1st Cen. AD Germanic Shield

[Matthew Amt]

I believe there is some evidence from Celtic or British finds of metal rims, basically similar to Roman ones. A "gutter" of thin metal, with little tabs every few inches for a nail to go through. Later on, the idea seems to be a simple gutter held on with separate strips of metal that are bent around the edge and nailed through.

The conical bosses are interesting because they are thickest at the center, and thinnest at the edges. It seems they started with a tube, raising or drawing down one end into the point (however flat or tall you want it), then working the flange out 90 degrees on the other end. Obviously they were able to accomplish some pretty complex shapes! It's hard to find repros--usually they're spun, though they can look quite good.

Vale,

Matthew