Lot 34
Northern Europe, England, Medieval Period, ca. 14th to 15th century CE. A wonderful collection of 1 lead and 4 pewter badges, all boasting intricate designs and differing forms. The lovely pewter badges consist of a standing crowned figure surrounded by a fence or tall grass, 2 badges of rectangular form with abstract relief decoration, and an elaborate openwork vegetal design with the letters "IESUS MA." Alternatively, the lead badge presents in the form of a heraldic axe. Size of largest (openwork with letters): 3.3" L x 1.2" W (8.4 cm x 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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#158687
- Condition: None are wearable. Pair of rectangular badges are fragments of larger pieces. All have losses to peripheries, as well as nicks and abrasions throughout. Otherwise, all are very nice with lovely patina.
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| $300 | $999 | $50 |
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| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |