Rare Omani Buckler of thick hide with brass and steel mounts

A rare Arab buckler 19th century. Used in combination with a long sword, saif or Kattara, the bucklers would have been used to punch away the opponents weapon as well as the opponent themselves given the chance. This is example is made of a thick hide, probably Rhino hide, although they could also be made from wood. The front mounted with brass roundels and a brass border and central boss, all attractively decorated with stamped motifs. The end of the boss with an iron ring, the reverse with an attached wooden grip mounted with iron. An item seldom seen.

middle east