Buckler
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A buckler (French bouclier 'shield', from Old French bocle, boucle 'boss') is a small shield, up to 45 cm (up to 18 in) in diameter, gripped in the fist with a central handle behind the boss.[1] While being used in Europe since antiquity,[2] it became more common as a companion weapon in hand-to-hand combat during the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Its size made it poor protection against missile weapons (e.g., arrows) but useful in deflecting the blow of an opponent's weapons, binding his arms or hindering his movements.
MS I.33, considered the earliest extant armed-combat manual, (around 1300) contains an early description of a system of combat with buckler and sword.
Typology
According to the typology of Schmidt there are three main types of buckler regarding their shape:[3]
- Type I: round
- Type II: rectangular or trapezoid
- Type III: oval or teardrop-shaped
These types are combined with the cross sections:
- Type a: flat
- Type b: concave
- Type c: convex
- Type d: wavelike
These apply also if the cross section is only apparent in one axis.
The typology consists of the combination of these two characteristics. A Type Ia would be a round, flat buckler, whereas a Type IId would be a rectangular, wavelike buckler typical for Italy in the 16th century.
Uses
The buckler was more widely used than is commonly known. It was a simple yet effective weapon, often combined with an arming sword, falchion, or rapier. It was popular circa 1100 to 1600.[4] The buckler had a variety of roles when it came to swordplay, but five principal means come to the fore as described in MS I.33. Each use recognizes the shield's small size and maneuverability when dealing with light blades.
- Hand protection: The primary use of the buckler was to protect the sword hand.
- Deflector: The buckler's lightness and curved center made it excellent for deflecting attacking blades.
- Blinder: The light blades used in conjunction with the buckler depended on rapid movements, which meant that a single second was an important advantage. The wielder of the buckler could use the buckler to shield his sword-hand's position from view, keeping his opponent from guessing his next strike.
- "Metal fist": A buckler could be used to directly attack an opponent by punching with either its flat face or its rim.
- Binder: The buckler could be used to bind an opponent's sword hand and weapon as well as their buckler against their body. The buckler was also very useful in grappling, where it allowed an opponent's arms to be easily wrapped up and controlled.[5]
Decoration
In classical antiquity, bucklers on medals were either used to signify public vows rendered to the gods for the safety of a prince, or that he was esteemed the defender and protector of his people: these were called votive bucklers, and were hung at altars, etc.[6]
See also
- Adarga
- Lantern shield
- Rodeleros (lit., "shield bearers", also known as "sword and buckler men")
- Swashbuckler
- Targe
References
- ↑ Herbert Schmidt. "Book of the Buckler", page 13, Wyvern Media, ISBN 978-0992991838
- ↑ Herbert Schmidt. "Book of the Buckler", page 15 ff, Wyvern Media, ISBN 978-0992991838
- ↑ Herbert Schmidt. "Book of the Buckler",page 23 ff, Wyvern Media, ISBN 978-0992991838
- ↑ http://www.thearma.org/essays/SwordandBuckler.htm The Sword & Buckler Tradition
- ↑ Ossian, Rob. Pirate's Cove http://www.thepirateking.com/historical/buckler.htm. Retrieved 2015-09-09. Missing or empty
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This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chambers, Ephraim, ed. (1728). "article name needed". Cyclopædia, or an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences (first ed.). James and John Knapton, et al.
Bibliography
- Herbert Schmidt. "Book of the Buckler", Wyvern Media, ISBN 978-0992991838
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Buckler (shield). |
 Buckler(small version, 15th Century Style) | |
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Bucklers in training |
