SESSO, SALAMONE DA

SESSO, SALAMONE DA (c. 1465), Italian armorer, born at Sesso, northern Italy. He was baptized on entering the service of Ercole d'Este, duke of Ferrara, with whom he remained, and was thenceforth known as Ercole "dei Fideli." Da Sesso also worked for the marquess of Mantua and Pope Julius II. He specialized in the manufacture of elaborate swords and daggers adorned with pagan scenes, classical symbols, and nude figures. His most famous weapon was executed for Cesare Borgia and is known as the "Queen of Swords."