Medieval Tin / Lead Pilgrim Badge of a Helmet
Europe, Medieval Period, ca. 1350 to 1450 CE. A fragment of a pilgrim badge made from a tin/lead alloy and depicting a finely rendered helmet with wonderful details. 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 a miraculous healing or cure. However, for some the journey itself was a means of purification. Size: 1.875" W x 2.125" H (4.8 cm x 5.4 cm)
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 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.
#160500
Condition Report: Fragment of a larger piece. Light softening of detail with expected nicks/chips to surface commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with lovely russet patina.
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Europe, Medieval Period, ca. 1350 to 1450 CE. A fragment of a pilgrim badge made from a tin/lead alloy and depicting a finely rendered helmet with wonderful details. 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 a miraculous healing or cure. However, for some the journey itself was a means of purification. Size: 1.875" W x 2.125" H (4.8 cm x 5.4 cm)
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 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.
#160500
Condition Report: Fragment of a larger piece. Light softening of detail with expected nicks/chips to surface commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with lovely russet patina.
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Time, Location
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