(Wikingerschild aus Wewelsburg). This is a rare and desirable model Viking shield formerly displayed as part of an exhibit on Germanic history and culture in Wewelsburg Castle. Of multi-piece construction, the shield consists of a reinforced, stained dark wooden base with an additional layer of light particle board-style wood riveted to the obverse. The edge is trimmed with a magnetic metal reinforced rim, securely maintaining the shield’s structural integrity. The wood of the face is painted in an alternating red and white motif, displaying an age-appropriate patina giving the shield the appearance of an authentic relic. Riveted to the centre of the face is a protruding, hollow magnetic metal boss. Emanating from the boss are flattened, magnetic metal, Nordic-style adornments. Riveted to the reverse are two white suede straps, with one larger strap through which the bearer’s arm is looped, and a small strap for the accommodation of the hand for a secure grip. Also riveted to the reverse are dual magnetic metal swivel loops permitting hanging display. Looped around one of the suspension rings is a tag bearing a red wax Wewelsburg seal, consisting of central double Sig runes circumscribed by an inscription of “SS-SCHULE HAUS WEWELSBURG”. The tag is flanked by a SS inventory number of “931” carved directly into the wood. Also riveted to the top of the reverse is a bronze maker mark consisting of dual shields, one of which bears an inscription of “GUST. GÖRSCH” for Gustav Görsch, while the other features the coat of arms of the city of Düsseldorf. Visible throughout the reverse are magnetic metal butterfly clips which connect to the rivets of the obverse features, firmly set into the structure of the wood. The shield measures 690 cm (27 inches) in overall diameter. While issues consistent with age are evident, and include sporadic chips to the wood, some denting of the boss (including a slight crack), and oxidation/patination of the metal features, these notably complement the appearance of the shield as a battle-worn Viking artifact, and it is in an overall better than very fine condition.
Footnote: Gustav Görsch was a noted producer of replica Viking- and medieval era armour, shields, and weaponry active in the city of Düsseldorf until 1913. His work reflected a renewed interest in the history of the Vikings and Germanic warrior culture which emerged in Europe during the Romantic nationalist period of the 19th century. After leasing Wewelsburg Castle as a SS ideological training school, Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler re-designated the castle as SS-Schule Haus Wewelsburg (SS School House Wewelsburg), intending the academy to emphasize the history and culture of the Germanic and Nordic peoples as part of a program of ideological indoctrination. This shield was displayed as part of the castle’s exhibit on Viking Age warfare, itself a facet of Himmler’s attempts to link SS soldiers with the lineage of old Germanic warrior cultures.
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