WWI era NZ silver fern sweetheart brooches - small

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J.R. Gaunt

Overview

World War One era New Zealand silver fern sweetheart brooches featuring the letters 'NZ' in the centre.
They are made from silver coloured metal and depict a horizontal unfurled fern frond with the stalk on the left.
The reverses are fitted with brooch-pins for attachment. The maker's details 'J.R. GAUNT, LONDON' appear in raised lettering in the centre of the reverse.

Historical information

The silver fern frond represents the national emblem of New Zealand and was a primary motif for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (N.Z.E.F.) during World War One.
This sweetheart brooch is one of many produced and sold to servicemen to give to their loved ones during wartime.
These smaller versions of the silver fern brooch were worn (as pictured) by airmen of the Royal New Zealand Air Force squadrons during World War Two. They considered them to be good luck charms and wouldn't fly without them. The English members of R.N.Z.A.F. crews, especially, the sergeants, also proudly wore the badges.
This brooch is one of several silver fern brooches and pins in the collection.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00901

Item type

Collectibles

Decorative Objects

Ephemera

Jewellery

Personal Effects

Souvenirs

Themes

Social History