This is a Lantern Sheild. This is a weapon designed by the Italians during "The Renaissance". The idea of this weapon is basically to infuse both defensive and offensive characteristics. The weapon is naturally a gauntlet equipped with a small shield and a small knife. This weapon is effective in breaking a swordsman's defense. This weapon was believed to not have been used in combat but during walks in Italy at night time. Some of this weapon designed was equipped with lantern hanging on a hook in the center of the shield. The lantern was for the purpose of blinding the attacker and playing a little psychological warfare towards the enemy. The weapon might not be effective in war but it definitely played a big role for the safety of Italian citizen.
The latern was likely not a weapon, but just a source of light. Street lights did not exist in this era in most urban areas so when the sun went down, the streets and walkways turned pitch dark, every one who had to go about at night carried their own lights. The latern shield let a guard carry a latern without loosing a weapon hand. In addition, the shield protected the light source itself.
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