Beyond covering the hand and grip, a shield boss added real structural rigidity to the shield face, and smaller shields such as bucklers called for a correspondingly compact boss rather than a large centrepiece scaled for a full-sized round shield. This reproduction recreates that compact boss form.
Shield Boss, Compact
A shield boss, or umbo, is a round, convex or conical piece of material fitted at the centre of a shield, covering the handgrip while presenting a hardened point that could also serve as an offensive striking surface. This compact boss offers a smaller, lighter option suited to smaller shields or bucklers. Made of thick metal, it retains genuine protective and structural function despite its reduced size.
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