Scottish targe shield ...

Jim McDougall · 25th September 2023, 02:22 AM

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.

urbanspaceman · 29th September 2023, 08:42 PM

I acquired this targe in with a collection of swords I bought.
I remember reading somewhere (can't remember where) that this was made by an acknowledged reproduction expert sometime in the 1960s.
Can anyone tell me anything about it please?
Sorry I hijacked your thread but it seemed opportune.

Peter Hudson · 1st October 2023, 08:45 PM

https://www.google.com/search?q=Scot...nWCRGM6lk,st:0

Just click on the above for a video presentation of a proper Scottish Targe... After the 1746 Battle of Culloden these were made illegal .

Peter Hudson

urbanspaceman · 2nd October 2023, 11:35 AM

Thanks Peter.

Battara · 2nd October 2023, 11:58 PM

Link is not working for me.

Peter Hudson · 3rd October 2023, 12:05 AM

Link is working OK

https://www.google.com/search?q=Scot...nWCRGM6lk,st:0

Peter Hudson

urbanspaceman · 3rd October 2023, 11:47 AM

The link doesn't work on my phone but it works fine on my desktop.
Don't know why.

25th September 2023, 02:22 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,896	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. Attached Images

29th September 2023, 08:42 PM	#2
urbanspaceman Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Tyneside. North-East England Posts: 530	Targe I acquired this targe in with a collection of swords I bought. I remember reading somewhere (can't remember where) that this was made by an acknowledged reproduction expert sometime in the 1960s. Can anyone tell me anything about it please? Sorry I hijacked your thread but it seemed opportune. Attached Images

1st October 2023, 08:45 PM	#3
Peter Hudson Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 314	The Genuine Article. https://www.google.com/search?q=Scot...nWCRGM6lk,st:0 Just click on the above for a video presentation of a proper Scottish Targe... After the 1746 Battle of Culloden these were made illegal . Peter Hudson

2nd October 2023, 11:35 AM	#4
urbanspaceman Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Tyneside. North-East England Posts: 530	Videos Thanks Peter.

3rd October 2023, 11:47 AM	#7
urbanspaceman Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Tyneside. North-East England Posts: 530	Battara The link doesn't work on my phone but it works fine on my desktop. Don't know why.

2nd October 2023, 11:58 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,200	Link is not working for me.

3rd October 2023, 12:05 AM	#6
Peter Hudson Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 314	Link is working OK https://www.google.com/search?q=Scot...nWCRGM6lk,st:0 Peter Hudson