Buckler

Shield or buckler, in the Spanish style. Circular, made in two halves riveted together. Convex in section, edge turned under, roped and bordered with steel-headed rivets; in the centre is a riveted conical boss with a central spike of diamond section. The shield is divided into six compartments by applied, radiating, leaf-shaped spokes; in each compartment is a circular boss, also applied; the entire surface is enriched with a close-set ornament of foliage masks, trophies and the heads of animals deeply etched on a blackened background. At the back the leather lining band remains, also rings for the enarmes, the latter secured by pyramid- headed bolts and rosette-shapes washers.

Shields of this form, with applied radiating spokes and round bosses, but faced with leather or velvet, are in the Real Armería at Madrid (D67). One was in the Whawell and Hearst Collections, and previously in the collection Dr. Richard Williams is now in the Royal Armouries; another was in the collection of Lord Howard de Walden, now at Dean Castle, Kilmarnock.