Metal amulet with ribbon

Made:
1914-1918 in United Kingdom
Metal amulet in the form of a soldier

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Metal amulet in the form of a soldier
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Metal amulet in the form of a military bandsman, with loop attachment for a ribbon, worn by a soldier of the Middlesex Regiment during the First World War, 1914-1918.

The carrying of ‘lucky charms’ – as protective amulets against ill health and physical danger – is common in many cultures around the world. Luck played a major role in combatant’s fate during the First World War, 1914-1918. As such, soldiers of all nations put great faith in lucky charms and amulets. Whether given by family and loved ones, bought commercially or chosen for personal significance, these special forms of protection were carried into battle. This metal amulet in the form of a military bandsman was worn by a soldier of the Middlesex Regiment.

The amulet was bought for the Wellcome collection in 1930 from Edward Lovett’s (1852-1933) collection of mostly British amulets and charms. Lovett was a collector who documented different medical traditions and beliefs.

Details

Category:
Ethnography and Folk Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A79977
Materials:
tin (metal), textile and complete
type:
amulet
credit:
Lovett, E.

Parts

Ribbon for metal amulet

Ribbon for metal amulet

Ribbon from a metal amulet in the form of a military bandsman, with loop attachment for the ribbon, worn by a soldier of the Middlesex Regiment during the First World War, 1914-1918.

Materials:
textile
Object Number:
A79977/2
type:
amulet and ribbon