Can real shields be sent in the post for Shield winners ?

If you buy it yourself does that not defeat the purpose?

I mean right now you could go to Amazon yourself and buy whatever trophy you like and engrave it with whatever tournament you won. Also Lichess promises to never have adverts on here (a link to Amazon would be an advert)

I think it is a really nice idea, but like you say it sounds pretty impractical.

There is a quote :कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मां फलेषु कदाचन
You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty. - Bhagavad Gita, Chapter II
I think your biggest shield/trophy is the fan following you have.