The heart was the primary symbol of love and many examples of heart badges have been found to date. In this example, the heart is crowned (a relatively common feature of such badges), and is pierced by love’s arrow. The frame consists of well worked dot and circle decoration, with six projecting trefoils.

The original of this badge was found at the abandoned 15th century village of Walraversijde, near Ostend, Belgium.

Produced in association with the Provincie West-Vlaanderen / Institut voor het Archeologisch Patrimonium.

15th century.

32mm A heart pierced by love’s arrow, within a decorative frame.