What is this Medallion/Disk?

[Baldingboy]

Ok....I went out to a house in a very old part of town. Building closeby from around mid to late 1800's, though the house where I found this was probably built more like 1920. There is an old wall and right up next to the wall, under 6" of solid tree roots, this thing pops out. Looks really old and is kind of fragile.


What is this and what would the significance of the hole in the back be?

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

How to Research for Treasure Hunting and Metal Detecting From Lead Generation to Vetting - Grab it through Amazon!

[Dano Sverige]

Dunno, but looks like a crude rendition of the coat of arms granted to Joan Of Arc.

http://thegoodbrother1.blogspot.com/2012/01/january-6-st-joan-of-arc-was-born-on.html

 

[Baldingboy]

Dunno, but looks like a crude rendition of the coat of arms granted to Joan Of Arc.

http://thegoodbrother1.blogspot.com/2012/01/january-6-st-joan-of-arc-was-born-on.html

Yep....you are correct. There is a striking resemblence. I attached a the picture here.





Thanks Dano for id'ing that coat of arms.....we are getting closer.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Any chance its a key hole cover?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

...or brooch or pendant? http://www.etsy.com/listing/90151769/joan-of-arc-coat-of-arms-with-red

 

[Baldingboy]

...or brooch or pendant? http://www.etsy.com/listing/90151769/joan-of-arc-coat-of-arms-with-red

Well...there definitely is a resemblence to the picture you posted. I don't know.

Thanks.

 

[yaxthri]

Dunno, but looks like a crude rendition of the coat of arms granted to Joan Of Arc.

Excellent ID-call!

Now about the hole in the back, how about it as a medallion and a screw-on-pin? And the iron screw has rusted away?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Any chance its a key hole cover?

 

[Baldingboy]

I guess either of you could be right. It could be a key holecover, but I wonder if it isn't kinda thick for that since it has a little volume to it. I don't know.

Could be some kind of pin too. I thought perhaps the hole could have held a rivet that held a ribbon on the back that encircled the badge part.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

What I meant was does the front piece slide open for a key? Or is it all one solid piece?

 

[deepsecrets]

It may be a religious reliquary - the hole in the back would have contained some artifact of the Saint. The sword and fleur de lis would suggest St. Joan of Arc. Reliquaries would be distinguished by class - first class, 2nd class, etc - you may have a very rare find there indeed. Nice work!!

 

[Baldingboy]

What I meant was does the front piece slide open for a key? Or is it all one solid piece?

Oh...it appears to be one solid piece. It has a fairly thick patina that makes it difficult to 100 percent sure. The shield area is raised a bit and it might be possible that it moved at one time, but I am afraid it would break if I pushed on it. Just being exposed to the air, the back has cracked a bit and deteriorated. I am going to have to stabilize it with a glue/water mixture so the air doesn't cause it to crumble. I have dug up a lot of things over the last few years, but this really does seem to be quite old.

 

[Baldingboy]

It may be a religious reliquary - the hole in the back would have contained some artifact of the Saint. The sword and fleur de lis would suggest St. Joan of Arc. Reliquaries would be distinguished by class - first class, 2nd class, etc - you may have a very rare find there indeed. Nice work!!

I found this close to where our town originated. It is exciting to think this might have that kind of importance. I wonder who might know if it was indeed a reliquary. Thanks for the information. I sure never would have thought of something like this. If your right, that would be very exciting.

 

[deepsecrets]

There are reliquary/religious relic experts/dealers on the Internet - google reliquary. I might suggest a visit to the local Catholic priest to inquire how to research such items - might be able to provide you with some sources?

 

[Baldingboy]

Anybody else see one of these?

 

[NGE]

I'd say a foil covered plastic "zipper pull" from a victorian style jacket.....NGE

 

[Baldingboy]

I'd say a foil covered plastic "zipper pull" from a victorian style jacket.....NGE

I don't know....maybe.

 

[Baldingboy]

There are reliquary/religious relic experts/dealers on the Internet - google reliquary. I might suggest a visit to the local Catholic priest to inquire how to research such items - might be able to provide you with some sources?

Good idea.

 

[davidpitt]

It looks like Medallion. Design engraved on it is really awesome.