Small Reinforced Buckler

Description of the Product

Within Royal Armories you can find the oldest European martial arts manual that has survived to our days (and also one of the oldest in the world). This 64 paged manuscript is known by the catalogue number Royal Armouries Ms. I.33 as the original title and author are unknown. In this finely drawn manual you can find offensive and defensive techniques using sword and buckler and it is one of the best information sources for a modern reenactor training in the use of buckler. I.33 has been written most likely between 1290 and 1320 (at the very end of the last crusades) but bucklers were used all the way from 1100 well into 17th century.

Bucklers, shields gripped with the fist, were frequently used in combination with single-handed swords from the High Middle Ages to the Renaissance. They are useful for shielding from, as well as giving out blows. The handle is riveted firmly to the shield and wrapped in leather for comfort and to cushion shocks.

This round buckler has been strengthened with two steel bands that cross over the shield. This buckler is made from 2 mm thick steel and has been designed for re-enactment combat use.

• Bucklers were light and nimble, and common sight on the battlefield
• Bucklers remained in use from 1100 well into 17th century
• Diameter: 23 cm
• Plate thickness: 2 mm
• Weight: 0.9 kg