 in (75.6 cm)
Weight: Approx. 5 kg
Handle: Wooden grip, 13 cm (5.1 in) length, 2.7 cm (1.1 in) wide
Shield Depth: 8.4 cm (3.3 in)
Finish: Two-tone red & blue paint with steel edging
Use: Ideal for costume kits, stage combat, living history, and medieval displays

Step back into the world of early medieval warriors with this Anglo-Saxon Shield, a faithful representation of the defensive gear carried by soldiers of that era. This round shield, measuring 30 inches (75.6 cm) in diameter, is constructed from a solid 14-gauge steel body, providing a strong yet manageable surface. At its center, a hand-forged 16-gauge steel umbo projects outward, designed to deflect blows and protect the hand gripping the shield behind it.

The umbo is carefully fitted to the shield’s body, reinforcing the area where impact is most likely to occur. Attached securely at the back is a sturdy wooden handle, measuring 13 cm (5.1 in) in length and 2.7 cm (1.1 in) in width, shaped to fit comfortably in the hand and allow for quick maneuvering during combat. The shield’s depth of 8.4 cm (3.3 in) creates a slight curve, which not only adds structural strength but also helps to absorb and redirect incoming strikes. Weighing in at approximately 5 kilograms (11 pounds), this shield strikes a balance between authenticity and usability, carrying a weight that a warrior of the time would have been accustomed to bearing in battle.

The shield is finished with a two-tone red and blue paint scheme, edged with steel to protect its rim from damage. Such coloring was common among Anglo-Saxon warriors, often serving both decorative and symbolic purposes. Whether used in reenactments, stage combat, or museum displays, this shield offers a tangible connection to the martial culture of early medieval England.

Fun Fact: Anglo-Saxon shields were often made of wood and covered with leather or rawhide, but the central steel umbo was a vital innovation that allowed warriors to punch back at their foes without injuring their hands.