**Originally Listed At $250**

Northwestern England, Medieval to late Medieval period, ca. 12th to 14th century CE. A fine collection of 5 pewter pilgrim and livery badges. Included is a passant lion for the English monarchy, a rectangular open work badge with linear shapes, and a circular medallion shaped badge with an aristocratic figure in the center holding a staff and sword. The other 2 are pilgrim badges: the wheel symbolizes Saint Catherine - she was condemned to die by being impaled upon a wheel, hence this brutally spiked periphery; miraculously the wheel broke apart when it touched her. Saint Catherine shrines were popular throughout Europe, but the most the most famous was a monastery in Rouen France that claimed to have Catherine's fingers. The other badge is the Virgin Mary and Infant Christ, from the famous Walsingham shrine, the missing lower edge was part of a crescent shape the figures stood upon. Size (wheel): 1" Diameter (2.5 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 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 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

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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#159112

Largest badge is fragile and repaired, with the upper periphery of circle as well as the figure's head being reattached. Losses to lion badge and Virgin Mark badge. Losses to pins and clasps on all. Dark patina and toning throughout.