Messenger Badge
Before the introduction of regular mail service by governments, letters and messages had to be transported by heralds and trusted messengers employed by feudal lords or city magistrates. These men were identified on their official missions by shield-shaped badges worn on their clothing and displaying the heraldic arms of their employers. In some early examples, these badges were constructed as boxes with lids, probably to store credentials or even small messages on parchment. Many of the badges were made of silver and were often decorated with enamel.
Artwork Details
- Title: Messenger Badge
- Date: ca. 1300
- Culture: Italian or Spanish
- Medium: Copper, gold, enamel
- Dimensions: H. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm); W. 3 7/16 in. (8.7 cm); D. 1/2 in. (1.3 cm)
- Classification: Miscellaneous-Badges
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1904
- Object Number: 04.3.301
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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possibly southern Italian
ca. 1200
Sword Pommel with the Arms of Pierre de Dreux (ca. 1187–1250), Duke of Brittany and Earl of Richmond
French
ca. 1240–50
possibly Italian
ca. 1325–50
On loan to The Met
European, possibly Italy
ca. 1300
French or Italian
ca. 1350
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