Hi David,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This isn't a shield (which would have, on the back, arm loops or hand-holds) but rather a copper electrotype charger, a large decorative plate or tray, denoted further by the circular foot on the back that elevates it off the floor (in this case) or more usually, a table. It has been fixed with wires so it can hang on a wall.

These items were popular in the Victorian era and were made using a process called electrotyping, which allowed for the creation of precise metal replicas. The charger features intricate, raised relief decoration depicting detailed narrative or battle scenes, possibly a Renaissance-style original. Electrotyping involves depositing a thin shell of metal (in this case, copper) onto a mold using an electrochemical process that was often used to duplicate fine art objects, ensuring exact facsimiles of highly detailed surfaces.

I have found another identical charger being offered on Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/listing/1156456892/limited-edition-french-electrotype) which the seller describes as being of a battle scene of 1535, which is likely the Battle of Tunis; a quick review of information on that battle shows some parallels between what your charger shows and noteworthy elements in the Battle of Tunis (A walled coastal city with heavy fortifications, a harbor filled with ships (galleys, carracks), a dominant fortress at the harbor mouth that could be La Goulette and siege action with cannon fire, smoke, scaling of walls and general disorder).

The item's condition shows some wear and patina, consistent with an antique piece.

The identical tray on Etsy is being sold with a $4800 RETAIL price tag, which is exorbitantly high considering that other comparable (but not identical) trays and chargers of this type that have sold at auction in the past few years have brought FAIR MARKET prices ranging from $50 to $150. Yours is an exceptional example that would likely sell well at auction with a fair market estimate of $700-1,000.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique copper electroplated Renaissance Revival charger
Made in Taunton, MA, late 19th Century
Possibly depicting the Battle of Tunis
24 inches diameter
CONDITION: This is in good condition with minor wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$700-1,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia