Lykketom

[kiminbend]

I have a VERY interesting charm...I believe it belonged to my Morfar (Grandfather) in Denmark...then left to my mother upon his death. My Mother died when I was 12 so, I have no one to ask. I have searched with no avail. Morfar was born in 1893. It is a Sterling LYKKETOM, with moveable arms. There is no mark (that I can find). It is a little about 31.25 mm and is 3-dimensional. Any help is gratefully accepted.

[AG2012]

This is fumsup good luck charm popular in the late 19th and early 20th century and often given to soldiers in WW I. It was made in the form of a small person or baby.
The name comes from thumbs up (I think ``th fronting`` must be Cockney; but have heard it in South East England, too).
I am not familiar with Danish, but lykke is ``happiness``.
Regards

[kiminbend]

Thank YOU again AG2012...I had never heard of a Fumsup...and "lykke" IS Danish for luck. I had taken the charm to the USA Antiques Roadshow last year, they couldn't help me.

[AG2012]

Most probably there are two words actually; LYKKE TOM - MEANING LUCKY TOM.
Regarding the road antique show, you should have responded with``Lawd above! are yew an expert,or what?, innit.``

[dognose]

Three advertisements from J.C. Vickery in 1916 that illustrate the 'Fumsup' figure:


J.C. Vickery - London - 1916


J.C. Vickery - London - 1916


J.C. Vickery - London - 1916

'Fumsup' appears to Britain's answer to America's 'Kewpie' doll.

Trev.

[dognose]

A couple of images of a somewhat simlar silver-plated Scottish-style piece:





Trev.