This stout Viking Dark Ages Shield is of painted wood and is fitted with a 14 gauge shield boss. The front edge is rimmed with overlapped and riveted plates of steel. Its back is blackened and its robust wooden grip is riveted to the shield body. A round shield may not protect the thighs and shins as well as the kite shield of the early middle ages, but it is certainly more maneuverable. The long kite shield may be ideal for a shield wall, but in a duel a round shield affords advantages to skilled warrior. A fighter who knows how to use his shield offensively can use it to deny entire angles of attack to the foe, or even use it to strike him - particularly with the rim of the shield when held outward. These tactics would not be useful with the more cumbersome kite shield. While Vikings certainly utilized shield wall tactics, much of their conflict was outside of set piece battles and more in the realm of skirmishes, raids and even judicial duels. For the latter of these circumstances the large round shield with a center-grip is an ideal defensive and offensive weapon. Thickness of Shield Wood: 1/2'', Shield Boss: 14 Gauge size: 24 inch X 24 inch approx. Note: shield size/design can be customized on buyer request with extra charges. Buyer can discuss about the extra charges through SMS. For any query please ask without any hesitation.