Lantern shield
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A lantern shield is a very unusual weapon/shield design that was used in Italy between the 16th and 17th centuries. Both for attack and defense, there were enough tools embedded in the design that some might call it an Italian "Swiss-army-shield".
Born of the need to protect one's self from the increasingly frequent night time muggings, it was based around a small metal buckler some 30 cm in diameter. The buckler was affixed to the wearer by a small strap to the forearm; in addition, a metal gauntlet was built into the far end of the shield, and affixed with some long serrated spikes to help catch and break enemy blades. Beneath this odd complex of shield and spiked glove, was a long sword blade, which paralleled the wearer's arm. It extended in front of the shield by some 30 cm and behind the shield to the wearer's elbow, and was pointed for thrusting. On the face of the shield a short spike was affixed to be used for short thrusts. Additionally, the center also held a hook arrangement, so that the lantern that gives this weapon its name could be carried, with a flap that could be used to hide the light. During this period in Italy fencers sometimes carried lanterns to dazzle their foes, and training schools in the use of such tactics existed. The idea was upon being attacked to flip the lantern open and blind the opponent in the dark of night.
It is believed that the Lantern Shield was more of a deterrent to would-be robbers than an actual, effective, defensive option.
