Middelfart Crown

The Middelfart Crown (Middelfartkronen) is an early 16th-century bridal crown discovered in 1933 during construction work beneath the central marketplace in Middelfart, Denmark. It is now on display in the National Museum of Denmark.

Discovery
The Middelfart Crown was discovered in 1933 when the cobbling of the central marketplace in Middelfart was being renewed. It was located in a small stone-clad cavity, possibly a former fireplace. It was found together with a necklace with a pendant reliquary cross. The cavity of the reliquary cross was empty.

Description
The crown is made of gilded silver with traces of enamel. It has a maximum diameter of 26 cm, measures 11 cm tall, and has an original weight of approximately 430 g. The circlet consists of six segments, each of which are decorated with three five-leaved rosettes with traces of enamel. The 12 points, of which three are missing, are shaped like lilies. They were originally decorated with heart-shaped leaves.

Interpretation
It is believed that it has been worn by a St. May figure in the local St. Nicolas' Church and loaned out to brides.