Before leaving for active service overseas a serviceman would often give a small momento to those he loved, be it a fiance, wife, mother or sister. This custom began during the Boer War and continued during both world wars. Such items were usually based on a regimental badge by which to remember him by and were usually worn on a blouse or lapel, becoming known as a sweetheart brooch. This particular item displays the badge of the Royal Artillery which has been enamelled red and blue. The brooch is made from a white metal which has tarnished. On the reverse it is stamped "silver" but there are no hallmarks or makers mark. The pin is still present. A truly poignant object. When held in you hand you cannot but wonder whether the serviceman survived the war and what became of his sweetheart if he never returned. A great item for someone with a connection to the Royal Artillery, for a collector of WW1 related items or of small silver trinkets. 
 
Date: c.1914 - 1918
Maker: Unknown
Made in Unknown

Dimensions: 5.5cm x 1.5cm