Fig. 432.—Beith. 1/6
The type of shield, of which, the largest number has been found in the British Isles, is that having a series of concentric rings, from about twelve to thirty in number, and between them circles of small studs.
A very fine example of this kind of shield is preserved in the Museum of the Society of Antiquaries of London,[1334] and is shown on the scale of one-sixth, together with some of its details on a larger scale, in Figs. 432, 433, and 434, for the use of which I am indebted to the Council of the Ayrshire and Wigtonshire Archæological Association.[1335]
Fig. 433.—Beith. 1/1
A figure of the shield has been given by Professor Daniel Wilson,[1336] but the illustrations here given will convey a much more accurate impression of its character and details.
Though there is some discrepancy as to measurement, there is little doubt that this is the shield found about the year 1780 in a peat moss on a farm called Luggtonrigge, in the parish of Beith, Ayrshire, and presented to the Society of Antiquaries by Dr. Ferris,[1337] who was informed that four or five others of the same kind were discovered at the same time. A portion of the margin of the shield is shown of the full size in Fig. 433, and the handle across the inner side of the boss on the scale of one-half in Fig. 434. These figures give so complete an idea of the original that it seems needless to enter into further details. It is, however, well to call attention to the fact that the handle of the buckler, which is made from a flat piece of bronze, is rendered more convenient to grasp, and at the same time strengthened, by its sides being doubled over, and thus made to present a rounded edge. It is secured to the shield by a rivet at each end. About midway between the edge of the umbo and that of the shield, but placed so that one of the rivets of the handle is in the same line and midway between them, have been two rivets, each fastening a short button like those on the Coveney Fen shield, of which at present only one remains. The rivet-hole for the other has been closed by a short rivet.
Fig. 434.—Beith. ½