Thread by @Royal_Armouries, (1/10 ) It's #Friday13th 2020, so clearly we need all the good [...]

(1/10 ) It's #Friday13th 2020, so clearly we need all the good fortune we can lay our hands on. So, here are some of the luckiest items from our collection

Framed body armour of Captain Hugh Cowell Kinred who jumped on a bomb and survived, saving his 7 comrades (I.1658)

(1/10 ) It's #Friday13th 2020, so clearly we need all the good fortune we can lay our hands on. So, here are some of the luckiest items from our collection Framed body armour of Captain Hugh Cowell Kinred who jumped on a bomb and survived, saving his 7 comrades (I.1658)

(2/10) Cpt Kinred in the article: “In a moment, I saw the danger they were in, and that no time could be lost in picking it up: so I decided to smother it by lying on it. I should doubtless have been killed but for the lucky chance that I was wearing a Whitfield steel waistcoat.”

III.2281

(3/10) Arms and armour were often decorated with lucky symbols to protect their bearers in combat.

This 19th-century Chinese knuckle duster is decorated in silver overlay with the 'Ba Ji Xiang' (Eight Lucky Buddhist Emblems)

XXVID.66

III.2281(3/10) Arms and armour were often decorated with lucky symbols to protect their bearers in combat. This 19th-century Chinese knuckle duster is decorated in silver overlay with the 'Ba Ji Xiang' (Eight Lucky Buddhist Emblems) XXVID.66

(4/10) Whereas this similar knuckle duster also from China is decorated in gold overlay with the 'Wu Fu' (Five Lucky Bats). The number five is auspicious in Chinese culture and is closely related to the five elements.

XXVID.67

(4/10) Whereas this similar knuckle duster also from China is decorated in gold overlay with the 'Wu Fu' (Five Lucky Bats). The number five is auspicious in Chinese culture and is closely related to the five elements. XXVID.67

(5/10) While the Wu Fu can also be seen on this 19th century Quiver from China. Above them is a large gilt and pierced decorative piece, with a Chinese character in the centre representing longevity (Shou), one of the most common symbols of good fortune in China.

XXVIB.25

(5/10) While the Wu Fu can also be seen on this 19th century Quiver from China. Above them is a large gilt and pierced decorative piece, with a Chinese character in the centre representing longevity (Shou), one of the most common symbols of good fortune in China. XXVIB.25

(6/10) Islamic arms and armour were often decorated with ornate calligraphy.

The inscription at the top of this 15th-century Turban Helmet from Eastern Turkey reads:

"To its owner good fortune, peace, and health throughout his lifetime as long as the doves coo"

XXVIA.142

(6/10) Islamic arms and armour were often decorated with ornate calligraphy. The inscription at the top of this 15th-century Turban Helmet from Eastern Turkey reads: "To its owner good fortune, peace, and health throughout his lifetime as long as the doves coo" XXVIA.142

(7/10) This 16th-century Shaffron from the armoury of Hagia Irene in modern-day Istanbul is inscribed:

“Eternal glory and prosperity and good fortune (to the wearer)”

XXVIH.3 on display in our Leeds Museum

(7/10) This 16th-century Shaffron from the armoury of Hagia Irene in modern-day Istanbul is inscribed: “Eternal glory and prosperity and good fortune (to the wearer)” XXVIH.3 on display in our Leeds Museum

(8/10) These Japanese objects are engraved with lucky dates known as 'kichijitsu'

'Eikyu 1st year 8 month a lucky day' (1113)

‘Showa 8th year 12th month' (1933)

XXVIS.335 & XXVIA.247

(8/10) These Japanese objects are engraved with lucky dates known as 'kichijitsu' 'Eikyu 1st year 8 month a lucky day' (1113) ‘Showa 8th year 12th month' (1933) XXVIS.335 & XXVIA.247

(9/10) And if your luck just isn’t in this #Friday13th, maybe you need this 17th century-style French muzzle loading wheellock pistol with the engraving:

'CONTRE FORTUNE BON CEUR' (a good heart against bad fortune)