Medieval Pilgrim's Ampoule Made Of Tin Alloy – England – 14th/15th Century

Medieval Pilgrimage Ampoule in Tin Alloy – England – 14th/15th Century.

A beautiful and rare medieval pilgrimage ampoule in tin alloy, dating from the 14th or 15th century.

This large, conch-shaped model is characteristic of pilgrimage ampoules used in the Middle Ages. Pilgrims would carefully preserve elements brought back from a holy site – water, earth, or dust – thus transforming the object into a personal relic. Once filled, the ampoule was hermetically sealed and carried as a protective talisman, endowed with an apotropaic function intended to ward off evil.

These small tin objects, belonging to the broader category of pilgrim badges and ampoules, were made in the immediate vicinity of holy sites and sold directly to the faithful for a small sum.

They constituted both a tangible souvenir of the completed pilgrimage and an object of devotion accessible to many. Although discovered in the Netherlands (referenced in the Kunera database under number 27113), this ampoule is of English manufacture, most likely from Salisbury, an important center of medieval production and pilgrimage. It thus testifies to the trade and travel of Flemish pilgrims to England during the Middle Ages.

The example presented is in remarkable condition: intact, undamaged, with both handles complete, making it a particularly exceptional piece and extremely rare on the market. It also displays a beautiful, even dark patina, characteristic of finds in damp environments (peat bogs or riverine contexts).

Dimensions: Height: 4.9 cm Width: 4.3 cm.

An authentic, rare, and historically significant piece, ideal for collectors of medieval or religious archaeology artifacts.

Price excludes shipping.

Ref. Police Register: A025

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