Fencing sign – Wikipedia

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The Fencing sign is a medieval protective weapon that serves to ward off attacks with a fencing weapon. These shields are available in different variants, some of which are similar to a small sign, partly similar to arm protection and have been equipped with various additives.

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The first shields that are assigned to the fencing shields were created in Byzantium in the 8th century. The development of the fencing shields adapted to the needs of the respective armament over the centuries. There are many variants of fencing shields, the exact individual description of which is hardly possible. Form, size and materials are different from country to country. Many nobles commissioned their weapons and equipment themselves; This resulted in variants that were adapted and designed. With a few exceptions, the fencing shields did not serve the military, but in civil use. The Italian fencing sign was used in fencing schools and in judicial duels (judgment of God). All fencing shields have the common ground that they can be used for both defense and attack.

Grade [ Edit | Edit the source text ]

The fist sign (also known as BOCE, BOCEE, Rondelle de Poing or Brochiero) [first] , which has a diameter of around 30–40 cm, was used in Byzantium in the 8th century. From there he spread all over Europe. A well -known special form of fist is the Buckler.

Fist shields were used until the firearms were spread in the 17th century.
Later versions of the shields were provided with a small pistol that shoots through the shield hub (in the middle of the shield). When the firearms became stronger and thus became useless, the fencing shield lost every meaning.

Italian fencing sign [ Edit | Edit the source text ]

The first fencing shield of this kind was created in the 14th century in Italy [2] . In contrast to other fencing shields, they are elongated to oval and have a length of up to 2.50 meters. They consist of wood that is covered with leather and painted. In the middle there is a high ridge along the longitudinal axis that is hollow. This trees runs an iron rod, which is formed to sharp, Harpuni -like tips at both ends. The sign is used in this version for defense and attack. These shields were led by hand (without the help of another blank weapon).

Arm sign [ Edit | Edit the source text ]

The first (fencing) arm shields spread in Italy from the 14th century. The arm shield only covers the forearm and is attached with leather straps. These shields are also made of wood, are covered with leather and decorated with temperam painting. They have a sharp, pointed blade on the hand facing the hand. These shields were not used for military use, but were used in the fighting games of the noble society of Italy. These games were usually held on certain days; The best known was the “Giuoko del Ponte” in Pisa.

Lammer sign [ Edit | Edit the source text ]

The lantern sign is an Italian development of the 16th century [3] . It is a small metal round shield on which a armored glove, a pointed blade and other smaller, jagged blades (blade catchers) are attached. There is also a sword breaker on the means of the sign. Another device for holding and breaking an opposing blade is all around to the sign. The special feature of the sign is an integrated lantern that can be darkened via a folding mechanism. This lantern served to blind opponents during nightly attacks.

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  • Wendelin Boeheim: Handbook of arms science. The weapons in its historical development from the beginning of the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century . E. A. Seemann, Leipzig 1890, ISBN 3-8262-0212-0 ( Textarchiv – Internet Archive – Reprinted first edition until 2016).
  • Eberhard Schmitt, Friedrich Karl von Hutten (ed.): The gold of the new world. The Papers of the Wels Konquistador and General captain of Venezuela Philipp von Hutten 1534-1541. Verlag Frankenschwelle, Hildburghausen 1996, ISBN 3-86180-052-7.
  • Michael Störmer: Armory. A compendium of medieval melee weapons. Revised new edition. G&S Verlag, Zirndorf 2004, ISBN 3-925698-46-9, p. 14 ( Dragonsys. Living Middle Ages 4).
  1. ↑ Wendelin Boeheim: Handbook of arms science. The weapons in its historical development from the beginning of the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. Seemann, Leipzig 1890 ( Seemann’s artificial handbooks 7, ZDB-ID 53757-3 ), (Reprint. Fourier Wiesbaden 1985, ISBN 3-921695-95-3), pp. 190–192.
  2. ↑ Wendelin Boeheim: Handbook of arms science. The weapons in its historical development from the beginning of the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. Seemann, Leipzig 1890 ( Seemann’s artificial handbooks 7, ZDB-ID 53757-3 ), (Reprint. Fourier Wiesbaden 1985, ISBN 3-921695-95-3), pp. 184–187.
  3. ↑ Wendelin Boeheim: Handbook of arms science. The weapons in its historical development from the beginning of the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. Seemann, Leipzig 1890 ( Seemann’s artificial handbooks 7, ZDB-ID 53757-3 ), (Reprint. Fourier Wiesbaden 1985, ISBN 3-921695-95-3), pp. 187–190.

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