Scottish shields or sometimes called the targe, were round shields with
loops on the back through one of which the arm was passed while the
other was grasped by the hand. The typical Scottish targe was about
twenty inches in diameter and made of wood covered with leather studded
with brass bosses. It had a central spike which was sometimes as much as
ten inches long and could be unscrewed and carried in a pocket in the
deerskin lining. The Scottish targe was effectively used by the clansmen
as a defence against both arrows and hand weapons. This shield was light
and maneuverable, often concealing a left-hand held dirk. It was used by the wild clansmen of Scotland and gave the Redcoats real trouble during Bonnie Prince Charlie's Rebellion. It had a thick plywood construction that allowed for a thick dose of protection. The long and removable steel spike had a square cross section and screwed into a grommet for use as a weapon. The thick, top grain leather was often embossed with traditional Celtic designs and protected by a leather lacquer to give it a beautiful sheen. The construction of leather over wood, boasting brass accents for beauty and strength along with a fierce steel center spike made it a perfect addition to all collections.
