Strange request- Zulu Shield

[Suffolk stalker]

This is probably a strange request ( even for this forum)!
As part of a deal when buying some Martini -Henry rifles, I have ended up with a very large ( 5 ft plus) Zulu shield.
It’s in very good overall condition but needs a few bits of leather/cow skin replacement straps etc, as I want to preserve and display it.
Any recommendations/ help ??

Many Thanks,
Guy

 

[Fabnosh]

Hi there

If original - no reason to doubt it's not - then it would probably be worth at least seeking some counsel from a professional conservator. I would suggest the British Museum, Hornniman Museum or perhaps the Russell Coates museum may be at least worth a call. If nothing else it'll give you the chance to understand what you have and get some tips/help on what type or restoration or preservation would be most appropriate.

Hope that helps

FN

 

[FrenchieBoy]

I have to agree with Fabnosh. You stand a chance of spoiling it and loosing most if not all of it's value if you try to restore it yourself. Maybe a good place to start would be to try to contact and ask some of the leather workers on this forum before you tried doing anything with it yourself. Failing that maybe wise to ask an antique restorer.
Hope this helps.

 

[Suffolk stalker]

Thanks Chaps,
I’m pretty sure it’s original so worth having some work done.
The refurb work is pretty minor and would be relatively simple for someone with the correct tools and knowledge, so hoping there is somebody on here who may be able to help.

 

[Fabnosh]

Just for personal interest, I'd love to see some pictures - may well also help those leathery types on here see what help they could offer.

FN

 

[Stayangry]

If only it could speak! The Zulus picked the cow hide for shields very carefully, so that all shields in a unit would match as far as possible.

 

[Swedish]

As part of a deal when buying some Martini -Henry rifles, I have ended up with a very large ( 5 ft plus) Zulu shield.

Given the battles that those rifles may have been used in, that Zulu shield may be a significant historical piece?

 

[malmick]

Thanks Chaps,
I’m pretty sure it’s original so worth having some work done.
The refurb work is pretty minor and would be relatively simple for someone with the correct tools and knowledge, so hoping there is somebody on here who may be able to help.

I wouldn't do anything to it until you know more about it. Another possible avenue of research would be the Royal Armouries here in Leeds. I fully agree with @Swedish, if it has history then it should be left untouched.

I hope it brings you good fortune, some photos would be nice

 

[Fabnosh]

That's a good shout. Hadn't thought about the Royal Armouries.

 

[Freeforester]

Patching bullet holes, is it??

 

[Grannysmith]

please dont f..k it up by having it restored
Get it appraised /valued first then sell it to me!

 

[Fosbery Holster]

If in doubt.......do nothing !!

 

[Fosbery Holster]

Patching bullet holes, is it??

Just love that film !

 

[sh1kar]

War shield stars in large Zulu selection | Antiques Trade Gazette

This rare 1870s Zulu shield or Isihlangu below sold for £1650 at the C&T (20% buyer’s premium) auction of the Mick Woodfield collection of Zulu and other tribal weapons in Tunbridge Wells on January 9.

www.antiquestradegazette.com

African Weapons, War Shields, Spears, Clubs, Knives, Authentic, Traditional - R & R Traders

Authentic, traditional African war weapons imported from Africa. Maasai, Zulu and other tribal shields, stabbing spears, knives, and beaded clubs for sale.

rrtraders.com

 

[Suffolk stalker]

Hopefully 2 photos attached.
Photo 1 is the front and photo 2 is the reverse.
There are only 2 cowhide”straps” on the reverse and I believe there should be another 2/3 to hold the wooden “handle “ in place.
Any help would be welcome.
Thanks,
Guy

 

[Foxyboy43]

“Zulus sir, thousands of them”. Best movie ever - who could forget the action sequences - the singing, charges, slaughter and finally the zulu salute? And as for the young brides-to-be dancing??? Fair breaks my heart.

 

[deeangeo]

I have a Zulu shield, spear & knobkerry stick... my father brought it home after serving with the King of Swaziland unit in 1964

 

[sikamalc]

We had a great many shields from many ethnic groups in the museum I curated, including Zulu shields. I would be careful about restoration. Sometimes its better to just leave be.

 

[Suffolk stalker]

Thanks Sikamac.
I agree about being careful, but the restoration is literally weaving/lacing some cowhide strips into the rear of the shield to enable me to display it properly.
Just need someone with the correct material and knowhow.

 

[Utectok]

Hopefully 2 photos attached.
Photo 1 is the front and photo 2 is the reverse.
There are only 2 cowhide”straps” on the reverse and I believe there should be another 2/3 to hold the wooden “handle “ in place.
Any help would be welcome.
Thanks,
Guy

That’s a beauty nice find!