Medieval Pilgrim and Secular Badges for sale
During the Middle Ages Pilgrim Badges were the souvenirs of a medieval pilgrim's journey to a holy shrine which is why we find these medieval artifacts many miles from the medieval shrine where they originated. Pilgrim Badges were usually worn on hats or attached to clothing. Pilgrim's Badges were also believed to have amuletic properties, which could invoke the powers of the saint represented, and result in miraculous healings. Every cathedral and abbey had its own saints, which on feast days would have held a special attraction for pilgrims. It was customary for pilgrims to bring back proof of their journey or voyage. Pilgrim badges found as medieval artifacts today often show some figure or device identifying it with the name or place of pilgrimage. When the medieval pilgrims returned they proudly wore these badges fastened to their hat or cape. As well as being "proof" of having made a pilgrimage (early souvenir), they also attached special value to the badge. The reason for the pilgrimage could vary from penance or punishment to special thanks, to pray for help from a Saint etc. During the 14th century, medieval pilgrimages were not only regarded as a spiritual journey but also a form of holiday. Detectorist very rarely find these medieval artifacts. Although scarce, we have a number of these beautiful medieval artifacts available for sale on this page.
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| | Medieval 'Knights of the Holy Sepulchre' Openwork Badge 022483 | Medieval 'Knights of the Holy Sepulchre' Openwork Badge Copper-alloy, 0.87 grams, 22.53 mm. Circa 13th-14th century AD. A copper-alloy badge formed in the shape of a cross-crosslet, the symbol of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. The spaces between the arms of the cross are voided and an incised border runs around the outer border of the upper surface. The 'Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem' was an order of knighthood under the protection of the Pope, formed around 1099 AD by Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, the leader of the First Crusade. It was established for the protection of pilgrims travelling to the Holy land and was recognised by a papal Bull in about 1113 AD. Reference: Mitchiner, M. Medieval Pilgrim & Secular Badges, London, 1986 items 939-41. Very fine condition. Provenance: found Tilbury, Essex, UK. | £70.00  |  |
| | Medieval 'Westminster Abbey' Votive Badge 017977 | Medieval 'Westminster Abbey' Votive Badge Silver gilt, 6.87 grams, 28.37 mm. 14th-16th century AD. An openwork capital 'E' with fleur-de-lys tracery ornamentation. The inner field of the letter is gilded; the catchplate and spring lugs are intact on the reverse, pin missing. This class of brooch was used as a pilgrim's badge, an outward display of religious devotion. The 'E' is usually associated with the cult of St. Edward the Confessor, an 11th century Anglo-Saxon royal saint whose remains were housed at Westminster Abbey, London. Reference: Mitchner, M. Medieval Pilgrim and Secular Badges, Sanderstead, 1986 p.89. Extremely fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection formed in the 1930's. This antiquity is accompanied by an XRF metal test certificate from Oxford X-ray Fluorescence Ltd. | £1,750.00 |  |
| | Medieval Heraldic 'Bird of Prey' Hawking or Royalist Badge 016562 | Medieval Heraldic 'Bird of Prey' Hawking or Royalist Badge Silver [1.9% gold], 3.81 grams, 19.13 mm. Early 15th century AD. A decorative openwork hawking or royalist badge in the form of a bird of prey, either an eagle or hawk spreading its wings in preparation for flight. The body and wings are detailed with feathers and the claws grasp the base, the remains of the fixing is visible on the reverse. Reference: Mitchiner, Michael Pilgrim & Secular Badges, p221, No. 773 & 812. Very fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection, collected before 1960. | £350.00 |  |
| | | Medieval 'St. Mary Undercroft' Pilgrim Badge 011001 | Rare Medieval 'St. Mary Undercroft' Pilgrim's Badge Silver,1.07 grams, 25.03 mm. 14th-15th century AD. A cast pilgrim badge in the form of a shield-shaped plate with pelta-shaped voids and nicked external edge. The tapering pin is soldered to the centre of the reverse. The shape of the plate may be a stylised capital 'M' which was the emblem of Saint Mary Undercroft in Canterbury, Kent. Reference: Mitchiner, M. Medieval Pilgrim & Secular Badges, London, 1986 p.166 item 498. Very fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection. | £80.00 |  |
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| | Back to previous page | References: MPSB = Medieval Pilgrim & Secular Badges by Michael Mitchiner. |
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