This simple badge may have been worn to proclaim the wearer’s skill with the crossbow. Alternatively, the crossbow was used symbolically to proclaim the superiority of the human mind over brute strength, and as such was a popular design for jewels. The original of this badge was cast with a sewing loop on the back rather than the usual pin; we have followed this with our replica, and so it is not available with a ‘replica’ pin although it can be supplied with a ‘modern’ pin.

Original found in the River Thames.

15th century.

25x28mm.