Item: Antique Italian Venetian Lion Of San Marco Ceremonial Armor Helmet And Shield
Sold For: $3,150.00
Bids: 21
Date: Aug 03, 2012
Auction: Ebay
Description and Image By: pg123
I have been fortunate enough to have purchased a very small but fine collection of antique armor and weapons. This whole collection will be listed here on eBay, all without reserve. Please see my other listings for more of this very interesting group of items. This listing is for 2 antique pieces of Venetian engraved ceremonial or parade armor. My best guess is this is 18th century, but I am not sure of that, it is not any later than that period. It consists of a steel helmet and a large shield. The round steel shield has a diameter of 23 inches or 58 cm. It is convex with it’s center protected and armed with a fighting spike. The shield has a reinforced gadroned rim. The shield has two plates that are wedded to each other with attaching and reinforcing studs throughout. It is engraved with four dragons confronting each other and two satyr like creatures each playing a Pan flute. The brimmed steel helmet measures 8 inches or 20 cm high and is topped with a spike. On each side of the helmet is an engraved Venetian Lion of San Marco. Around the brim of the helmet are four studs. Both the helmet and shield are further decorated by scrolling leaf forms. A nice authentic fancy and impressive set in fine overall condition.