Shield

Once folded along diagonal lines along both L and R of central figure. Now mostly straightened. Lower 1/3 broken and chewed away very roughly, apparently not from corrosion. Almost all of central tondo is present, though design is obliterated at lower edge. Very uneven surface, bright green fairly smooth patina around much of outside. reddish or bare metal in center, surface rather rough and pitted (perhaps from unskillful cleaning). Shield is divided by 3 concentric repousse ribs (now mostly flattened) in a technique similar to 67-39-22/24. three pairs of holes are punched or drilled from the front and placed symmetrically on the outer band (a 4th pair was no doubt on the last quadrant at the lower edge now destroyed). On the reverse a compass center mark for laying out these circles is visible. The dec. central tondo contains a winged god standing on the back of a bull, graved rather coarsely with very thick lines. He wears a pointed hat or helmet with a stylized crest in the form of 2 spreading leaves with a diamond-shaped central bud. Cut-away kilt. Uneven rectangular wings, dec. with alternately hatched and unhatched narrow bands. Irregular hatched circle surrounds torso. Volute curl springing from top edge of each wing and rectangular tassel from bottom of each side of waist (either part of wings or flaps of clothing).