14th century A.D. A large retainer's badge showing a facing eagle with wings spread wide within a broad circular beaded and lined frame with pin remnant to reverse; with a small card giving details. Cf. Beuningen, van Asperen, Koldeweij and Piron, Heilig en Profan 4, Rotterdam Papers 14, 2018, no.3985, for a generally similar but smaller type found in the Netherlands. 10.7 grams, 50 mm (2 in.). Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection (part 4), Essex, UK. The eagle appears as a symbol used by both royalty and nobility in the Medieval period; eagles are often seen on coats of arms and as crests and are depicted on other heraldic items such as horse harness pendants and mounts. [No Reserve]