Lantern Shield

Currently not on view

Lantern Shield

c. 1600-1625

Artist/maker unknown, German?

This hybrid fencing weapon combines the defensive properties of a shield and gauntlet (protection for the hand) with offensive capabilities. The middle knuckle has a threaded hole that once held a menacing spike, while a retractable blade would have jutted out below the glove. A cylinder near the top would contain a small lantern. Light could be emitted outward through a round trapdoor, visible on the exterior of the shield. The notched border as well as the flat band running along the perimeter of the shield were each designed to catch an opponent’s blade. The wearer’s left hand, protected in the flexible gauntlet, would have been able to grip and wield the whole apparatus by the moveable handle (see second image above).

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Lantern Shield

Date:

c. 1600-1625

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, German?

Medium:

Iron alloy (steel), copper alloy (brass), leather, velvet

Dimensions:

19 15/16 × 6 5/16 × 24 3/4 inches, 8.7 lb. (50.6 × 16 × 62.9 cm, 3.95 kg)

Classification:

Arms and Armor

Credit Line:

Bequest of Carl Otto Kretzschmar von Kienbusch, 1977

Accession Number:

1977-167-769

Geography:

Possibly made in Germany, Europe

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view