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Recollections of War > Records

WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

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c. 1914

Overview

World War One era good luck pendant ccomprising a 1913 dated Australian silver shilling surrounded by a horseshoe made from a contrasting, golden bronze coloured metal.
The horseshoe has the ends facing downwards and has grooves in the middle - three on the left, a large one at the top, and two on the right - imitating where the nails of a real horseshoe would be placed.
The coin features the Coat of Arms of Australia and the date on the front and a portrait of the reigning monarch on the reverse.
The coin is well worn, having been in circulation, and has a circular hole drilled through the top enclosing a metal ring for suspension.

Historical information

This pendant was likely made by a departing soldier to give to their loved one in the hope of a safe return. Horseshoes are a symbol of good luck, although more usually, the ends face upwards, so that the luck can't fall out.

Details

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00795

Item type

Decorative Objects

Themes

War and Conflict

War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Width

30 mm

Height or length

30 mm

Depth

1.5000 mm

Inscriptions and markings

On front of coin at top:

"ONE SHILLING"

Under the coast of arms:

"ADVANCE AUSTRALIA"

On front of coin at bottom:

"1913"

On reverse of coin around edge:

"GEORGIVS V D.G. BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP:"

Keywords

Good Luck Charm

History - Social

Place made

Australia

Year

Primary significance criteria

Artistic or aesthetic significance

Social or spiritual significance

Comparative significance criteria

Interpretive capacity

Last modified

Monday, 10 November, 2025

Completeness

100

Recollections of War

Recollections of War

Other items from Recollections of War

WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

Oblique view of WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

Oblique view of WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

Other oblique view of WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

Other oblique view of WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

Reverse of WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

Reverse of WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

Oblique view of reverse of WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

Oblique view of reverse of WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

Other oblique view of reverse of WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

Other oblique view of reverse of WWI era good luck pendant in form of horseshoe

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