Badge, livery badge

In City of London companies 'liverymen' traditionally wore a gown and hood to gain entry to the Common Hall, or assembly, at the Guildhall. By the 1760s liverymen were showing a reluctance to wear the traditional gown and so badges were introduced by many companies.

Company Masters continued to wear their gowns until the later 19th century when they were issued with badges of office. This one is a 'blank' badge which would have been worn by a Past-Master of the Butcher's Company after they had completed their year in office. The obverse features the arms of the Company and its Latin motto 'OMINA SUJECISTI SUB PEDIBUS OVES ET BOVES' (Thou hast put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen).