Shields are referred to as the broad piece of armor made of rigid material. They are strapped to the arm or carried in the hand for protection against hurled or thrusted weapons. German shields waere mainly defensive weapons that were used to ward off incoming blows. They were considerably used during both World War I & II. The classic German style weapon was invented to enable the brawniest troops to break pikes.

This shield was often painted with a coat of arms, probably that of the Gottsmann family of Franconia. Adorned with beautiful decoration in brilliant colors on a silver-foil ground, the shields looked remarkablygood. The shields was usually held by a handle or a leather strip fastened to the center of the frame. They were sometimes carried by a strap slung over the shoulder allowing the soldier to use both hands.