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An early 20th century American good luck badge in the shape of a four leaf clover, with a raised silver-tone fylfot (swastika) good luck symbol at the center. This piece dates to the pre-1933 era (circa 1905 to 1925), when the four leaf clover and the swastika were two of the most popular good luck emblems in America and Europe. In those years the symbol showed up on postcards, Boy Scout “Thanks Badges,” Coca-Cola watch fobs, Girl’s Club pins and countless souvenir charms, long before it was taken over by the Nazi party. This is a historical good luck novelty and has no connection to Nazism or any political movement.
The clover is struck from thin base metal, likely brass with an old silver-tone wash, and has a finely stippled ground with raised leaf veins, rolled leaf edges and a curled stem. The central emblem is applied in a brighter silver-tone metal. On the reverse is a soldered horizontal loop bar, consistent with a slide made to be worn on a ribbon, strap or watch chain, or possibly the remaining mount from a pin. No pin stem is present. The reverse shows the struck-through impression of the front design, typical of period die-struck construction.
A nice piece of early American folk luck symbolism and a scarce combination of two classic good luck emblems. Please see the detailed photos for condition.
Specifics:
- Type: Good luck badge / slide pin
- Theme: Four leaf clover, good luck, fylfot / swastika luck symbol
- Era: Pre-1933, circa 1905-1925
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Likely United States
- Material: Base metal (likely brass) with silver-tone wash; applied silver-tone center emblem
- Construction: Die-struck, soldered loop bar on reverse
- Color: Antique bronze / silver tone
- Approximate Size: about 1 in. x 1 in.
- Maker: Unmarked
- Original/Reproduction: Original antique
SEO Keywords:
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Estimated Value:
$20 - $40. Plain pre-1933 base metal good luck pieces with this symbol typically sell in the $15 to $45 range, and the four leaf clover pairing adds collector appeal. The missing pin stem and verdigris keep this toward the lower to middle of the range. A Buy It Now of $34.99 with Best Offer, or an sale starting at $19.99, is reasonable.
