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Lantern Shield with Gauntlet and Retractable Thrusting Blade (before 1596)

The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna

A mannerist combination weapon consisting of a round shield, an iron gauntlet, a retractable thrusting blade, and an oil lantern. The lantern could be used to dazzle an opponent during combat in low-light conditions. The object was part of the collection of Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol and was likely intended as a technical display piece rather than a practical battlefield weapon.

Origin: Austria (Collection of Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol)

Length: 82 cm; length (blade extended) 101 cm

Diameter: 40 cm

Depth: 40 cm

Material: Iron, brass, velvet, gold thread, leather