03-24-2006, 09:42 AM
Quote:The figure I described above comes from the same source, Warry, p 13. You will note the porpax (thanks Stefanos) is below center. This may be artistic, but might serve as a counterbalance to lifting the shieild quickly to block a decending blow. Maybe. When I get the body of the shield built I am going to play with the lcation of the porpax. I note the Doncaster shield (I think) is off center also. Whether this is intentional or sloppy work I dont know.
Ralph Izard
I think it's probably intentional, Ralph - a matter of ergonomic design, because a shield that is wide enough to cover you from knee to chin will not sit comfortably on your shoulder if your elbow is to the left of centre, which is where it will be, if the porpax is central. I made my porpax central and it works, but could be better. Also, I have quite long arms for my height. Given that most of us are not built to Golden Mean, Porpakes probably varied in position, when shields were made for the individual.
