Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Lucky 7 Horseshoe
Artifact ID1981.32958.01
Object Type
Plaque
Gifter
Richard A. Lersch
Maker
Richard A. Lersch
(Hope, ID)
Date
March 25, 1981
Medium
Wood, Metal, Paper, Ink
Dimensions9 × 7 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (22.9 × 19.1 × 3.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionA wooden plaque with a "Lucky 7 Horseshoe", a silver elephant medallion, and a metal plaque. The plaque states, "GOOD LUCK PRESIDENT AND MRS. RONALD W. REAGAN-20 JANUARY, 1981" Taped to the back of the wooden plaque are two pieces of paper stating "Lucky 7 Horseshoe
The Horseshoe has been regarded as an omen of good luck and a protective amulet for centuries. There is a legend that St. Dunstan once caught the devil nailing a woman to the wall, and he began to work on the devil's hoof/ The devil pled for mercy and promised never to enter any place where a horseshoe was displayed.
Tradition has it that it should be hung open-end up so the luck won't fall out and fastened with 4 nails on one side and 3 on the other which add up to the lucky number 7.
A horseshoe protects your home from the devil, bad fairies, witches, and your horses from being 'hag-ridden' in the night.
Display your LUCKY 7 HORSESHOE in a prominent place so GOOD LUCK may be with you always." along with the gifter's name and address. Written directly on the back wooden plaque in black ink is "3-25-81 R.A. Lersch."Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)