Bucklers

A buckler is a small shield designed to be held in one hand. In Europe from the 14th to the 17th centuries it accompanied sword work, providing parrying defense and the possibility of counterblows with the shield itself. It is distinct from larger shields used in the middle ages and is often associated with the sword-and-buckler fighting style.

Design and construction: Bucklers are usually circular or oval, typically about 25 to 40 centimeters (10 to 16 inches) in diameter. They were made from wood, sometimes faced with leather or parchment, with a metal rim for reinforcement and a central boss to protect the hand. An integral handle or a wrist strap is set on the inner surface, allowing a loose grip or a pinched grasp to control the shield. Some examples are reinforced with metal plates or laminated layers.

Techniques and use: The buckler’s small size makes it highly maneuverable for deflecting blows and guiding an opponent’s blade away from the body. Practitioners could strike with the edge or boss, trap or bind an opponent’s blade, and set up openings for counterattacks. It was commonly paired with a long sword, arming sword, or rapier in various European fencing traditions.

History and legacy: Bucklers appear in art and treatises across medieval and early modern Europe, with notable associations to German, Italian, and English fencing schools. They declined as swords with longer reach and plate armor reduced the shield’s effectiveness, but the buckler left a lasting impression on historical martial arts and stage combat. Modern practitioners study buckler techniques in reconstruction, sport fencing, and martial arts curricula.