Medieval, Crusaders Era Lead Pilgrim badge with Star of Bethlehem

01
day
08
hours
12
minutes
27
seconds
Current bid
€ 45
Reserve price not met
Peter Reynaers
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 210 - € 250
13 other people are watching this object
nlBidder 4860 €45
nlBidder 4860 €40
nlBidder 4860 €35

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 123641 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

A medieval, 15th‑century lead pilgrim badge with the Star of Bethlehem in an openwork round design, 20 × 15 mm, complete with pin, acquired in 2024 from a private Dutch collection in the Netherlands; condition very good.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

This round pilgrim badge is made of a lead–tin alloy and features an openwork design. At its center is a flower-like star, commonly interpreted as the Star of Bethlehem, with rounded, petal-shaped points. The star is enclosed by a circular frame, giving the motif a balanced and harmonious appearance.

The rear fastening is completely preserved, consisting of a metal pin with loop and catch, which allowed the badge to be securely attached to clothing, a cloak, a hat, or a pilgrim’s bag. The survival of a complete fastening is relatively rare and enhances the historical and museological value of the object.

In the medieval period, the Star of Bethlehem was a powerful symbol associated with:
-the Nativity of Christ,
- divine guidance and protection,
- and the pilgrim’s journey as a spiritual quest.

Pilgrim badges such as this were sold at pilgrimage shrines and served as both devotional objects and tangible souvenirs of a completed pilgrimage. They also functioned as visible expressions of piety and personal faith.

Material: Pewter
Date: Medieval, 15th century AD (according to Bruna 1996, p. 247, no. 435)
Measurement: overall: 20 x 15 mm
Condition: Extremely fine condition, complete with pin

International registered Delivery.

Provenance: The Supplier warrants that it has obtained this lot in a legal manner.
From a private Dutch collection collected since 1990's; acquired on the European art market in the 90's.

Important information:
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

This round pilgrim badge is made of a lead–tin alloy and features an openwork design. At its center is a flower-like star, commonly interpreted as the Star of Bethlehem, with rounded, petal-shaped points. The star is enclosed by a circular frame, giving the motif a balanced and harmonious appearance.

The rear fastening is completely preserved, consisting of a metal pin with loop and catch, which allowed the badge to be securely attached to clothing, a cloak, a hat, or a pilgrim’s bag. The survival of a complete fastening is relatively rare and enhances the historical and museological value of the object.

In the medieval period, the Star of Bethlehem was a powerful symbol associated with:
-the Nativity of Christ,
- divine guidance and protection,
- and the pilgrim’s journey as a spiritual quest.

Pilgrim badges such as this were sold at pilgrimage shrines and served as both devotional objects and tangible souvenirs of a completed pilgrimage. They also functioned as visible expressions of piety and personal faith.

Material: Pewter
Date: Medieval, 15th century AD (according to Bruna 1996, p. 247, no. 435)
Measurement: overall: 20 x 15 mm
Condition: Extremely fine condition, complete with pin

International registered Delivery.

Provenance: The Supplier warrants that it has obtained this lot in a legal manner.
From a private Dutch collection collected since 1990's; acquired on the European art market in the 90's.

Important information:
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Details

Culture
Medieval, Crusaders Era
Century/ Timeframe
15th century
Name of object
Pilgrim badge with Star of Bethlehem
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2024
Material
Lead
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
2020
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
The NetherlandsVerified
896
Objects sold
100%
pro

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

Similar objects

For you in

Archaeology