A NUREMBERG IRON SHIELD C.1600

Oval, 24 3/4” height of shot proof weight, 14 pounds 6 ounces. One of a pair that hung in a castle in Veneto (the region surrounding Venice) until about forty years ago when the heir to the castle, an Italian Count, removed them, (and our FNS9397), to his home in Milan. Roped edges and elongated onion form central spike. The perimeter with a row of brass rivets securing the liner band and liner to the back. Four pairs of bronze cherub masks securing the enarmes (grip straps).  A related example with identical mask anchors is in the Higgins Museum Collection, currently unavailable on the internet, but we have the image and will provide it to the purchaser. A further example from this group with masks was sold by Fagan Arms, about 20 years ago. The reverse of this example retains its partial lining, liner band to the edge and base of its red fringe edging. The enarmes removed for wall mounting and now with a steel hanging chain. Very rarely do untouched items of this importance come to market today.