Targemaker

Established 1988

THE TARGE (AN TARGAID)

In JACOBITE times, the highlander's main means of defence in battle was his targe. This was a circular shield about 19" in diameter, with the front covered in tough hide and the back in deerskin. The front was decorated with brass studs and plates which occasionally had cut-outs, backed with red cloth (traditionally a piece of red-coat's uniform). The leather was usually tooled in Celtic patterns etc. Some targes had a lethal spike set in a centre boss. In 1745, WILLIAM LINDSAY, a wright from Perth made targes for BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE's army.Now, many years later, another LINDSAY is making similar targes only 8 miles from CULLODEN where many were last used in battle.

JOE LINDSAY handcrafts high quality reproductions of original JACOBITE targes in his small workshop at North Kessock near Inverness, in Scotland. Each targe is boxed (with a short "history" ticket enclosed) and may be obtained by mail order, direct from the workshop or from selected outlets. TARGEMAKER targes are collectors pieces and are now found throughout the world.

The targe to the left is based on the original which is reputed to have been carried by CHIEF ALASDAIR MACDONELL OF KEPPOCH at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, where he was mortally wounded. It is now in the National Museum in Edinburgh. Price £205 + p&p

GORDON - This is based on an original targe which belonged to the Duke of Gordon, who, as Marquis of Huntly raised his clan in the Jacobite cause in 1715. It is now in the National Museum in Edinburgh.

Price £185 + p&p

STEWART - This is based on an original targe which belonged to Major James Stewart, who fought in the civil war of the 1640's. It is still owned by his descendants. Has spike (removeable).

Price £185 + p&p

CAMERON - This is based on an original targe which is reputed to have been carried by Cameron of Lochiel at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. It is now owned by the current Lochiel.

Price £185 + p&p

MACKAY - This is based on an original targe of 1623, belonging to Sir Donald Mackay who later became the first Lord Reay. It is now in the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.

Price £185 + p&p

CAMPBELL - This is based on an original targe dated 1755, which is inscribed with "James Goodlate Campbell of Achline" and is now in the National Museum in Edinburgh.

Price £185 + p&p

ST.MARTINS - This is based on an original targe found at St.Martins in Perthshire and dated 1715, but thought to be older. It is now in the National Museum in Edinburgh.

Price £185 + p&p

PERTH - This is based on an original targe which is in Perth museum, and which could have been one of the last made by William Lindsay, a wright from Perth, who made many targes for Bonnie Prince Charlie's army.

Price £185 + p&p

GRAHAM - This is based on an original targe dated between 1725 and 1750, which came from the collection of the Marquis of Graham. It is now in the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow. Has spike (removeable).

Price £185 + p&p

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