Historicism Etched Shield

[ALEX]

Here's etched shield that I believe was made during Neo-Historicism 19thC period in the early 17thC German or Italian(?) style. Here's Wikipedia definition: "Historicism comprises artistic styles that draw their inspiration from recreating historicist styles or artisans". Another term "Revival" is used when it comes to Islamic, especially Persian arms and metalworks of 19thC/20thC that imitate earlier forms, aka Mamluk Revival. Also, when it comes to etching technique (acid-etch) there is a widespread notion that it is inferior, cheap and second-class comparing to pure hand-made chasing, embossing, etc. again, especially when it comes to Islamic, such as Qajar Revival arms. That may be true, however, acid etching technique was used from very early times and is an art form in itself with variety of qualities from masterpieces to massproduced. I'll elaborate later on, but this is my first post in European part of the forum and I am a novice in the field, and would love to learn more info and opinion on the subject shield.

[ALEX]

Here is another similar shield from Auctions Imperial, described as "A PARADE SHIELD IN THE MANNERIST STYLE", made by Ernst Schmidt shop, Munich, in 1931. I'll elaborate on it next...

[ALEX]

A German craftsman of reproduction arms Ernst Schmidt operated in 1870s-1930s, creating fine copies of ancient arms. He was quite skilled and successful and many of his pieces were passed as authentic to collectors and museums. Here's a spread of some of his shields.

[ALEX]

Another 19thC shield in 16thC style.

[ALEX]

Here is antique 16thC Italian shield, engraved with "SPQR", a reference of the ancient Roman republic.