Lot 48
Northern and Central Europe, England and Germany, the River Thames and Aachen, late Medieval to early Renaissance periods, ca. 14th to 15th century CE. A wonderful ensemble of 6 lead and pewter pilgrim and livery badges from England and Germany. All of varying forms, the 5 English badges consist of an oak leaf, a circle of 6 heraldic arms, the head of John the Baptist in a 6-sided frame with trefoils at the angles, and 2 fleurs de lis: 1 openwork and the other depicted as a relief in a circle. Alternatively, the German badge displays the openwork form of 2 angels flanking the nightgown of the Virgin Mary. A triangular frame above the nightgown features inner work that forms a trefoil. This badge is from Aachen where the relic of Mary's nightgown was believed to be kept. Size of largest (openwork fleur de lis): 1.2" W x 1.3" H (3 cm x 3.3 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 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 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
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#158699
- Condition: None are wearable; both fleurs de lis have pin settings with losses, while the rest are missing pin settings. Losses to openwork fleur de lis and head of John the Baptist. All have expected abrasions and light softening of detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with lovely patina throughout.
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
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