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, a 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 lining, complete but for a small damage, liner band to the edge and remnants 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.
