Medieval, Crusaders Era Iron Cross fitting Crusader shield

Rare opportunity to acquire a shield boss from the 12th–13th centuries.

Boss of a Crusader shield, presumably a pavese.
A pavese (also called a setschild or boffese) appeared in the Crusades period from the late 12th century and especially in the 13th century as a tactical defensive weapon. It became famous mainly through the Genoese crossbowmen, who played a key role in the Crusades (such as the Siege of Jerusalem in 1099 or the Battle of Jaffa in 1192).

With a size of 15.3 cm x 9.8 cm, it was not only a central symbolic decorative object; it was also a powerful expression of conviction for the opponents. Moreover, the cross symbol itself enhances the shield’s protective factor, both physically and spiritually.

The rivets, all intact, with five pieces securing the cross symbol on the shield, were mounted on wood about 10 mm thick. Large pavese have a supporting shield made from a wooden composite about 12–15 mm thick; smaller pavese 8–10 mm. They were square versions, carried by infantry directly in close combat or on the back.

With beautiful patina of age, unique

From an old German blank- and protective-weapons collection of Mr. M.N.