Norman kite shield grip

by whistling_pig

I often see kite shields with a shield boss, i've heard these were decorative. However i'm wondering if Norman shields had a grip like the one pictured here http://images.history-revisited.com/l/alias3/AH3967-viking-norman-kite-shield-bayeux-tapestry-.jpg

MartinGreywolf

No.

First of all, that shiled reproduction can't be held comfortably, or without breaking your wrist once it starts to take hits. The boss is in the wrong place, the boss is far too small to accomodate your hand and give it room once a hit is taken etc.

Since the link claims that abomination to be a Bayeaux tapestry reproduction, here's what tapestry shows these shields actually look like: https://lostdelights.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/kiteshield4back.png

That shield has its grip much, much lower, and I'd think it has a secondary strap near the elbow to keep the shield aligned, though that could just be edge of gambeson sleeve. The grip there also probably isn't wooden bar, but a leather strap, though again, it's hard to tell. It also isn't the only way a shield can be held, as evidenced by the second rider, who wouldn't be able to put his shield where it is if it had the same grip unless his arms were made of rubber.

Some other Bayeaux examples: http://www.angelfire.com/wy/svenskildbiter/armsandarmour/bayeux1.jpg http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/bayeux-tapestry-1067-battle-of-hastings-14-october-1066-anglosaxon-picture-id113492414

The closest thing to a kite shield with a wodden bar grip I can find is here: http://manuscriptminiatures.com/4762/7797/