Targe, owned by Prince Charles Edward Stewart

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A targe is a circular Highland battle shield made of wood and covered with leather. This example was presented to Prince Charles Edward Stewart in 1740 by James, 3rd Duke of Perth.

The targe is made in the traditional highland way, with overlapping wooden boards covered in pigskin. It is, however, much more elaborately decorated than most Highland targes and its silver mounts were probably added in London in 1740.

The targe was rescued from Culloden battlefield in 1746 by Jacobite colonel Ewan MacPherson of Cluny and remained in his family until the 20th century.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-000-867-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LN 49
• Date: Around 1740
  c. 1740
  
• Material: Wood, pigskin, silver mounts
  Targe, dress
  
• Dimensions: 470 mm Dia
  
• What: Targe, dress
  
• Subject: Armour, targes (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Ewan Macpherson of Cluny
  James, 3rd Duke of Perth (presenter)
  Prince Charles Edward Stuart or Charles Edward Stewart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) (owner)
  
• Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, Culloden
  
• Event:
• Description: Dress targe made of wooden boards covered with pigskin, with silver mounts, c.1740, part of the accoutrements presented to Prince Charles Edward Stuart by James, 3rd Duke of Perth
  
• References:
  • Marshall, R. K. (ed). Dynasty: The Royal House of Stewart. Edinburgh: NGS & NMS, 1990 p109 
• Translations:
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