Maltese Shield
Shipping is not included in price
Maltese Shield
Forged from cold rolled steel. Cut and shaped by hand. Decorated with solid brass and copper sheet. Leather straps enable proper combat handling. Solid copper rivets and brass fasteners secure all components.
The Maltese Cross is renowned worldwide. It is the symbol of the Knights of Malta or the Knights Hospitaller. The Knights of Malta were originally a group of monks attached to a hospice to aid pilgrims. With time, these monks began to offer armed escort to travelers since the Syrian territory was highly dangerous during that period.
With the success of the First Crusade, these monks were transformed into a fully-fledged military order.
A Crusader Knights companion is the shield. Medieval Shields were developed to shield, or protect, a knight or soldier from the direct blows from the weapons of their enemies. The Crusader shield is the first line of defense that will stop most sword attacks from the enemy. The last line of defense is the Knights helmet and armor. The shields of the Crusades usually had the symbols and intricate designs of the group of Knights.
The most famous shield designs featured the cross which was adopted by the religious knights of the era including the Hospitallers and the Knights Templar who had fought during the Crusades. The Knights Templar order adopted the splayed Red Cross as their emblem.
Buyer is able to select color scheme. Brass, copper, paint, powder coating and a wide range of patinas. Leather can be natural in color or darkened to suit.
21 - 23” in height. Width dependent on shield type. Layers are fastened with Copper and brass rivets.
Colors:
Powder Coating: Add $50
A wide range of patinas are available. Call for colors and pricing
Metal:
Carbon and cold rolled steel: no additional charge
Stainless Steel: Add $100
Copper: Add $ 100
Brass: Add $100
Shield Mount: See page for pricing
Laser engraving: Call for pricing
Call us for a quote. These start at $450