Northern and Western Europe, England and France, late Medieval period, ca. 14th to 15th century CE. A fine ensemble of 5 pilgrim and livery badges. The first 4 are made from pewter and lead and present differing forms depicting a sun with a face, an openwork tondo of a domed building between 2 trees, an abstract shape resembling a bell, and the Virgin and Child in a crescent moon. Alternatively, the last badge is formed from tin and presents the bust of a figure with short hair, perhaps Saint Edward. Size of largest (bell): 1.9" L x 1.5" W (4.8 cm x 3.8 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 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 like a pilgrim 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 petite 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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#158745

Bell, temple, and bust all missing pinning and unwearable. Sun and figures in crescent have pinning but it does not function. Loss to rays of sun and periphery of bell. All have expected nicks, abrasions, and softening of detail, commensurate with age. Lovely patina throughout.