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PILGRIM BADGE
Unique ID: ESS-302D31
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Late medieval to early post-medieval copper alloy button-form devotional badge. The flat button is octofoil in plan and it rectangular in profile. The button has a diameter of 31.43mm, is 1.92mm thick increasing to 3.96mm to include the broken shank. The button weighs 6.91 grams. The upper surface is decorated with an engraved design which depicts the crucifixion.
The central figure is of Christ on the cross, with a standing figure to either side below the arms of the cross. The two figures are robed. The figure to the right (St John) is holding a book, while the figure to the left (Mary) has her hands clasped in prayer. The figure of Jesus has his right leg crossing over the left one, with the nail showing. The nails are also clear on the palm of each hand, with the fingers closing around them. There is a very small panel at the top of the cross, reading INRI (the 'N' is reversed, and the letters are no larger than 1.2mm high).
The inscription stands for IESUS NAZARENVS REX IVDAEORVM ('Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews'). The entire design is bordered by an engraved double line following the octofoil outline, with oblique lines (cording) extending out to the edge. The edge of the button is damaged at the base and the surface is slightly worn with a more recent scratch across the upper left. The reverse is slightly abraded. The central stem/attachment loop has been broken off (the surviving section is oval in cross section). The break is worn.
Cahanier (2017, 19) type 4
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: Regional importance
Class:
Crucifixion
Sub class: button
Inscription:
INRI
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Colchester Castle Museum
Subsequent action after recording: Donated to a museum
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1450
Date to: Circa AD 1520
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Weight: 6.91 g
Diameter: 31.43 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 1st October 2006 - Tuesday 10th July 2007
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: Kunera no. 18318
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cahanier, S. | 2017 | Les boutons-enseignes: un groupe original d’enseignes religieuses des XVe et XVIe siècles | Turnhout | Brepols | 19 | 4 |
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Timeline of associated dates
1 comment
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StuE wrote @ 16:28:16 on the 10th April 2010.
This item was donated to Colchester Castle Museum on 11/10/2007.
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