EXTRAORDINARY ITALIAN HORSEMAN'S SHIELD C.1550

Forged iron, 17 3/8‰۝ diameter domed form with rolled and roped edge. The center with floral quatrefoil and tapered diamond section spike. The surface with an original light hammer finish, originally blued. The inside edge with rivets securing gussets to the back which anchor the original scalloped leather edge over the original doe skin liner. Both original arm straps or loops intact. Its weight, 3:15, is consistent with its early origin when firearms were not effective.

This example is the best-preserved shield of its type we have seen in 50 plus years experience and well worthy of being published. It hung in a castle in Veneto (the region surrounding Venice) until about forty years ago when the heir to the castle, a count, removed it to his home in Milan. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.