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Antique Gold "Happy Landings" Spinner Charm

Antique Gold "Happy Landings" Spinner Charm

$500.00

Description

DATE: Interwar, c.1920

A cool and unusual gold spinner charm dating from the interwar period, circa 1920. The central disc features enamel lettering on each side, nonsensical when it's still, but spin it and the words "Happy Landings" fleetingly appear.

The term appears to have originated among pilots in WW1, who would wish each other "blue skies and happy landings" - basically a way of saying godspeed and a safe flight. It's usage has extended outside the confines of military aviation, and is now (albeit only very occasionally) used to wish someone a successful outcome, or instead of saying "down the hatch" when drinking (apparently).

MEASUREMENTS 

1.8 x 1.7cm

WEIGHT 

1.5g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 9k gold

CONDITION 

Very good, light wear commensurate with age

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