An update on the Grand Battle Shield… it has traveled thousands of miles to the castle of its new owner. Unsure if the journey would be by boat, carriage, or on foot, we constructed a spruce attache case to fit. We want our patrons to feel like they are discovering a rare treasure when our pieces do arrive, so we design the cases to look like they come from somewhere exotic and mystical… because Prairie Bench is in just such a special place.
This immense piece of defensive equipment would have to be carried by a few helpers while the knight did sword work around them. For one person to wield the Grand Battle Shield… they’d have to be strong.
The shield uses seven hand planed spruce timbers taken down to 1.5″ thick on a 5% curve. The diamond design is enhanced with 14 axe-breaking steel bolts called clavos. There is also evidence of several major sword and axe hits that look easily shrugged off by the battle shield. The edges are beveled and the back has laminated supports and burnt edges. You’re getting a sneak peek. There’s one more layer of poly finish and the wound iron handles yet to attach. We’re letting the wood breathe a little longer before it gets prepped for travel.
The Grand Battle Shield will hang on the wall with an easy- to- adjust burnt iron chain and 100 lb hook, when not in use.
#272-BL-03-14
Size: 45″ x 36″
Weight: approx 50 lbs, 20 kgs
Designed in Spruce and finished with Prairie Bench Storybook. Uses hardwood dowels and hand tooled steel clavos.
One of the larger shields we make, the Stag Shield. Approximately 30″ x 42″ and designed in spruce with hemlock dowels. The shield is hand carved with a precision etching of a stag image. This is a functional wooden shield complete with iron hand grip and winding, and a leather sleeve. Total weight is about 20 lbs (8 kg). The Stag Shield is finished in Prairie Bench Storybook with a durable polyurethane clear coat to preserve the color and finish.
Designed as a wall hanging, this piece can also serve in a defensive capacity. FYI, the curved top on these medieval shield designs is functional and a knight would balance the lance on the shield, resting the shaft in the curve while riding into battle.
#274-BL-03-14
In keeping with the Year of the Wooden Horse, a new shield woodcut of a medieval horse.
Approximately 32″ tall and 20″ wide, the Stallion Woodcut is fashioned from reclaimed spruce and hand chiseled. The edges are slightly rounded to give the design a barrel shape. The finish is water-based Prairie Bench Storybook with additional light sanding inside the cut border. A polished black onyx stone adds a nice shine for the eye.
#271-BL-02-14
32″x20″ with 5% curve
reclaimed Spruce
We’re still having fun chiseling medieval crests and now—battle weary shields from long ago. These are designed to look used and come with tell tale signs of conflict.
256-bl-1-14 Wooden Horse: this shield is in a traditional heraldic shape with notched top edge for resting your lance. The design is a heraldic rearing stallion. The knots in the wood aligned with features of the horse almost like a constellation. This is the fun in woodwork; when characteristics of wood mirror the project it’s a bit magical. Approx dimensions: 32″x20″ with 5% curve. Made of spruce and ‘aged’ iron handle with sisal wrap. All bolts are custom ground. Stained with Prairie Bench Storybook and finished in polyurethane to preserve the shield in its current state without need for future oiling.
257-bl-1-14 Phoenix: this is a tribute to a heraldic design on the web which we modified with a crown. A splash of crimson was added in the staining process. This shield is well used with 13 X’s scratched into the shield reverse. Approx dimensions: 32″x20″ with 5% curve. Made of spruce and ‘aged’ iron handle with sisal wrap. All bolts are custom ground. Stained with Prairie Bench Storybook and finished in polyurethane.
258-bl-1-14 Aradian battle shield: Where is Aradia? We’re not sure. However they must have had a skirmish or two, because this shield is well used with signs of swords and axes successfully deflected. The handle on this shield is made of hazelnut and includes a leather strap. The front is adorned with eight custom ground clavos. Those are the fancy iron bolts medieval carpenters added to shields and doors to dull the blades of attacking forces. This is a light, defensive piece ideal for close combat. Approx dimensions: 32″x20″ with 5% curve. Made of spruce and ‘aged’ iron handle with sisal wrap. All bolts are custom ground. Stained with Prairie Bench Storybook and finished in polyurethane.
