Tartsche
Tartschen are shield shapes that were used from the middle of the 14th century and were originally characterized by a notch for the lance or sword , the so-called spear rest or sword breaker , and intended to intercept the opponent's weapon.
The cavalry led the small Rundtartsche (also Faustschild ). This developed into a concave shape, later also with longitudinal grooves, which was supposed to deflect the opposing lance. The tartsch became more and more massive in its development and was concentrated on the left chest area of the rider - the ideal impact surface for an opposing lance. Finally it was riveted to the cuirass as additional armor with a diameter of approx. 20 cm . It is also sometimes shown in connection with the Roland figure .
Tartars used Tartschen, the right upper edge of which (seen from the wearer) was worked out into a long thorn, so that the Tartsche could also be used as an attack weapon. The tartsches of the infantry were made of wood and larger, square and covered with rawhide or canvas. There are also tarts that correspond to a long-sided triangle with the tip pointing downwards. There were also so-called Setztartschen , which had a special shape.
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Individual evidence