More substantially made annular brooches would be used for securing clothing. However the slightly fragile nature of this example suggests a purely decorative use. The legend, in Lombardic letters, is partly illiterate and the word Invan cannot be fully interpreted. Badges such as this, although probably not pilgrims badges as such, would have been worn as a means of invoking the protection of a saint, or, in this case, the Virgin Mary.

Original found in London.

13th Century.

27mm diam. With the engraved legend, ‘Ave Maria Gracia Plena Invan’ (Hail Mary full of grace).

Note

We can supply this item with either a functional cross pin (as on the original item); or with a modern fastening, in which case the cross pin will be soldered shut. Please state your choice when ordering (if no choice is given we will supply a modern pin).