In a message dated Mon, 21 May 2001 10:13:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Christopher Ricciardi <[log in to unmask]> writes:

<<
  While working on an archaeological site in Brooklyn, New York,
  the Hendrick I. Lott farmstead, a rather large, approximately
  5 feet long by almost 3 feet wide, cast iron shield was cataloged.

  Does anyone out there have information with regard to this subject?
  Or, can you direct us to someone who may be able to help us


  http://www.lotthouse.org/shield.jpg

      >>

   What I see in the image looks not like anything military but like a cast iron "fireback". These items were placed at the back of fireplaces and raditated heat when they heated up.

  The dimensions you give make this a particularly large one. They were often cast with various visual motifs. Royal coat of arms was not uncommon.

  Compare to these repros

http://www.firebacks.com/french.html

                   Kevin Richard-Morrow