Buckler

The Buckler was a small (up to 45 cm or 18 in) round, metal shield gripped in the fist with a central handle behind the boss and could be hung from a belt.

This type of shield was reserved as a companion weapon in hand-to-hand combat during the Medieval and Renaissance periods. While it offered poor protection against missile weapons, it was useful in deflecting an opponent’s blows. The buckler was often combined with an arming sword, falchion, or rapier.