Pilgrim’s Badge Representing Saint. Leonard 15th Century

Description

Material: Lead alloy

Period: Medieval

Date: 15th century

Origin: Anglo-European

Condition: Almost fine. but the head has become detached. patinated (could be repaired)

Description: A pilgrim’s badge of St. Leonard with detached pin made of lead alloy.

Size and Weight: 35mm x 15mm

References: See examples held by the Museum of London

Features and Provenance: The figure is St. Leonard who is depicted wearing vestments and fetters as he was the patron saint of prisoners and also pregnant women (make of that what you will!). His shrine was in France at Noblat on the way to Compostela in Spain and were used as proof of visitation when making penance. Badges like this are found in Britain but are not common which may be associated with the fact that during the Hundred Year’s War shrines and a cult dedicated to St. Leonard were established when pilgrims could not get to France.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of pattern etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present. but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible