Copper-Plated 14-Gauge Medieval Shield Umbo Domed Boss with Rivets for Round Shields

Description

Crafted from solid 14 gauge steel and plated in a striking copper finish, this medieval shield boss umbo is designed to serve both as a functional piece of battlefield gear and as a standout visual element for your historical shield project. Known as an umbo in period terminology, this domed centerpiece was a vital part of nearly every round shield from the Viking Age through the early Middle Ages, offering essential hand protection and serving as a tool for offense, defense, and deflection in close combat.

Historically, shield bosses were mounted at the center of round wooden shields to cover the grip where the warrior’s hand held the shield. Without it, the bearer’s hand would be dangerously exposed. This boss’s domed shape acts as a physical barrier to incoming weapon strikes, redistributing impact away from the hand while allowing the user to punch forward in battle to disrupt an enemy’s guard. The copper plating adds an additional layer of corrosion resistance and replicates the richly adorned shields favored by higher-ranking warriors and chiefs.

What sets this boss apart is not only its strong 14-gauge thickness—ideal for real combat simulation and not merely decorative use—but also its authentic design and careful craftsmanship. The copper-plated surface is polished to an eye-catching sheen while preserving a rugged medieval feel, ensuring that it fits right into historical kits or museum-grade displays.

With a total diameter of approximately 20 cm , this umbo is sized for standard Viking, Norman, and early medieval-style shields. The eight evenly spaced pre drilled holes make it simple to attach to your own hand-crafted shield using the included rivets. Whether you’re a  LARP participant, HEMA practitioner, or historical arms collector, this shield boss is built to meet both performance and presentation needs.

Perfect for completing your custom round shield, restoring an old one, or building one from scratch, this piece can handle both the demands of staged combat and the expectations of historically accurate visual fidelity. Its copper plating especially makes it suitable for chieftain-style or ceremonial shields, standing out against typical raw steel or iron bosses.

USE SCENARIOS:

• DIY Shield Builds: Craft your own round shield for combat or display

• Historical Training: Add reliable hand protection for HEMA or stage combat

• Living History: Ideal addition to any Viking, Anglo-Saxon, or Norman shield replica

• Display & Collection: Beautifully finished for museums or private collectors

• Gifts & Presentation: A premium component for gifts to warriors, craftsmen, or history lovers

CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Wipe clean after use
• Lightly oil the interior to prevent rust
• Store in a dry place away from moisture

NOTE 
Each shield boss umbo is hand-forged using traditional methods. Minor differences in tone and finish may be present.