Medieval Pewter Cologne Pilgrim badge - in display window
01
day
20
hours
11
minutes
46
seconds
Current bid
€ 750
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,900 - € 2,100
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 Bidder 8509 | €750 | |
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Medieval pewter Cologne Pilgrim badge depicting the Three Kings presenting gifts to Mary and child, shown in a display window and measuring about 11 x 11 cm, dating to 1350–1450 and sold from a private collection with authenticity as original/official.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Medieval pewter pilgrims badge of Cologne showing the three kings offering gifts to Mary and child seated in a chair. One of the Kings is pointing to the Star of Bethlehem in the upper left corner.
The badge will be delivered in a protective display window case, as shown on the pictures.
-> These badges were sold to pilgrims visiting Cologne Cathedral, one of Europe’s greatest pilgrimage destinations, where the relics of the Magi were venerated. These badges were worn on hats or cloaks as proof of pilgrimage and as protective charms. A genuine piece of medieval devotion, carrying the history of one of Europe’s most famous shrines.
Display window: ± 11 x 11 cm
Ref: Heilig en Profaan II, van Beuningen, plate 1103
Condition: very good, rare in this complete condition. Some attachment claws on the reverse side are no longer present. Signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Last image: unknown source, showing a pilgrim en route with several badges sewn onto his hat.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
-> Shrine Cologne
In 1164, Archbishop Rainald of Dassel brought the relics of the Three Magi (the Three Wise Men) from Milan to Cologne. The possession of this a relic made Cologne one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in Christendom, attracting pilgrims from all over Europe to venerate the Magi; especially on their feast day (January 6th).
Between 1190-1220, master goldsmith Nicholas of Verdun built a magnificent gold reliquary. Shaped like a miniature basilica, it visually embodies the heavenly Jerusalem and is richly decorated with gold, silver, enamel and gemstones.
-> Pilgrim badges
From the 12th to the 16th century, small pewter badges (lead-tin alloy) were sold to pilgrims visiting holy sites across Europe. Wearing such a badge was a public sign showing one had completed a pilgrimage to a sacred sign or relic. The badges were also believed to offer spiritual protection. The badges had little loops or pins so they could be sewn onto hats or cloaks.
Most badges show religious symbols, depicting the Virgin Mary, Saints, or miracle-working objects.
A special category were humorous or secular badges (profane badges), with a humorous or erotic theme.
Today, these special objects are prized as tangible relics of medieval devotion and travel.
Pilgrims wear or carry badges from a religious site as a sign of their pilgrimage, often attaching it to their clothing or backpacks.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Medieval pewter pilgrims badge of Cologne showing the three kings offering gifts to Mary and child seated in a chair. One of the Kings is pointing to the Star of Bethlehem in the upper left corner.
The badge will be delivered in a protective display window case, as shown on the pictures.
-> These badges were sold to pilgrims visiting Cologne Cathedral, one of Europe’s greatest pilgrimage destinations, where the relics of the Magi were venerated. These badges were worn on hats or cloaks as proof of pilgrimage and as protective charms. A genuine piece of medieval devotion, carrying the history of one of Europe’s most famous shrines.
Display window: ± 11 x 11 cm
Ref: Heilig en Profaan II, van Beuningen, plate 1103
Condition: very good, rare in this complete condition. Some attachment claws on the reverse side are no longer present. Signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Last image: unknown source, showing a pilgrim en route with several badges sewn onto his hat.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
-> Shrine Cologne
In 1164, Archbishop Rainald of Dassel brought the relics of the Three Magi (the Three Wise Men) from Milan to Cologne. The possession of this a relic made Cologne one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in Christendom, attracting pilgrims from all over Europe to venerate the Magi; especially on their feast day (January 6th).
Between 1190-1220, master goldsmith Nicholas of Verdun built a magnificent gold reliquary. Shaped like a miniature basilica, it visually embodies the heavenly Jerusalem and is richly decorated with gold, silver, enamel and gemstones.
-> Pilgrim badges
From the 12th to the 16th century, small pewter badges (lead-tin alloy) were sold to pilgrims visiting holy sites across Europe. Wearing such a badge was a public sign showing one had completed a pilgrimage to a sacred sign or relic. The badges were also believed to offer spiritual protection. The badges had little loops or pins so they could be sewn onto hats or cloaks.
Most badges show religious symbols, depicting the Virgin Mary, Saints, or miracle-working objects.
A special category were humorous or secular badges (profane badges), with a humorous or erotic theme.
Today, these special objects are prized as tangible relics of medieval devotion and travel.
Pilgrims wear or carry badges from a religious site as a sign of their pilgrimage, often attaching it to their clothing or backpacks.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Details
Culture
Medieval
Century/timeframe
1350-1450
Name of object
Cologne Pilgrim badge - in display window
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Pewter
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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.
