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An Italian Etched Steel Targe Round Shield
Estimate: $3,000-$5,000
Sold
$1,500
Live Auction
Arms, Armor and Militaria
Location
Cincinnati
Description

An Italian Etched Steel Targe Round Shield

Late 16th Century

22.75" diameter. Likely late 16th century. Polished and spiked steel shield displaying an elaborate etched border embellished with vignettes of mounted knights galloping between interlaced panoplies of arms. The piece displays a beaded ground, and sunburst pattern engraving to the four rivets intended for securing the enarmes. Leather straps have been removed at some point. Etched six leaf floral design borders the central spike with further minute floral embellishments filling out the beaded ground. Rolled edge is retained by evenly spaced rivets, and displays a fluted pattern to the outer diameter. Spike is retained by a single central rivet, and features a square profile. Spike possibly added at a later point as the threaded rivet securing it to shield does not look period.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition
Very Good. A deep gray patina dominates with patterns of brown forming to the edges and details. Multiple rivets securing the border have broken free. Shield has been pierced along the very edge of the rim beside one rivet. Interior surface is a deep brown patina with a rough unpolished finish.