parma

[Marcus Mummius]

Jef, I see what you are saying, but a slightly dished parma would not be too difficult to do the same with!
And would the chaps who used these not be chosen for reasons of distinction on the combat field? A shield which allowed you to focus a punch would be highly desireable, even if you were not in the thick of things...
Just an opinion! I am trying to look at it from the point of view of someone who is used to scrapping!

It would no doubt be more deflecting, and have some practical advantages, but the lack of hard evidence is not changed by this

I've found out that punching with the bottom rim of the parma is highly effective. Long range too, and the shield is stabler (it doesn't rotate on the wrist like it does when you throw a straight punch with the umbo and someone hits your shield).