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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
Estimate £30 - 40€35 - 46 (for guidance only)$41 - 54 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Three Pewter Pilgrim Badges
France, 14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £160
The first a circular badge of St John the Baptist, his severed head depicted on the circular plate with small loop for attachment at the top, inscription reading 'SIGNVM S’ IOhIS BABTIS' with a horizontal stroke to the 'h' so that it doesbles as a cross; a small badge of the Archangel Michael, shown fully armored and holding a sword above his head having bested Satan in personal combat; the final badge in the form of a dolphin, a secular piece likely worn by a follower of the French Dauphiné Charles V. 10.5 grams total, 24-38 mm
Former Forgeais (1822-1878) collection, France, thence by family descent. Arthur Forgeais was a noted 19th-century French archaeologist. Born in 1822 in the city of Paris, Forgeais held a special interest and specialism in the medieval history of his home city. When, in the mid-19th century, the Seine was dredged during Haussmann's renovation of the city, the scholar worked to recover a great number of archaeological remains from the silts of the river. He subsequently published his findings in the five-volume title Collection of Historiated Leaves Found in the Seine and Collected by Arthur Forgeais (published 1862-1866). The present collection of pewter pilgrim badges, all French in origin, is likely to have been recovered at this time. -
Medieval Lead Spindle Whorl Collection
Circa 12th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £20 - 30 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising eight biconical spindle whorls, most with raised designs. 272 grams total, 21-31 mm
Found near Mitton, Lancashire, UK. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector. -
Very Large Medieval Bronze Key
14th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £250
With voided lozenge bow and pierced lugs to the edges, tubular shaft with rounded forward end, split ward with bits. 142 grams, 15.6 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
