Targe, owned by the Lairds of Grant, later Earls of Seafield

A targe was a circular Highland battle shield made of wood and covered with leather. This example is from the family armoury of the Lairds of Grant, later Earls of Seafield, who were based in Speyside. It dates from the late 17th century.

The targe consists of two layers of wood covered with leather. The leather is decorated with traditional Highland scrolls and interlace and studded with brass. Unusually, the targe has an iron plate under the leather backing for extra strength.

An almost unique survival, the armoury of the Lairds of Grant contains a number of weapons, some of which were used for warfare, others for hunting.

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