BADGE

An incomplete lead alloy livery badge, dating to the medieval period (c. AD1300-1500).

The badge is in the form of a standing bird, possibly a falcon, facing left in relief. The body of the bird has been cast in a rounded convex shape, the reverse being concave showing only the shape of the head. The condition of the metal surface is corroded and worn, such that very little detail of the bird can be discerned; nevertheless, there are hints of surface decoration, possibly feathering in the area of the wings. The feet, tail, and much of the head (with the exception of the beak) are broken and missing. The reverse of the badge is undecorated.

Dimensions: height 63.03mm; length 20.82mm; weight 21.07g.

Livery badges became popular in the regin of Edward III and remained in use until the latter part of Henry VIII's reign (Spencer 1990, 95). The badges were often of a simple design (contrasting with ever-more complex heraldic designs during the period), probably so as to easily signify the wearers fealty or attachment to a particular magnate or lord. Spencer (ibid) argues that the badges refelected a secular allegiance in the same way that devotional, or 'pilgrim, badges signified religious allegiance to a partcular saint or cult.

Spencer (1990, p107; figs 264, 266-8) illustrates an number of simlar badges, and similar examples, although recorded as mounts, can be found on the PAS database at: NMS-2DA900 & NMS-DDA137.

Ref:
Spencer, B., 1990. Salisbury Museum medieval catalogue. Vol. 2. Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum, Salisbury.