Frequently Asked Questions

I accept Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. All transactions are processed over an encrypted HTTPS connection and I do not store full card details on my servers.

Standard stock items can be amended or cancelled within 24 hours of placing your order, provided it has not yet been dispatched. Please contact me as soon as possible with your order number.

Yes. All payments are handled by a PCI-DSS compliant payment processor. I never hold raw card data on my own systems. The site communicates exclusively over HTTPS with TLS 1.2 or higher.

Yes. Shieldwright gift vouchers are available in a range of denominations and may be purchased by contacting me. Vouchers are valid for 24 months from the date of issue and can be used against any item in the catalogue, including bespoke commissions.

Yes — I am happy to assist with orders by email. Reach me at info@shieldwright.eu and I will process your order and send a confirmation promptly.

I ship worldwide. International orders are shipped on a Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis unless otherwise arranged. For full details, see the Shipping & Delivery page.

Delivery times depend on the destination and the nature of the order:

• UK mainland — 3–5 working days
• UK Highlands & Islands — 5–7 working days
• Europe — 7–14 working days
• Rest of world — 14–21 working days

Bespoke commission lead times are quoted separately at the point of order. Standard production is 4–8 weeks depending on complexity.

Every shield is individually wrapped in acid-free tissue, then padded within a custom-cut foam liner inside a double-walled cardboard crate. Wall-display shields are additionally fitted with corner protectors and a moisture-barrier liner to ensure safe arrival.

Express delivery is available on in-stock items. Please select the express shipping option at checkout. An additional charge applies and is calculated based on the delivery postcode and package dimensions.

For orders outside the United Kingdom, import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees levied by your country are the responsibility of the recipient. We are unable to predict these charges in advance — please check with your local customs authority before ordering.

I offer a 14-day returns window on all standard stock items. Goods must be returned in their original, unused condition and in the original packaging. Return postage costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item is defective or was sent in error.

Once I receive and inspect your return, I will issue a full refund to your original payment method within 5–10 working days. For full details, please read the Returns & Refunds policy.

Bespoke commissions are made-to-order and are therefore exempt from standard returns. If you have concerns about a commission, please contact me within 14 days of receipt — I will review all matters of craftsmanship and rectify any genuine defect at no charge.

To request a return, please contact me with your order number and the reason for returning. I will send you a returns authorisation code and packing instructions within one working day. Do not return goods without prior authorisation.

I am sorry to hear this. Please photograph the damage (both the item and the outer packaging) and contact me within 48 hours of delivery, quoting your order number. I will arrange a replacement or full refund as quickly as possible and file a claim with the carrier. Do not dispose of the packaging until the matter is resolved.

My shield boards are crafted from plywood construction using quality timber. Planks are finished with traditional linseed oil to be water resistant.

I strive for the highest degree of historical fidelity. Each model is based on physical evidence from museum collections, published excavation reports, and iconographic sources. I consult academic sources in early medieval material culture, and publish full source citations with each product description.

Some intentional concessions are made — for example, UV-resistant finishes not available to period craftsmen — and these are always clearly noted.

My shields are built to traditional specifications and are structurally robust. Many customers use them in re-enactment and living history displays. However, catalogue items are primarily crafted and sold as collector pieces or display items.

Weights vary by model and diameter. As a guide:

• 60 cm display shields — approximately 1.8–2.4 kg
• 76 cm standard shields — approximately 3.0–4.2 kg
• 85 cm warlord shields — approximately 4.5–5.8 kg

Exact weights for each piece are listed on the individual product pages.

All of my shields are supplied with a concealed wall-hanging bracket fitted to the reverse face. They are finished to gallery standard on the obverse and are designed to be displayed prominently. I recommend hanging away from direct sunlight and in an environment with stable humidity to prevent the wood from warping over time.

The commission process has four stages:

• Consultation — I discuss your brief by email, agree on the historical model, dimensions, finish, and any personalisation.
• Specification & quote — I produce a written specification and fixed-price quote, usually within five working days.
• Production — On receipt of a 50% deposit, your shield enters my workshop queue.
• Delivery — The balance is due upon completion, before dispatch. You will receive progress photographs at key stages.

Standard commissions take 4–8 weeks from deposit to dispatch, depending on current workshop capacity and complexity. I will always confirm the estimated completion date in writing before you commit.

Absolutely. I am experienced across a wide range of medieval shield traditions. If you have a specific find, artwork, or manuscript illumination in mind, please share it with me — I love working from primary sources.

I require a 50% non-refundable deposit to secure your place in the production queue. The remaining balance is due upon completion, before dispatch.

For display pieces, we recommend:

• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent pigment fade and wood checking.
• Maintain ambient humidity between 45–60% RH — significant fluctuations can cause the planking to warp or split.
• Dust lightly with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use water or chemical cleaners on painted surfaces.
• Apply a thin coat of beeswax polish to the unpainted wood rim and boss every 12–18 months.

Raw-wood areas (typically the reverse face and rim) are best treated with cold-pressed raw linseed oil, applied sparingly with a cloth and allowed to cure fully before a second coat — usually 24–48 hours between applications depending on temperature. Two or three coats per year is sufficient for display items. Avoid boiled linseed oil, as it contains metallic driers that can darken the wood over time.

Minor chips on painted finishes can be touched up at home using artist-quality gouache in a matching colour. Apply with a fine-pointed brush and allow to dry fully before handling. If you are unsure about colour-matching or the damage is more extensive, please contact me with photographs and I will advise.

Light surface oxidation on iron is entirely normal and, in a historical context, considered authentic patination. If you prefer to limit it, wipe the boss with a lightly oiled cloth (a few drops of mineral oil on a lint-free pad works well) every few months. Avoid aggressive wire-brushing or harsh rust removers, which will damage the forged surface texture.