Medieval English Pewter Livery Badges + Brass Lock

**Originally Listed At $250**

Northern Europe, Great Britain, England, Late Medieval / Early Renaissance, ca. 15th to 17th century CE. A fabulous pair of pewter livery badges, accompanied by a brass lock. Both made of pewter, the livery badges display the form of miniature crossbows with curved limbs and lengthy bodies decorated with target-motifs. Livery badges were traditionally worn to show that one had an allegiance to or was property of an individual or family from the Medieval period up to the 19th century. As evident by their crossbow shape, these badges were likely worn by members of the bowyers guild which consisted of people who made bows and crossbows. Alternatively, the brass lock displays a rectangular form with a risen vertical strip decorated with an "X" pattern at the center of the front and back. A series of 8 target-motifs adorn the body, as the shackle arches high above. Size (of largest): 2.5" L x 1.75" W (6.4 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000

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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.

#158708
Condition Report: Neither badge is wearable, and lock is missing key and stuck closed. Larger badge repaired from 3 pieces and missing small area of string. Abrasions to peripheries of badges. Encrustations to shackle. Nice patina throughout.