Late 14th-early 16th century AD. A lead pilgrim's holy water ampulla, flask-shaped with a Type II scallop shell design to one face, two inverted 'V's within a roundel to the other, one remaining angular handle. 45 grams, 47mm high (1 3/4"). English collection formed in the 1990s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. A medieval pilgrim could purchase an ampulla as a souvenir believed to contain water bestowed with apotropaic properties. Scallop shells initially symbolised Saint James ofpostella, later representing all pilgrim saints. The inverted 'V's may stand for the Latin phrase 'Virgo Virginum' (virgin of virgins) or may form a stylised 'M', standing for 'Maria'. Alternatively, when turned ide down they form a 'W', which often referred to Our Lady of Walsingham. [No Reserve]