Rondache or Targe (shield)

This circular, steel shield is concave to the body, with a wide flat rim having a strong file-roped edge turned over a wire. The face is drawn out in a short, conical point and on either side are the brass rivets (one old, brass-capped rivet of iron) with embossed brass rosettes for the enarmes. The rosettes are old, and of a form that is associated with armors of the so-called "Brunswick" school. The rim is etched with a scene depicting what may be the Feast of Venus. A stream of crude children and putti cavort, engaged in games or horseplay, fencing with Dusaggen, play musical instruments, bear jugs or trays piled with fruit (symbolic of abundance and earthly desire), one child chases another with a staff bearing three fish (a symbol of fertility), and two children support a barred heraldic helmet.