C. 13th-14th century

A pewter pilgrim badge of St Andrew, who was the next most popular of the apostles after his brother, St Peter. This rectangular plaque depicts the crucifixion of St Andrew, with his limbs splayed on an saltire cross (X-shaped cross). He was tied to the cross in order to prolong his suffering, with two executioners clambering up at either side, in order to tie St Andrew’s arms to the cross. There is border of legend around the outside. It would have had a stitching-ring in each corner to be sewn onto a piece of clothing, worn to gain the Saint’s protection and as proof of pilgrimage.

Although slightly damaged it has good detail.

Ref: Similar examples in Pilgrim Souvenirs And Secular Badges  by B. Spencer, page 270-272.

Provenance: Ex Graham Slater Collection, Cambridge. Collected between 1980’s-1990’s.

Size: H: 44mm x W: 35mm