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LOT 1845
Medieval Pewter Head of John the Baptist Pilgrim's Badge
ENGLAND, 14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (2.97 grams, 20 mm).
Discoid type depicting a bearded face within a raised border of annulets, each with a pellet at its centre; integrally cast pin to reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound Alford, Lincolnshire, UK.
Recorded with UKDFD no.49065.
Cf. Spencer, B., Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges, Woodbridge, 2010, item 254b.
FootnotesThe badge possibly represents the head of John the Baptist on a platter, but an alternative interpretation is that it depicts the face of Christ in a form known as the 'Vernicle' or 'Veronica', which arises from the legend that the face of Christ was miraculously impressed on the handkerchief or veil that Saint Veronica gave to him to wipe his face on the way to Calvary. In support of the case for this interpretation, Spencer illustrates another circular badge of generally similar type (No. 254c), but with a border inscribed with the first line of a popular 14th-century prayer composed in honour of the Vernicle. In support of the case for the John the Baptist interpretation, some very similar badges depict a rather dishevelled head with a sharply couped neck.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1845
Medieval Pewter Head of John the Baptist Pilgrim's Badge
Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
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Medieval Bronze and Lead Seal Matrix Group
Circa 12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Comprising three vesica seal matrices, one with an intact loop, and a circular lead seal matrix with a rosette. 27.6 grams total, 20-37 mm
From the private collection of a Sussex, UK, gentleman. -
Medieval Gold Ring with Turquoise
1200-1500 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
Comprising a slender hoop with a high pie-crust bezel with a cabochon turquoise within a rub-over setting. 3.46 grams, 22.77 mm overall, 16.01 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13328-257948.
This form of decorative ring with central stone setting is relatively common in the medieval period, when a focus on gemstones over metalwork became increasingly common. Several rings of this type are known and appear to have been popular in the 15th century. -
Medieval Pewter Ring Brooch
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Annular brooch with fine ropework pattern and six projecting granulated pyramids on the outer edge, articulated pin. 2.32 grams, 19 mm
From the private collection of Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK; formed 1980s-1990s. Accompanied by a previous dealer's sales ticket.
