The Underestimated Shield Boss

Hello sword people,

today I want to bring to your attention possible applications of the shield boss in close combat which might even shed some light on more obscure umbo shapes, and why shield bosses were ultimately abandoned in the High Middle Ages.

At the end of this post I have included a reminder for re-enactors of the Vking Age, to sign up for the Hedeby Bouts in April.

And those of you who are eagerly awaiting the launch of the sword & buckler online course may care to note that its release is scheduled for April/May. Of course I will keep you up-dated.

I hope you will find this newsletter enjoyable.

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Bosses – what are they good for?

In military history, shield bosses occur on various forms of shields. They come in a variety of shapes, and there have been more or less convincing attempts to explain their morphology and the reasons why they disappeared in the High Middle Ages (with the exception of bucklers, that is).

Traditionally, the boss is considered a metal hand protection on an otherwise less sturdy shield made from organic materials, a concept that makes perfect sense. On the other hand, later shields of the High Middle Ages do no longer sport bosses despite the persisting threat of spear points, arrow heads and the like. Still, a metal boss was considered redundant even though shield boards still only consisted of thin wooden planks covered with hide or occasionally linen, and not every combatant wore mail mittens.

Spikes, pointy spirals and trumpet-shaped extensions on the tips of shield bosses have repeatedly been seen as an indication for using them offensively. However, striking at the opponent with a shield boss has hardly more reach than punching with a bare fist, and thus requires to be close enough to the opponent, much closer than fencing range. Plus, it is a relatively clumsy move with a large shield, and very vulnerable in terms of leverage.

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A More Refined Approach

My friend and fellow swordsman Mikkel Mønsted approached the subject in a more nuanced way when he presented a refined technique for the flat centre-gripped round shield: he suggests that the boss could be used to catch the opposing shield edge from below and lever open the shield to create an opening to strike at with the hand weapon. This kind of action is performed at fencing distance, not in fist fighting range, and is thus generally safer in armed combat. Here is a video demonstration of the technique under discussion, plus a counter which was developed by Simon Peters-Vealsquez:

Go to video

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Sharps Work Best

Hooking a shield edge is all the more promising when your shield boss sports a recess or neck as seen on some boss types such as the one from Elsfeld shown in the photo further above. As of now, Mikkel’s suggested application is the best explanation for this form and feature.

We also found out that the sort of blade manipulation that precedes the shield lock works perfectly with sharp sword, while blunt practice blunts occasionally slide of. If you have not seen the respective demo yet, you can watch a video here:

Go to video

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Open them up!

Catching a shield edge with the boss and locking the shield in position is a very powerful technique. In fact, it is by no means limited to the opposing shield’s lower edge. It is actually quite possible that catching the top edge was done more frequently in historical combat.

Our Finnish friends ‘Hirdmenn‘ have previously demonstrated techniques for spear and scutum. From the overarm spear postion, the most commonly depicted one in historical imagery, the spear is used to push down the opposing shield wich makes its top edge tilt forward. Next, one’s own shield locks the opposing one in position, and the spear is free to hit the opening created. Read more and find video links in a previous newsletter.

Go to post

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Catching The Top Edge

So it is only consistent that Mikkel recently presented an according variant of his shield lock. The technique starts from a shield bind again, yet this time the opposing shield’s lower half is pushed back with the sword. This makes the adversary’s shield’s top edge drop down and forward, giving the attacker a chance to catch it with his boss from above. You can find a step-by-step breakdown of the technique plus images in a post of mine which also contains a link to Mikkel’s respective video.

Go to post

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What about domed shields?

In light of this practical experimentation, the peculiar shield extensions mentioned above (and depicted in this miniature) appear to make more sense: such extensions seem better suited to catch an opposing shield edge than to work as a weapon proper. Admittedly, application of this technique becomes more challenging when shields are domed, not flat. A domed shield is more difficult to lever open, and shield edges are curving away from the attacker. A very high boss may help, as it would provide more reach. I think that the bosses depicted in the Carolingian Stuttgart Psalter, sitting on seriously domed shields, would be just perfect for this purpose.

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Why were bosses abandoned?

Note that the shields discussed so far are all centre-gripped ones. Using the boss of a centre-gripped shield in the suggested manner works because a) you know exactly where your boss is located, namely in front of your shield hand, and b) because you have sufficient reach, namely arm length plus boss height.

When using a shield that is fitted with arm straps, this technique could only be applied if you still hold the shield in a centre grip. If, in contrast, the shield is used with the forearm strapped flat to the shield board, a boss is usually located further back in relation to the hand, and is no longer pointing forward when you extend your shield. Thus, with this setup, the mechanics described above would not work anymore. This could explain why, as early as in the 10th century, many Ottonian oval shields did no longer sport a boss.

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Hedeby Bouts 23/24 April 2023

If you are all excited about trying out shield locks now, you are welcome to do so at the up-coming Hedeby Bouts on the weekend of 23/24 April 2023. Just send me an email to sign up. Find general info here.

Looking forward to fencing you or welcoming you as a museum visitor at Hedeby in April.

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So, that's it for today. Take care, and never underestimate a shield boss!

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Yours,

Roland

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