Medieval Pewter den Bosch Pilgrim badge - in display window
17
days
13
hours
42
minutes
53
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,700 - € 2,000
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Medieval pewter pilgrim badge from Den Bosch, dating to circa 1400–1450, shield-shaped with two suspension loops and a beaded border, showing the crowned Virgin Mary with Child and sceptre flanked by John and the miracle tree, delivered in a protective display window case and in original/official condition.
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 lead-alloy openwork pilgrim badge from ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), of shield-shaped form, with two suspension loops above and a beaded border framing a central devotional scene. The design shows a crowned standing Virgin Mary with Child and sceptre, flanked by John and the miracle tree, with votive offerings above her head, including a leg, chains, and a ship, all in a finely cast openwork composition.
The badge will be delivered in a protective display window case, as shown on the pictures.
-> Pilgrim badges from ’s-Hertogenbosch were worn as visible signs of devotion and pilgrimage. They served both as sacred souvenirs and as expressions of personal faith. 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 the most important cult centres in the medieval Low Countries.
Display window: ± 9 x 9 cm
Ref: Heilig en Profaan, H.J.E. van Beuningen, p. 2212, afb. 455
Condition: very good, rare. 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).
-> The shrine of ’s-Hertogenbosch became famous in the late Middle Ages through the cult of the Zoete Lieve Vrouw, the Sweet Virgin Mary, whose miraculous image in St John’s church attracted large numbers of pilgrims from across the Low Countries and beyond. The shrine developed into one of the most important regional pilgrimage centres, where visitors came to pray for protection, healing, and intercession, and often took home pilgrim badges as devotional souvenirs of their journey.
-> 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 lead-alloy openwork pilgrim badge from ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), of shield-shaped form, with two suspension loops above and a beaded border framing a central devotional scene. The design shows a crowned standing Virgin Mary with Child and sceptre, flanked by John and the miracle tree, with votive offerings above her head, including a leg, chains, and a ship, all in a finely cast openwork composition.
The badge will be delivered in a protective display window case, as shown on the pictures.
-> Pilgrim badges from ’s-Hertogenbosch were worn as visible signs of devotion and pilgrimage. They served both as sacred souvenirs and as expressions of personal faith. 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 the most important cult centres in the medieval Low Countries.
Display window: ± 9 x 9 cm
Ref: Heilig en Profaan, H.J.E. van Beuningen, p. 2212, afb. 455
Condition: very good, rare. 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).
-> The shrine of ’s-Hertogenbosch became famous in the late Middle Ages through the cult of the Zoete Lieve Vrouw, the Sweet Virgin Mary, whose miraculous image in St John’s church attracted large numbers of pilgrims from across the Low Countries and beyond. The shrine developed into one of the most important regional pilgrimage centres, where visitors came to pray for protection, healing, and intercession, and often took home pilgrim badges as devotional souvenirs of their journey.
-> 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
1400-1450
Name of object
den Bosch Pilgrim badge - in display window
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Pewter
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Previous owner - year acquired
2026
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.
