Page 1 of 1

Duelling Shields

PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 12:09 pm
by Mughi
Not certain if this is the right forum, but it seems to be the best fit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97neHuFfPLI&feature=related
I had never before heard of a duelling shield before, but I recently came across the video above which shows them starting at 2:23.

It's hard to find information on it through my usual method of search & wiki, so I brought it here - Does anyone else have information regarding this strange weapon? Has anyone had experience with it or seen one reconstructed? Has anyone a source of literature or articles regarding it?

I am hoping I can understand this like the more conventional weapons.

Also, any more exotic weapons can be discussed in this thread. This find has rekindled my interest in bizarre combat.

EDIT: Found another video,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9VG4ClQcJk&feature=fvw

Re: Duelling Shields

PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 9:13 am
by The Bruce
This book (http://europeanhistory.about.com/od/boo ... combat.htm) has a large section illustrating techniques using the both the duelling and "throated hooking shields". Apparently, they were used in judicial combats with the disputants "sewn into tight-fitting cowled leather suits with a red cross on their chests and backs and the back of their cowls. When fighting according to Frankish law, the combatants use a large wooden mace with their shields. When fighting according to Swabian law, they employ the long sword."

Re: Duelling Shields

PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 8:20 pm
by Mughi
Thanks, very helpful tidbits there. I'll be checking out more of the Fechtbuch for some light bedtime reading.

Good stuff.