The relics of St Nicholas found their way to the city of Bari in Italy in the 11th century, having been stolen from Myra (in Modern Turkey) by Bari merchants or sailors. St Nicholas, who had always been a popular saint in the east, now became one of Europe’s most popular saints. Although we know that he had been the bishop of Myra in the 4th century, most of his life story is the stuff of legend. His best known miracle involved saving three impoverished girls from a life of prostitution by secretly delivering three bags of gold coins, on three consecutive nights, to their home. Another involves the restoring to life of three boys who had been murdered, butchered and pickled in barrels. This miracle earned him the role as the patron saint of children, but he is best known today under his later reincarnation as Santa Claus! He was also the patron saint of sailors and fishermen.
Although the badge originated at his shrine in Bari, examples of it have been found across Europe, including an example found in London.

Late 12th or 13th century.

46x 34mm including sewing loops. Fitted with a modern brooch bar, but also available without a pin for those who prefer to use the sewing loops (see separate listing.