Choose Category:

Home > Auctions > Starting 23rd May 2023 > Medieval Dutch Pewter Holy Blood Of Wilsnack Pilgrim's Badge

Print page | Email lot to a friend

Back to previous page


Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Gallery loading...

LOT 1732

Sold for (Inc. bp): £130

MEDIEVAL DUTCH PEWTER HOLY BLOOD OF WILSNACK PILGRIM'S BADGE
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (6.3 grams, 39 mm).

Trilobate in plan with openwork triangle between three roundels with hatched fields, the upper two surmounted by crosses, depicting scenes from Christ's life: the crucifixion, resurrection and Christ at the Column in relief. [No Reserve]

PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.

LITERATURE:
Cf. Van Beuningen, H.J.E., Heilig En Profaan: 1000 Laat-Middeleleeuwse Insignes, Rotterdam Papers VIII, A Contribution to Medieval Archaeology, Netherlands, 1993, p.145, for type.

FOOTNOTES:
In 1383 AD, after fire in the town of Bad Wilsnack, Germany) three consecrated communion hosts were found undamaged in the ruins of the church. According to the legend, they were sprinkled with the Holy Blood of Christ, which made Bad Wilsnack a famous pilgrimage site. The resultant pilgrim badges were distinctive in shape with three circles arranged in a triangle and painted in red, referring to this miracle. Although the miracle was doubted by Reformation period scholars like John Hus, the final blow came in 1552, when the miraculous communion hosts were publicly burned.

CONDITION
VETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process

AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.