The targe held a genuinely unusual place in the history of shields: while most of Europe had abandoned hand-held shields by the age of gunpowder, Highland Scots continued carrying the targe into battle right up to Culloden, where its thick wooden core proved capable of stopping grapeshot and deflecting musket balls as well as blades and bayonets. Many targes carried a spiked central boss, turning the shield itself into a weapon, and some warriors concealed a dirk behind it for a grim surprise in close combat. Following the Jacobites’ defeat at Culloden in 1746, this reproduction recreates that historic Highland shield in wood overlaid with embossed leather, brass boss and studs, and a suede-backed grip with an integrated spike pocket.
Primus Culloden Scottish Highland Targe (Scotland, 18th Century)
The targe is one of the most iconic defensive arms of the Scottish Highland warrior, deeply associated with the final chapter of the Jacobite rising at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. This reproduction is crafted from wood overlaid with leather bearing an embossed Celtic design, with a brass shield boss and numerous brass studs, and a suede leather back with an integrated pocket for a 6¼-inch steel spike. Unlike most shields, the targe was not discarded as firearms came to dominate the battlefield — its thick wooden core could stop grapeshot and deflect musket balls as well as blades.
- Material: Wood overlaid with embossed leather
- Fittings: Brass shield boss and studs
- Back: Suede leather with arm strap and grip
- Includes: Integrated pocket for a 6¼” steel spike
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