A very good quality and very interesting medieval pilgrims lead holy water ampulla.
This item which dates to circa 14th-15th century AD, is in excellent condition and is decorated with a scallop shell design to one side ( the sign of pilgrimage) and to the reverse side M often used as the monogram for the virgin Mary.
These items were purchased by pilgrims on their travels to shrines such as Canterbury and Walsingham, filled with holy water and blessed by the monks and then used as a sign of pilgrimage and faith.
They were often on their long weary journeys home in need of food and shelter at the local farms,so these items were exchanged for their goods needed.
They were often pierced with a sharp stick or knife and deposited in a hole to the corner of a crop field, where the holy water would seep out and bless the crops for the following year.
Found in excavations in walsingham Norfolk in 1971.
As with all of my antiquities and coins this item comes complete with a display box together with a certificate of authenticity.
