WWI patriotic good luck charm - black cat
c. 1915World War One era patriotic good luck charm in the form of a black cat with attached verse. The cat is viewed from behind and is made from black velvet material. It has a red, white and blue bow made from ribbon around its neck - the colours of The Empire. Its tail is made from brown thread which has an attached verse printed in purple ink on thin cream coloured paper. The left hand end of the verse is missing, but the sentiment of the words is still clear.
The reverse of the cat appears to be made from card which may have been used as an envelope, as the words 'Photo only' are written on it.
Black cats have long been associated with both good and bad luck in various cultures. Servicemen and women facing the constant threat of death and injury sought any object they could believe in to bring good fortune or protect them, such as the black cat good luck charms. They may have provided a sense of comfort and hope, allowing them to feel they were taking some measure of control over their fate, even if it was only a symbolic one.
This good luck charm is made from paper and fabric. Others would have been made from metal and timber or in the form of brooches and keychains.
Another example of good luck charms from World War One are the 'Fums up' talismans, of which there are several in the collection.
Details
Details
On card at back of cat:
"Photo only"
On attached verse:
"...s lucky black cat to you
...t wherever you roam
...talisman faithful and true
...bringing you home."
Other items from Recollections of War
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