Buckler or small parade shield

A buckler is a small shield that reaches no more than 45cm in diameter. Due to its small size, bucklers are best suited to close-combat confrontations rather than as protection from projectile weaponry, however, this particular example would have served for ceremonial purposes. This buckler has a pierced steel front that is decorated with repeated concentric patterns. Gilded bolts attach the shield front to its base. Soldiers would hold the buckler by the central bar on the rear of the shield.