Shield for use in the gioco del ponte, 1776 (wood)

(V.131) Shield for use in the gioco del ponte (The Battle on the Bridge), 1776, Pisa, Italy. An Italian shield for use in the gioco del ponte, Pisan, dated 1776. This was a mock-battle fought by two teams in armour and armed with these shields that were used both for attack and defence. Each combatant was equipped with a targone, a sturdy clublike shield that was unique to the event. The shields were decorated with the insignia of the squadrons that took part in the mock combat. The teams faced each other on the old bridge at Pisa. Extraordinary tactics were used with generals directing from the parapets. The aim was to occupy all or the majority of the bridge, pushing back the opposing team. This game started in the Middle Ages and was last fought in 1807. The magnificent 1776 event was commemorated by an engraving.