WWII San Michele Isle of Capri Brass Bell Worn by the USAAF (1944)

Description

These small, good luck charms were often seen secured to the A-2 leather flight jackets of the 12th and 15th Air Force men who passed through Capri, Italy. Legend has it that a sudden flash of light stopped a young shepherd boy in his tracks and Saint Michele appeared on a white horse alongside the boy’s sheep, who was wearing around its neck a small shining bell adorned with the image of a four-leaf clover. This particular example is constructed of brass and is dated 1944. Interestingly, the Italian jeweler mis-translated "lucky" as "luchy".

Provenance

Private Collection, Glendale, Arizona

Condition Report

This bell is in good condition, with an intact and functioning clapper. There appears to have once been a longer chain attached to its canon that has since broken away and there is evidence of polishing paste in the crevices.