The eighteen dollar targe

[Andrew Green]

There were targes that were designed to work with that...
some had wrought iron handles that had some sort of scoop, or otherwise shaped so you could still wield your dirk. This is what I am planning to emulate when I build up one for myself.

[David White]

Here is the one I made.

[Woodsheal]

I guy I know who has examined numerous original targes, and their strap/grip set-ups, feels it was impossible to wield a dirk in the left hand while wearing a targe on that arm. Yet, period images depict the practice. Hmmmm....

There is no link between targe decorations/designs and specific clans. In fact, during the `45 when the Jacobites captured certain towns, they would issue demands to local craftsmen to mass produce targes for their army....

[Livingston]

As an aside, I seem to remember that a combat expert on "Two Men In A Trench" showed the two men how a combatant would have used the targe, dirk and sword: targe on left arm and gripping dirk in the downward position with the left hand while using the right for the sword. This would kinda mean that whatever handle of the targe the left hand was engaging, it would still have to be able to get a grip on the handle of the dirk. Just something to think about in the process of design.

Best

AA

Can't remember where I found this pic but here is what you were describing.

[sirdaniel1975]

Ornaments,,,?

According to W.H. Murray's book: Rob Roy MacGregor (which is considered by many to be one of the best sources for Gaelic culture in the Highlands during that time) Highland Scot's wore ornamention on their equipment and clothing. They did not carry money that often... which has a longer explanation.

They wore ornamentation in order to pay for a funeral in case of an untimely death, say combat. One could translate it as, "They Wore Their Money!" This is what I've read, and I believe it was in the above book. That version of Rob Roy's life is based on more fact, period culture, etc.. Not romanticized tales...

Another potential piece of evidence to consider.

[sirdaniel1975]

Can't remember where I found this pic but here is what you were describing.

Awesome, Thanks.... That style apparatus is exactly what my mind was picturing. It appears the firm wrist-band attachment is not visible form the angle of the photo.

[Andrew Green]

Hey David, your targe is looking really nice!
What did you use for backing? It looks like fur...
Anyone know where I can find some?

[Joe Gondek]

There are good examples of targe tack patterrns on at this site
http://www.scottishsword.com/TheShields.htm

Thise post has inspired me to finish the tagre I started a year ago
I'll have to hurry and get it done so I can post a picture

I plan on having a removeable center spike on mine
I like the looks of it

Also when you buy brass tacks make sure that they have solid brass heads
on the plated ones the brass wears off easily

[David White]

Hey David, your targe is looking really nice!
What did you use for backing? It looks like fur...
Anyone know where I can find some?

Its white-tail deer fur.

[Woodsheal]

Can't remember where I found this pic but here is what you were describing.

Yes, you can achieve the desired configuration and result on a modern reproduction targe. The problem is, it doesn't match the configuration of arm straps and grips on the real thing: original targes. Those that survive with arm straps and grips intact (very few), have grips that are like small suitcase handles, some of which are made of iron, and none of which allow one to jam his hand all the way through so as to be able to then grip a dirk.

Yet, Morier's famous Culloden painting shows clansmen doing that very thing! (And he used actual Jacobite prisoners and captured weapons as models for his work.) Maybe some targes allowed this function, and some didn't. It remains a mystery....