Frequently Asked Questions

There is no online checkout on this site. Once I've agreed the details of your order by email, I'll send you an invoice with payment instructions — currently by bank transfer or PayPal.

Yes — you can amend or cancel your order within 24 hours of placing it, provided design or production work has not yet begun. Please contact me as soon as possible with your order number.

Yes. I don't collect or store any payment details through the website — payment is arranged directly by bank transfer or PayPal invoice once your order is confirmed by email. The site itself communicates exclusively over HTTPS.

Yes. shieldwright.eu 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 — you're welcome to call me on +48 720 82 32 55 to discuss your order, or reach me by email at shieldwrighteu@gmail.com. Either way, I will confirm the details and send you an order confirmation by email 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:

• Poland — 2–3 working days
• European Union — 3–10 working days
• United Kingdom & rest of world — 4–21 working days depending on destination

See the Shipping & Delivery page for exact rates and transit times by country. 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 — just mention it when you place your order and I'll confirm whether it's possible. An additional charge applies and is calculated based on the delivery postcode and package dimensions.

Because shieldwright.eu is based in the EU, orders shipped within the EU are VAT-inclusive and clear customs without any additional charges. Orders shipped outside the EU — including the United Kingdom — are sent on a Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis, meaning import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees levied by your country are the responsibility of the recipient. I am unable to predict these charges in advance — please check with your local customs authority before ordering.

Every piece I make is produced to order, either as a bespoke commission or to my own design. Under the Consumer Rights Directive (Article 16(c)), made-to-order and personalised goods are exempt from the standard 14-day “change of mind” right of return — so this does not apply to anything I sell.

This does not affect your right to a repair, replacement, or refund if a piece is faulty, arrives damaged, or does not match what was agreed. For full details, please read the Returns & Refunds policy.

Because each piece is made to your specification, I am not able to accept a return simply for a change of mind, and the commission deposit is non-refundable once design work has commenced. If something about the craftsmanship concerns you, please contact me — I will review the piece against what we agreed 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 or glued planks using quality timber. Boards are finished with traditional linseed oil to be water resistant.

My shields are not currently produced to a historical re-enactment or museum standard. They draw inspiration from medieval shapes, heraldry, and design traditions — as well as from fantasy worlds, games, and RPG settings — but are not made to replicate specific archaeological specimens.

If you have specific design requirements for a commission, feel free to get in touch and I'll do my best to accommodate.

Yes. My shields are built to traditional specifications and are structurally robust, and every shield in the catalogue is HEMA/battle-ready — see the “HEMA/Battle-Ready” line in the specifications on each shield’s page. Many customers use them in re-enactment, living history displays, and full-contact sparring alike, as well as for collection and display.

Weights vary by model, size, and materials. Across the current catalogue, shields are roughly 48–60 cm wide and weigh approximately 2.0–3.3 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, I 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 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.