14th C. English Medieval Pewter & Lead Badges

Northern Europe, England, ca. 14th to 16th century CE. A fine collection of 1 lead and 5 pewter pilgrim badges, all displaying differing forms. The pewter badges include an openwork crucifix tondo, a standing king holding a Golub us cruciger and scepter, St. George dressed in armor and raising a sword as he slays a dragon beneath his feet, the head of a bird, and a pair of ostrich plumes. Alternatively, the lead badge is in the form of a fish. Size of largest (St. George): 0.9" W x 2.1" H (2.3 cm x 5.3 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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#158710
Condition Report: None are wearable. Bird head is fragment of a larger piece. Losses to peripheries of tondo, king, plumes, and St. George. Otherwise, all are excellent with nice patina.