Medieval pewter Pilgrim Badge - 35 mm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 230 - € 280
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Medieval pewter Pilgrim Badge from the Netherlands, dating to the 15th–16th century, 35 mm high, in good condition, authentic and acquired in 2026 from Veilinghuis Rotterdam.
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Description from the seller
"Medieval Pewter Pilgrim Badge
Culture / Period: Medieval
Date / Period: 15th - 16th century
Material: Pewter
Dimensions: 35 mm
Condition: Good condition
No shipping outside the European Union. Due to complex export regulations concerning cultural goods, this item cannot be shipped outside the EU. Please ensure you have a delivery address within the European Union before placing a bid.
Provenance information:
Object Registration ID: 848
The current owner (S.N.J. S.) purchased the Pilgrim Badge from R.N. in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
The previous owner, R.N. from Rotterdam (the Netherlands), did not provide information regarding when the object entered the collection.
According to the previous owner, no information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available.
No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available.
Background Information:
This cast pewter pilgrim badge dates to the 15th–16th century and represents one of the most recognisable forms of medieval devotional objects. Pilgrim badges were purchased at important pilgrimage shrines and worn on clothing, hats, or bags as visible signs that the wearer had completed a religious journey. They also served as cherished souvenirs and symbols of faith, devotion, and divine protection.
The present example features an openwork circular design combined with a projecting element that is characteristic of late medieval devotional badges. Although the specific shrine or saint cannot be identified with certainty, its form is consistent with the wide variety of pilgrimage souvenirs produced throughout medieval Europe. Such badges were manufactured in moulds using inexpensive pewter alloys, allowing large numbers to be distributed to pilgrims visiting renowned religious centres.
Pilgrimage formed an essential part of medieval religious life. Thousands of believers travelled to famous destinations such as Canterbury, Santiago de Compostela, Cologne, and numerous regional shrines in the Low Countries. Upon returning home, badges such as this were proudly displayed on garments, identifying the wearer as a pilgrim and serving as lasting reminders of their spiritual journey.
Because these inexpensive devotional objects were intended for everyday wear, many were lost, discarded, or damaged over the centuries. Authentic medieval pilgrim badges remain highly desirable archaeological finds, providing valuable insight into the religious practices, travel, and craftsmanship of the late Middle Ages."
"Medieval Pewter Pilgrim Badge
Culture / Period: Medieval
Date / Period: 15th - 16th century
Material: Pewter
Dimensions: 35 mm
Condition: Good condition
No shipping outside the European Union. Due to complex export regulations concerning cultural goods, this item cannot be shipped outside the EU. Please ensure you have a delivery address within the European Union before placing a bid.
Provenance information:
Object Registration ID: 848
The current owner (S.N.J. S.) purchased the Pilgrim Badge from R.N. in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
The previous owner, R.N. from Rotterdam (the Netherlands), did not provide information regarding when the object entered the collection.
According to the previous owner, no information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available.
No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available.
Background Information:
This cast pewter pilgrim badge dates to the 15th–16th century and represents one of the most recognisable forms of medieval devotional objects. Pilgrim badges were purchased at important pilgrimage shrines and worn on clothing, hats, or bags as visible signs that the wearer had completed a religious journey. They also served as cherished souvenirs and symbols of faith, devotion, and divine protection.
The present example features an openwork circular design combined with a projecting element that is characteristic of late medieval devotional badges. Although the specific shrine or saint cannot be identified with certainty, its form is consistent with the wide variety of pilgrimage souvenirs produced throughout medieval Europe. Such badges were manufactured in moulds using inexpensive pewter alloys, allowing large numbers to be distributed to pilgrims visiting renowned religious centres.
Pilgrimage formed an essential part of medieval religious life. Thousands of believers travelled to famous destinations such as Canterbury, Santiago de Compostela, Cologne, and numerous regional shrines in the Low Countries. Upon returning home, badges such as this were proudly displayed on garments, identifying the wearer as a pilgrim and serving as lasting reminders of their spiritual journey.
Because these inexpensive devotional objects were intended for everyday wear, many were lost, discarded, or damaged over the centuries. Authentic medieval pilgrim badges remain highly desirable archaeological finds, providing valuable insight into the religious practices, travel, and craftsmanship of the late Middle Ages."
Details
Culture
Medieval
Century/timeframe
15th - 16th century
Name of object
Pilgrim Badge
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
pewter
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Height
35 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
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
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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.
