File:Medieval ampulla, obverse (FindID 128991).jpg

English: Large lead ampulla dating to the medieval period (late 12th – early 14th century). Ampulla or miniature phials such as this were the main type of pilgrim souvenir (in England) during the 13th century and were designed to hold a measure of the thaumaturgic water dispensed to pilgrims at many shrines and holy wells of the period. Ampulla normally have a pair of small handles so that they can be suspended around the wearers neck. This example is missing both handles although the remains of the point where they were once attached can be seen.

The obverse of the ampulla shows a type II scallop shell with radiating ribs forming a corrugated surface. The scallop shell, as well as being the badge of St James of Compostela, was the emblem of pilgrimage itself so was a very common obverse type for ampulla of the period. The reverse of the ampulla has cast decoration; two concentric rings with a central motif. The motif at the centre is a crown above I I, this is possibly an initial of a saint. The mouth of ampulla were often crimped to keep the contents safe within but sometimes the mouth may have been closed with a bung of some sort. On this example this may be the case as the mouth is not flattened.

The ampulla weighs 70.43g and measures 49.5mm in length, 34.03mm in width and 20.3mm in thickness.