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Old 25th September 2023, 02:22 AM   #20
Jim McDougall
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Indeed a very attractive piece, and even these reproduced examples are wonderful for display as they represent a most important Scottish tradition as key to the Highland warriors armament.

The original targes as per misc. references the Scot's targe was two layers of thin wood, pegged together with opposing grains , and 18 to 21" diameter.
The assembly was covered with hide, and various Celtic and geometric designs in brass or silver studs, nails.
There was a central boss.....often these had a spike or were a brass cup which could be unscrewed in certain cases.

The straps (as already noted) were typically leather with one adjustable for forearm, the other solid for hand hold.

The inside of the targe usually padded with straw, covered by hide, or in cases noted during the Jacobite rebellions, some actually had the red material taken from 'redcoats' uniforms.

These targes were taken after Culloden and dismantled as part of the proscriptions of arms. Many of the boards were indeed used as lids for various urns and household uses.

Original examples are understandably rare, but exist mostly in private clan holdings or museums.
It does not seem that metal examples were used for actual combat, but the baronial parlor decor in Victorian times during the Scottish trends might be appreciated in displays.

There is a reference, "Highland Targets and Other Shields" by James Drummond (1875) which I believe has been reprinted.
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