Medieval Pewter Axe-Shaped Pilgrim's Badge with Heraldic Shield

Comprising twelve sections, the top row with three Evangelists, each holding a gospel; the next row with the Annunciation scene with Archangel Gabriel, Mary and Saint Paul holding a raised sword and a book; Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas flanking the standing figure of Jesus; the bottom row with Saint Peter holding keys and a book, Moses and probably Saint Andrew; each figure framed with embroidered foliage; sewn to a linen background stretched over a wooden frame. 1.55 kg, 84.5 cm



French private collection. with Jean-Charles D'Ornano, 16 January 2022, lot 233. Ex central London gallery. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11749-202077.

The dalmatic (liturgical vestment derived from the Late Roman garment with the same name) was worn by the deacons in Latin Catholic Church. This dress, mainly used in the Holy Liturgy, was often decorated in silk and gold embroidery, and splendid specimens were realised by the Italian workshops of the Florentine Republic, one of the richest Italian states of the Renaissance.

A compass composed of two articulate arms, the lower bodies with a triangular cross-section. 5.41 grams, 55 mm



European collection, 1990s. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.

Comprising axeheads, adze-axe heads, pickaxe head and others. 2.59 kg total, 13.3 - 21.5 cm



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