WWI era Mizpah sweetheart brooch

c. 1915
Overview

World War One era brass Mizpah sweetheart brooch. It features two hearts joined at the base by a spray of ivy leaves.
The left heart has the word 'MIZPAH' engraved on the diagonal with floral decoration above, while the right heart bears a verse from the bible which reads 'The Lord watch between me & thee when we are absent one from another'.
The reverse is plain and there is a pin clasp for attachment.

Historical information

Ivy leaves traditionally symbolise fidelity and deep attachment.
The biblical quote from Genesis 31:49 historically symbolises a protective emotional bond between two people separated by great distance. In this case, the separation is due to a soldier going to war and the brooch may have been given to a sweetheart or other loved one. Vendors used to stay around departing troops in Australian ports offering these items.
There are several Mizpah items in the collection.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-119-RoW01009
Item type
Badges
Collectibles
Ephemera
Jewellery
Personal Effects
Material
Brass
Metal
Width
35 mm
Height or length
20 mm
Depth
5 mm
Inscriptions and markings

On left hand heart:

"MIZPAH"

On right hand heart:

"THE LORD WATCH
BETWEEN ME &
THEE WHEN WE
ARE ABSENT
ONE FROM
ANOTHER"

Year
Primary significance criteria
Artistic or aesthetic significance
Social or spiritual significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Last modified
Friday, 7 August, 2026
Completeness
94
Related Objects

Related Objects

Recollections of War

Recollections of War

Mizpah sweetheart brooch
Mizpah sweetheart brooch
Angled view of Mizpah sweetheart brooch
Angled view of Mizpah sweetheart brooch
Other angled view of Mizpah sweetheart brooch
Other angled view of Mizpah sweetheart brooch
Reverse of Mizpah sweetheart brooch
Reverse of Mizpah sweetheart brooch
Group of Mizpah sweetheart items
Group of Mizpah sweetheart items

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