"Rapier" Sword pommel belonging to Estorre or Giovanni Maria Visconti, Milan 14th-15th century

"Rapier" or "hand and a half" sword pommel in forged pear-shaped iron, divided by four ribs into as many bulges, which have their top marked by a shelled list.

On the main faces, four silver shields set and engraved, alternate between the arms of Milan "d'Argento alla Croce di Rosso" and the "Biscione or Vipera Viscontea".

In view of the references listed below, having ascertained the belonging of the Sword to Estorre Visconti, present in the Collection of Treasures of the Cathedral of Monza, equipped with the identical pommel, it is to be assumed that the one present here was part of a sword from the armory of the Estorre Visconti himself or contemporary members of the Visconti family such as:

• Estorre Visconti (Milan, 2 April 1346 – Monza, 7 January 1413), former lord of Milan.
• Gian Galeazzo Visconti (Pavia, 16 October 1351 – Melegnano, 3 September 1402), First Duke of Milan.
• Giovanni Maria Visconti (Abbiategrasso, 7 September 1388 – Milan, 16 May 1412), Second Duke of Milan.
• Filippo Maria Visconti (Milan, 3 September 1392 – Milan, 13 August 1447), was the last Duke of Milan of the Visconti dynasty.

The Pomo is accompanied by an important and detailed Oplological Expertise drawn up by an Expert (Ancient Weapons Historian).

• References Pomo Visconteo:
• Sword of Duke Estorre Visconti, Treasure of the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista in Monza.
• Ewart Oakeshott, The Sword in the Age of Chivalry 1964, Tables 21 e 22b.
• Ewart Oakeshott, Record of the Medieval Sword 1991, Pommel-type:T.3, page 139 – XV.13.
• Boccia e Coelho, White weapons from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age, 1983, table 5 figure C.

• “Dreger Collection” in Berlin, from the Cittadella family of Padua (Italy).
• Fresco of the "San Giorgio" of the Fenis Castle, Val d'Aosta.
• “Figures of the Brave” Castle of Manta, near Cuneo (Date: Early 1400s).
• “Adoration of the Magi” by Gentile da Fabriano, dated 1423 (Uffizi Gallery - Florence).
• Figures of San Giorgio (San Giorgio and the Princess) Basilica of Sant'Anastasia, Verona.
• Tablet by Pisanello (apparition of the Madonna to SS. Antonio Abate and Giorgio, 1435-41) preserved at the National Gallery in London.