THE SUPERSTITIOUS expression "touch wood" or "knock wood" is used in situations where a perceived misfortune is about to happen. The phrase is thought to have originated in the 16th century when Catholic clergy sold believers wood fragments they claimed to be pieces of the "true cross" with the talismanic power to ward off bad luck. Many centuries later, the "Touch Wud" charm was designed by a Londoner named Henry Brandon. These goofy, rare silver-limbed little men feature a round wooden body with a smiling face and the words "touch wud" carved along the back side. Touch Wud ladies are much rarer; we've only seen one before. These lucky amulets were given to soldiers bound for the battlefield by their sweethearts during the first World War.
thedetails
- Materials
brass, wood
- Age
c. 1915
- Condition
Very good - minor surface wear commensurate with age and use
- Size
2 5/8" total length, 7/8" x 1/2" lucky lady
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Aboutthe
EdwardianEra
1900 — 1910
The jewelry tended toward airy lightness, often in the form of lacy filigree. The world was changing rapidly, but lots of the jewelry still reflected the Victorian ideals of decorum and femininity. Ancient Roman and Greek influences remained popular. “White” jewelry became popular as plentiful deposits of platinum were discovered in Russia and improved smelting technology made it possible for jewelers to work in the noble metal. Platinum was seldom used by jewelers in earlier years owing both to its scarcity and high melting point. The jewelry trade took advantage of its rigid strength to create opulent openwork settings for increasingly brilliant diamonds. The old European cut was perfected, rounder and squatter than old mine. This took stone-cutting one step closer to the mathematically perfect round brilliant cut, which is the most popular diamond cut today. The now-iconic square Asscher cut was patented in 1902. Hot on the heels of platinum, the alloy mixture that produces white gold was formulated and patented in 1915 in New York City. With Europe in the grip of WW1, the American jewelry industry was poised to become a world leader and innovator.
please note:Terms of Sale
Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.
