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.
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.
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.
45mm x 52mm

4. Dragon
Of no particular significance, have been asked many times for a dragon, and here he is.
45mm x 60mm

5. Hand with Rose
Assumed to be a lovers token from around the 15th or 16th century.
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.
60 mm

7. Lovers token
These pretty badges are assumed to be lover’s tokens. The original of this was found in Salisbury.
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’.
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.
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, enameled red or white. 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, 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

13. Purse
There is speculation as to their use, but could possibly have been used for reliquary pendants, or to remind pilgrims and travelers 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.
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.

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.

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