Aqtai, while there is probably a certain amount of truth to the hide vs metal shield statement, I also believe that this also frequently was a reflection of the status of the shield owner, thus I would hesitate to think in such blanket terms......this particular shield has erosian of the koftgari that would be appropriate for that general age, and the decoration doesn't appear to be so elaborate as to rule out actual use, particularly the bosses.
Likewise, a dent looks linear enough so that it may have stopped a blow or two, possibly by a sword or such, but that could just as well have been from a careless mover, so at best it's supposition, but in any case it DOES look to be a well made shield and one that you should be proud to own, Tim.....my own personal opinion would be that this wasn't just a display piece.
Here's a photo of the reverse of an an old buffalo hide shield from the late 18th or early 19th century that was definitely a combat piece....if you look carefully, on the lower left quadrant is a bronze patch riveted over a musket, lance or arrow hole and in the upper right quadrant is a definite sword cut (this leather is so hard as to rival thinner metal shields).
In this case the padding and the grip straps are also of very heavy leather, the only reason that they remain, with many shields having been covered in either paint or fabric on the back.
Mike
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