ARMS Sforza of Milan. Blazon of Giacomo (or Jacopo; said Muzio) Attendolo (1369-1424) nicknamed Sforza; Italian leader and captain. It was Count of Cotignola and founder of the dynasty of the Sforza Dukes of Milan. The illegitimate son Francesco; first Duke Sforza of Milan; married Bianca Maria Visconti he adopted the name and coat of arms; then were his children (grandchildren of Muzio Attendolo) to bear the father's surname. The coat of arms shows a lion 'gold rampant holding a branch of quince green on a blue field. Surmounts a helmet with crest-shaped crested dragon with a human head. From "Theatre of Arms; namely General Collection of Arms and noble signs of the most illustrious and noble houses that existed at one time and still flourish throughout Italy; illustrated with relevant genealogical-historical notions by Leo and Francesco Tettoni Saladini". Cl. Wilmant and children; Lodi; 1841-1851