Cockerel

An incomplete lead alloy badge depicting a right-facing cockerel grasping and pecking at an ear of wheat. The cockerel has a comb, wattle and a large plume of tail feathers. Its wings are folded by its side. Its right foot grasps the wheat stem and its left leg is raised. The remains of the left foot can be seen just below the ear of wheat but it is no longer connected to the leg. In the late medieval period cockerels were symbols of lust, adultery, virility and vanity.
The cockerel has been cast in a very finely carved mould. The Museum of London has other cockerel badges in its collection but not as fine as this example. The reverse of the object has an integrally cast pin and catch, and has a mould line visible on the head and tail.