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Day 1: War Through the Ages: Ancient Arms, Roman Antiquities & Medieval Relics

Sat, Feb 28, 2026 11:00AM EST
  2026-02-28 11:00:00 2026-02-28 11:00:00 America/New_York Treasure Trove Treasure Trove : Day 1: War Through the Ages: Ancient Arms, Roman Antiquities & Medieval Relics https://live.treasuretroveauctions.com/auctions/treasure-trove/day-1-war-through-the-ages-ancient-arms-roman-antiquities-medieval-relics-21418
Step into history with Treasure Trove’s largest Militaria auction to date, presented across two unforgettable days. Day One spans the ancient and early modern world, featuring antiquities, arms, armor, and military artifacts from Classical civilizations through the American Revolutionary War, Civil War, and into World War I. Day Two turns to the modern battlefield, showcasing an exceptional selection of World War II and post-war militaria, including uniforms, helmets, daggers, medals, field gear, and historically significant wartime relics.
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Lot 163

Pisan Milanese Elaborately Etched Shield circa 1600 with Original Padding

Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000
Starting Bid
$500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
This original Pisan Milanese etched shield, dating to circa 1600, remains in untouched, original condition with no restoration and retains its original interior padding. The shield is circular in form, measuring approximately 19 inches in diameter, and is fitted with proper enarmes and a guige, allowing it to be carried by hand or suspended from the neck or shoulders. The surface is richly etched, featuring decorative bands filled with trophies, foliage, and grotesque figures, interspersed with islands depicting fighting knights. The overall condition is remarkably honest, preserving both its structure and surface decoration as executed during the late Renaissance period.

Pisan etching is one of the most recognizable decorative techniques found on Italian arms and armor of the 16th and early 17th centuries. Although named for Pisa, the majority of these works were produced in Milan, a major center of armor manufacture. Around the mid-16th century, Italian craftsmen transitioned from hatched-line backgrounds to stippling, adopting techniques influenced by German engraving practices. Etching itself was known in Europe by the late 14th century but was not widely applied to armor until the late 1400s, initially with simple motifs such as foliage and basic figures. By the time this shield was produced, the craft had matured into a highly refined art form, often incorporating mythological imagery, martial symbolism, and narrative scenes.

Original etched shields of this quality and preservation are highly sought after by collectors of Renaissance arms and armor. As one of the most enduring and visually striking decorative traditions in European armor, Pisan etching occupies a central place in the collector market. This shield stands as both a functional defensive object and a work of martial art, offering a tangible link to the craftsmanship, symbolism, and warfare of early modern Europe.

★ ★ ★ ★
Very Good/Fine – Shows light to moderate wear, may have minor imperfections. A very fine example of the collectible. May also be labelled as Collector Quality.


Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions’ proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.

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