The swallowtail merlons look like an important bit of information tucked away in an obscure location. There is little question about their importance, the problem is with their interpretation. At the time of VMs C-14 dating, such structures would obviously be well-known to residents and to travelers through these regions of Italy. The significance is there, but the focus of specific detail is lacking. Potentially the artist was born in, passed through, or later lived in a town with Ghibelline fortifications.
Interesting that you mention Milan:
There is a Valois connection in that Isabelle (1348-1372), sister of Philip the Bold, was the wife of Gian Galeazzo Visconti.
There is a book in the KBR Library from the duke's collection: [b]Chronique de Milan jusqu'en 395 : [ms. 6263][/b]
In the recent set of armorial listings, it appears to be spelled 'meylan' - and there's the semi of fleur-de-lys quartered with the Visconti serpent.
Interesting that you mention Milan:
There is a Valois connection in that Isabelle (1348-1372), sister of Philip the Bold, was the wife of Gian Galeazzo Visconti.
There is a book in the KBR Library from the duke's collection: [b]Chronique de Milan jusqu'en 395 : [ms. 6263][/b]
In the recent set of armorial listings, it appears to be spelled 'meylan' - and there's the semi of fleur-de-lys quartered with the Visconti serpent.