15th century AD. A solid-field bifacial pewter pendant badge with suspension loop above; to the obverse Saint Margaret facing, holding long cross pommee and book, standing upon the devil, depicted as a serpent; to the reverse the letters IHS within a zigzag border; from the same mould as the Grimsby example published by Mitchiner. Cf. Mitchiner M. Medieval Pilgrim & Secular Badges, p.174 no.551 (from same mould"). 7.75 grams, 32mm (1 1/4"). Found near Walsingham, Norfolk, UK. Pilgrims travelling to the Walsingham shrine by ship would often arrive at the port of King's Lynn and travel overland to Walsingham. The principal church at Lynn was that of St. Margaret, where religious pendant medallions were sold. This type of badge is attributed to St. Margaret with accuracy. St. Margaret of Antioch is reputed to have lived during the thirteenth century and was famed to have been swallowed by the devil. She defeated him and he burst, enabling her to escape. Her emblem is the devil upon which she stands.

Fine condition. Very rare.