Miscellanea
1. Brothel
These badges were worn as a symbol of virility. They are often found in areas
associated with brothels, such as Southwark in London. Similar badges have been
unearthed in both France and Holland. Based on original.
Brothel badge, boxed with history. 40mm x 45mm
2. Dog & Hare
Common sports such as hunting and hawking were popular subjects for badges in
the Middle Ages. This badge shows a hare hiding beneath and based on a late
14th century find now in Salisbury Museum.
Dog & Hare. Boxed with history. 48mm x 50mm
3. Jousting Knight
This badge is based on a 14th century popular badge. The jousting knight showed
the wearer’s interest in the tournaments common in the later Middle Ages.
Jousting Knight. Boxed with history. 45mm x 52mm
4. Dragon
Of no particular significance, have been asked many times for a dragon, and
here he is.
Dragon, boxed 45mm x 60mm
5. Hand with Rose
Assumed to be a lovers token from around the 15th or 16th century.
Hand, boxed 35mm x 45mm
6. Ring Brooch
Many of the cheaply produced medieval brooches such as this would have been
copies of the more expensive gold and silver varieties made for the use of nobles
and offered to the masses as a cheap alternative.
Ring brooch, boxed with history. 60 mm
7. Lovers token
These pretty badges are assumed to be lover’s tokens. The original of
this was found in Salisbury.
Lovers token, boxed with history. 48mm x 31mm
8. Moon
This badge is based on a 16th century Dutch original. Badges of this type were
worn by sailors taking part in the relief of the Spanish siege of Leiden. The
two inscriptions read ‘Rather Turk than papist’ and ‘In spite
of the Mass’.
Moon, boxed with history. 43mm x 30mm
9. Squire & Falcon
This badge is based upon an original 14th century badge. Hawking was a favourite
pastime for the upper classes and was also highly regarded by people at large,
who wore badges to show their interest.
Squire & Falcon, boxed with history. 45mm x 45mm
10. Rose
The rose has been used as an heraldic symbol since the Middle Ages. Adopted
by the Tudors as their personal badge, it has now become an emotive symbol of
Britain’s past.
Rose, enamelled red or white, boxed with history. 25mm
11. Horse
This important pagan symbol of the horse was widely used and can be seen carved
into the hillsides of Britain at places such as Uffington Camp and Westbury
in Whiltshire. This badge, dated to the 2nd century, was originally cast in
bronze with enamel inlay.
Horse, pewter and cold enamel, boxed with history, various colours.
20mm x 30mm
12. Spoons
Typical spoons of around the 14th century. The terminal or knops followed a
number of different patterns.
a) Maidenhead, b) decorative knop
Spoon, boxed with history.
13. Purse
There is speculation as to their use, but could possibly have been used for
reliquary pendants, or to remind pilgrims and travellers of importance of giving
and receiving alms. The original purse frame was found at Bankside, London and
a similar one at the site of the Globe Theatre, Southwark.
Purse, boxed with history, 100mm x 85mm
14. Ampulla
Ampulla were produced at shrines so the pilgrims could return home with a sample
of holy water which were thought to have healing powers. The original was found
at Salisbury. They would have had a cord attached to the handles and worn around
the neck.
Ampulla, boxed with history.
15. Mirror Case
These were brought at the shrines when the crush of people prevented them from
reaching the shrine itself. They would have been held up to capture the image
and thus affording the pilgrim protection on their journey.
Mirror Case, boxed with history.
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