I really appreciate all the interest and comments
Andrew Green Where'd you find the leather Joe, and how much did it cost?
Around $60 from The Leather Factory (a division of Tandy)
The best scource for brass tacks is Crazy Crow
ozmeath
Couple of tech Q's for you tho... How did you thread the spike- a welded bolt or milled down and threaded? Or other?!
Also what sort of thickness is the boss (candle stick base)? Do you intend to use this fine piece or have it as a handsome adornment on your wall?
[QUOTE]
I ground down the threaded portion of the 3/4 inch bolt to 3/8" and then rethreaded to 3/8x16

The brass is 1/8" thick and there is a second heavier brass cup soldered to the underside to add strenght.
I have a heavier piece that I'll use for a boss one the next one

The Targe is built to be battle ready,but I plan to carry it around at reactments.It will also look good on my walll
I used to do rapier combat in the SCA but my knees won't let me do that anymore