Hello, I found only limited information about this shield on the internet. I believe its a parade scene, possible Victorian era? It is 21.5" across, weighs 18.5 pounds, looks like cast iron with bronze or copper coating. The back has a stamp in the shape of a penny with lettering. there is also a number scribed on the back 804? And a metal hanging bar fused to the metal. Thanks for your time. George

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It appears to be Italian Renaissance parade armor depicting an ancient scene (Greek/Roman/Biblical). But it may be a later casting intended to be a decorative wall hanging.

ok, thanks for the information. Any ideas on how old it is. My thought its not that old because its in such good condition. Is it worth further inspection or are these a dime a dozen??

As mentioned, you can see it's not really a shield but a wall decoration. You can tell this by the way it is made, in particular the back of it and its mounts. I've been a fan of these decorative pieces as they often depict or even copy historical artwork/scenes and do so with detail. I've been tempted more than a few times to pick up something like this as a decorative element to be combined with other pieces.

Yes, Its a really nice detailed piece. I am new to collecting armoury. I'm a welder / fabricator by trade and enjoy working with metals. Your collection/swords are interesting thanks for the link. Even more amazing is what people could do with metals all the way back to the Bronze Age. Looks great on our wall....just wish I new more about it etc...the artist, time it was made and what the scene entails.

I think I'd be pretty correct in assuming this particular item is a victorian copy of an then existing parade shield, made purely as a wall decoration. I wonder if the original shield still exists somewhere ??

Have a similar piece; bare cast iron, weighs about 15 pounds and is 23 inches in diameter. Acquired it about 25-30 years from a dealer in Florida. At that time these items were listed for sale as "old museum copies"... Do think this was a bit of smoke as I am inclined to think they were just Victorian Era decorator items. Perhaps some were copies of actual shields, really can't say for certain.

Mine, as other like pieces depicts a scene from of Greek Mythology, the Judgement of Paris. Although it is not an exact match,
I display it with a cast iron burgonet of the same style.

Cheers,
Dan