Ethiopian shield Metal

roanoa · 9th June 2009, 06:54 PM

There no documents pointing to the manufacturer, at least none that I am aware of. However, based on the fact that all the metal shields I have seen are identical (and required good machinery to make) and that the decorations are mass produced by stamping and that the rivets are clearly European made, I have no doubts that these shields were imported in the "raw" state and assembled locally.
Kino, where are you from? Which market are you referring to? Leather shields show up on eBay from time to time. Some are good, some are "tourist junk"....

kino · 11th June 2009, 01:37 AM

HTML Code:

Kino, where are you from? Which market are you referring to?

I'm from the Seattle area. Local markets to me are the gun shows, antique stores and flea markets.

roanoa · 27th June 2009, 08:57 PM

Here are two pictures that should well illustrate the 3 patterns of the metal imported shields. As I said, these are the only 3 patterns I am aware of. I have seen them with small variations, but the 3 patterns can always be identified. The picture of the warriors is very interesting because it shows all 3 patterns and, in my opinion, confirms that these metal shields were popular and fairly common. The two warriors on the bottom left are sporting VERY nice traditional hide and silver shields. Other points of interest are the Winchester 1873 rifle (can you see it?) and the fact that the leader is holding a simple spear. As he is sorrounded by his bodyguards, his shield and rifle may be those carried by the fellow on the right, the one aiming a sporting rifle. The shield appears to be of superior quality, consistent with the rank of his chief.

11th June 2009, 01:37 AM	#2
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,018	HTML Code: Kino, where are you from? Which market are you referring to? I'm from the Seattle area. Local markets to me are the gun shows, antique stores and flea markets.

27th June 2009, 08:57 PM	#3
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 241	Here are two pictures that should well illustrate the 3 patterns of the metal imported shields. As I said, these are the only 3 patterns I am aware of. I have seen them with small variations, but the 3 patterns can always be identified. The picture of the warriors is very interesting because it shows all 3 patterns and, in my opinion, confirms that these metal shields were popular and fairly common. The two warriors on the bottom left are sporting VERY nice traditional hide and silver shields. Other points of interest are the Winchester 1873 rifle (can you see it?) and the fact that the leader is holding a simple spear. As he is sorrounded by his bodyguards, his shield and rifle may be those carried by the fellow on the right, the one aiming a sporting rifle. The shield appears to be of superior quality, consistent with the rank of his chief. Attached Images

9th June 2009, 06:54 PM	#1
roanoa Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 241	There no documents pointing to the manufacturer, at least none that I am aware of. However, based on the fact that all the metal shields I have seen are identical (and required good machinery to make) and that the decorations are mass produced by stamping and that the rivets are clearly European made, I have no doubts that these shields were imported in the "raw" state and assembled locally. Kino, where are you from? Which market are you referring to? Leather shields show up on eBay from time to time. Some are good, some are "tourist junk"....