Mount for Purse or Escarcelle

This object served as a frame for a mounted leather or cloth purse. Worn by men at the waist, such purses were attached by means of a suspension swivel. The handsome gold inlay depicting hunting and military scenes includes the inscription ALFONSVS ESTENSIS, as well as a coat-of-arms that identifies the owner as Alfonso II d'Este, created Duke of Ferrara in 1559.