**First Time At Auction**

Europe, Rome, Vatican, late Medieval period, ca. 14th to 15th century CE. A pewter pilgrim's badge with an emblem of Saint Peter's Keys of Heaven, symbolizing a pilgrimage to Rome. Two ornate keys are crossed; between the stems rests Saint Peter's face, and above his head is a tiered crown. The badge is flat and would have been pinned to clothing as a visible mark of a pilgrim. Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome was a certainly a popular attraction to pious Christian pilgrims, for it marked the site of Saint Peter's martyrdom and burial site. The keys are not only an emblem of this saint, but also used as the papal coat of arms. This badge as a lovely dark patina and has great details. Size: 2.125" L x 1.375" W (5.4 cm x 3.5 cm)

People of the Middle Ages went on pilgrimages to the tomb of a saint, or a site where relics of a saint(s) were venerated. The pilgrim might pray at a shrine in order to thank the saint for miraculous healing or a cure. However, for some, the journey itself was a means of purification. In addition to voluntary pilgrimages, some pilgrimages were a form of punishment imposed by the courts or the Church. A person might have been ordered to make a pilgrimage to Rome for example, remain there for several years, and bring back some evidence, such as this badge. Besides wearing a voluminous cloak (the pelerine) and a large hat with a wide brim, carrying a wooden pilgrim’s staff, a scrip (a pilgrim's flask) and a rosary, the most important signs of a pilgrim were the pewter pilgrims' badges he pinned to his hat, scrip, or cloak. At every pilgrimage site, a pilgrim could acquire a pilgrims' badge sold as a consecrated souvenir of the sacred place, just as they can do this today.

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

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#159831

Some softening of details and nicks to peripheries, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice patina.