Badge, livery badge

Badges have traditionally been worn as forms of identification by members of City of London companies. Liverymen historically wore a gown and hood to distinguish themselves. By the 1760s liverymen were showing a reluctance to wear the traditional gown and so badges were introduced. Livery badges were required to gain entry to the Common Hall, or assembly, at the Guildhall. The badge also conferred on the wearer social status and protection.

This badge was made for a member of the Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Bowyers. It features the Company crest of three bows and the names of three famous Medieval battles between England and France: Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt.