that besides the larger pieces of ordnance, smaller arms, such as, for instance, the target "gonnes" under discussion, were included. This is, we venture to think, the only possible explanation of the presence of one of these shields in the Malta Armoury.
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Fig. 624. Buckler of iron
Middle of XVIth century
No. 50, Wallace Collection
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Fig. 625. Small buckler of embossed iron
English, late XVIth century
Collection: Lord Kenyon
There is in the Wallace Collection a small steel buckler dating from the early years of the XVIth century that we think is of a type interesting enough to illustrate, No. 50 (Fig. 624). It shows a border round the edge about one inch wide, flanged outwards and sufficiently raised to catch the point of an adversary's sword. In the centre is a deep boss, in the interior of which was the fist grip. Of the common type of ordinary small bucklers is the example in Lord Kenyon's Collection—a quaint little armament of rough workmanship, embossed round the border with the inscription:—Wisdom, Faith and Prowess Support Kingdoms. In the centre are the rose, fleur-de-lis, harp, and portcullis of the city of Westminster. This buckler is probably of London workmanship, and dates towards the close of the XVIth century (Fig. 625).
Belonging to the tournament equipment of a knight is a whole series of small wooden shoulder shields of various forms which have in some instances a considerable likeness to the legitimate fighting shields of the bouche de la lance type, and in the past have not been recognized as belonging to a tilting equipment. The famous Meyrick shield, now in the Wallace Collection, No. 324 (Fig. 626), is very representative of the form in question. It is strongly convex in form and made of wood, covered with canvas, parchment, and gesso. Three ridges run down the centre.
