Shield fetter
As shield fetlock the handles and straps is known in which a shield held or is fixed to the arm. Simple shield cuffs can be found as horizontal or vertical wooden sticks or iron stirrups, often behind a recess protected by a shield boss, but also as “T” or “H” -shaped constructions made of leather straps. For better control, adjustable straps were attached in addition to or instead of such handles, with which the shield could be attached to the forearm.
As a special form and supplement, a long strap was usually attached in the upper third of the shield on the back of medieval shield types ( dragon shield , rider shield , triangular shield ), which was looped around the neck. This additional shield shackle had several possible uses. On the one hand, it made transport easier by allowing the shield to be hung over the back, and on the other hand, fighters for two-handed activities did not have to take off the shield and had it back in position quickly if necessary. B. secured by a mighty blow. During the attack, riders also had the opportunity to carry the shield with the strap looped around the neck / back and only the forearm strap and thereby free the (left) hand to hold the reins of the horse.
literature
- Wendelin Boeheim : Handbook of the armory. The weapon system in its historical development from the beginning of the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century (= seaman's handbooks of arts and crafts . Volume 7 ). Seemann, Leipzig 1890, 9. The shield, p. 170, 174 . Digitized and full text in the German text archive
- Jan Kohlmorgen: The medieval equestrian shield: Historical development from 975 to 1350 and instructions for building a battle-ready shield . Karfunkel, Wald-Michelbach 2002, ISBN 3-935616-10-4 , p. 32-33 .