Charles Edward Stuart's Targe

[ThistleDown]

It would not be a bit surprising for Charles to have multiple targes along for a battle. Unlike swords, targes and other types of shields typically do not survive very long in a battle. It is quite possible to run through several in the course of an afternoon. Which gives more credence to the silver being added later.

Actually, Geoff, Charles was never permitted to fight or even be close to the fighting in the few battles at which he was present. It is highly unlikely that he carried a shield in any form either before or after Culloden. It's important to keep in mind that the targe is a foot-soldiers' defense against, in the main, thrusting and slashing weapons. Charles was mounted and at this stage in his career was most likely dressed in the French fashion, as were all of his 'officers'.

The other thing to consider here is the National Museum's statement that Ewan of Cluny retrieved the targe from the Culloden battlefield. Cluny and his Macphersons were in Badenoch on the day of the battle and not at Culloden.