Lovers token, ‘Par amour’

Description

Secular pewter badge: Lover Token, A mans bust in circular frame

Time period:15th Century
Origin: Belgium
Materials:Pewter
Product Dimensions: Diameter; 17mm diameter

Further details:

A mans bust, within a frame on which is the legend ‘par amours’. Many examples of this type of badge have been found, although mysteriously, the vast majority bear meaningless inscriptions, seemingly formed from a random selection of letters. It has been felt that these badges served as lovers tokens and this example would appear to prove the case as it bears the legend ‘par amour’ (through love).

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.