This is an ivory or bone medallion probably made in the late 15th or early 16th century probably in Germany. The medallion represents St. Geroge and the Dragon in carved open work. Margaret Longhurst previously thought the authenticity of this carving to be very doubtful and it would be probably of comparatively recent date. But although its not a particularly distinguished piece of work, the apparently genuine degree of wear would appear to be in its favour and it might be supposed that it functioned as a guild or devotional badge.
George is a legendary warrior saint and martyr and was one of the most popular saints in the late Middle Ages. His origins lie in Greece and he became popular in the West from the 13th century. He is the patron saint of several European Cities, one of them Venice. He was also made patron of England in 1222. To the early Christians the dragon symbolised the evil. St. George slaying the dragon thus refers to the conversion of a heathen country to Christianity. Later ages interpreted the story following the ancient Greek meaning.