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
Technique: Forging, raising, piercing, blackening, bluing, gilding























