Miniature hand tinted portrait of WWI Australian soldier in silver and gold frame

c. 1915 - 1919
Overview

Hand tinted studio portrait of an Australian soldier housed in a silver and gold decorative oval frame.
The soldier is wearing his greatcoat and peaked cap with the Rising Sun badge visible on the band above the leather strap The unfirom is coloured light brown/khaki, while the background is a pale green.
The cover glass is convex and has a vertical crack running from top to bottom. There are floral decorations (two leaves with a central flower) made from 9 carat rose gold on each side and top and bottom.
The lower edge of the frame has three sets of letters impressed into it relating to the composition of the frame (9 ct gold and silver) and possibly the maker's mark.
The main frame is made from sterling silver which has some decorative engraving in the centre between each floral motif.
The reverse features a backing covered with deep red velvet which is held in position by four tiny metal pins.
There is a metal ring attached to the reverse for hanging.

Historical information

The identity of the soldier in this beautiful portrait is unknown. The image may have been taken before the soldier departed from Australia, or in an overseas studio whilst on active service.
The pins have not been removed to see if there any details inside the frame for fear of damaging it.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-119-RoW00869
Item type
Collectibles
Decorative Objects
Personal Effects
Photographs
Souvenirs
Material
Glass
Gold
Ink
Metal
Photographic Materials
Silver
Velvet
Width
66 mm
Height or length
77 mm
Depth
9 mm
Inscriptions and markings

On bottom edge of frame:

"9CT GOLD" "T.R.E"? "SILVER"

Keywords
World War One
Portrait Hand Tinted
Studio Portrait
Photograph
Australian Imperial Force
Soldier
First World War souvenir
History - Social
Primary significance criteria
Artistic or aesthetic significance
Social or spiritual significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Rare or representative
Last modified
Tuesday, 5 May, 2026
Completeness
94
Recollections of War

Recollections of War

Miniature hand tinted portrait of WWI Australian soldier in silver and gold frame
Miniature hand tinted portrait of WWI Australian soldier in silver and gold frame
Angled view of miniature hand tinted portrait of WWI Australian soldier in silver and gold frame
Angled view of miniature hand tinted portrait of WWI Australian soldier in silver and gold frame
Other angled view of miniature hand tinted portrait of WWI Australian soldier in silver and gold frame
Other angled view of miniature hand tinted portrait of WWI Australian soldier in silver and gold frame
Close-up of writing on edge of miniature portrait frame
Close-up of writing on edge of miniature portrait frame
Reverse of miniature hand tinted portrait of WWI Australian soldier in silver and gold frame
Reverse of miniature hand tinted portrait of WWI Australian soldier in silver and gold frame

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