Rights Holder: York Museums Trust
CC License: 
Image use policy
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
BADGE
Unique ID: YORYM-4AF08D
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete medieval badge in the form of an axehead, dating to the period c.AD 1300-1600. The axehead is an irregular triangle in plan, which narrows to a neck, and bifurcates to form a loop which would have accomodated the haft. This loop is now broken at its apex with a worn break. Decoration comprises a grid pattern on both the front and reverse of the blade. The wings of the axehead are now missing. A light grey patina is on the surface. Lead axeheads were a common form of secular badge in the late 13th to 16th centuries. They were perhaps worn by spectators at tournaments and combats (Spencer 2010, p.303.)
Cf. Spencer p.303-306, which illustrates a number of examples, notably p.304, no. 301c.
The badge measures 24.09mm in length, 13.13mm at its widest, 1.44m in thickness and weighs 2.45g.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1300
Date to: Circa AD 1600
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 24.09 mm
Width: 13.13 mm
Thickness: 1.44 mm
Weight: 2.45 g
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: YMT:E04923
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: East Riding of Yorkshire (Unitary Authority)
District: East Riding of Yorkshire (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Near Driffield
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer, B. | 1998 | Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges | London | Medieval Finds from Excavations in London 7 |
Similar objects
Find number: LEIC-5A4A0C
Object type: AXE
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
Medieval or post medieval miniature lead axe, 22 mm long, and 15 mm wide, with a weight of 2.96g, The object is roughly cast and has part o…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: WMID-AF5FD1
Object type: AXE
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
A cast lead miniature axehead of medieval or post medieval date. The axehead has a blade which flares out to a curved cutting edge. The blade…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: LON-1048B7
Object type: PILGRIM BADGE
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
A Medieval lead alloy heraldic poll-axe badge probably dating to the 15th-16th century. The badge is decorated with a shield with the arms of…
Workflow: Published
Timeline of associated dates
About Us
About our Site
Find us
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
T: +44(0) 20 73238618