5 Medieval English + French Pewter Pilgrim Badges

Northwestern Europe, England & France, Medieval to late Medieval period, ca. 12th to late 14th century CE. A collection of 5 leaded-pewter badges from famous pilgrimage sites in England and France. Included are 2 from Canterbury, both featuring Saint Thomas Becket; his bust in a quatrefoil and the other is a front-facing, bust-length portrait of the saint. The French badge is of the Virgin and Child, the Virgin with crown and scepter on a crescent moon with a beaded border. The fourth badge is a Walsingham fleur-de-lis the "Virgin's lily" from the shrine to the Virgin at Walsingham, a popular pilgrimage site in Norfolk parish. The last is a crucifixion of Christ, his arms outstretched on an ornate cross. Size (fleur-de-lis): 1.6" L x 1.25" W (4.1 cm x 3.2 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 a 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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#158521
Condition Report: Crucifixion badge is a fragment and missing upper and lower arms. Becket bust badge has a loss to his cap. Softening to Mary & Christ badge. All are missing their pins and clasps and have a dark patina throughout.