| Place | Oceania: Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/02488 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Gold, Silver |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Silver necklace with gold swastika pendant
Description
Double stranded silver chain with a circular gold pendant. In the centre of the pendant is a lucky swastika of fylfot.
History / Summary
The origin of this item is unknown. It was donated along with items relating to the services of Quinton Hunter and John Swayne, who both served in the First World War. It is unknown if one of them collected the item during the war or if it was acquired at an earlier or later date. Before the rise of Nazism the swastika or fylfot, derived from India, was a popular symbol of good luck in western nations and it was not uncommon to wear swastika jewelry for good luck, or to use the symbol on greeting cards and other items. Quinton Hunter was killed in action on 7 May 1917 whilst serving with 9 Battalion. John Swayne served with 5 Light Horse Regiment and survived the war.