Heart-shaped sweetheart brooch sold to raise funds for wounded soldiers on first Anzac Day - 13th October 1915

1915
Overview

Bronze, heart-shaped sweetheart brooch sold to raise funds for wounded soldiers on the first official Anzac Day, held in South Australia on 13 October 1915.
It has a raised border and features a central Coat of Arms of Australia (emu on left of a shield and kangaroo on the right), outside of which is a sprig of wattle on each side.
The word 'ANZAC' appears above in raised lettering, and the date 'OCT. 13 1915' below.
The reverse is plain and has a brooch fitting attached. The pin is missing. There are no maker's marks.

Historical information

The very first 'Anzac Day' was held on October 13 1915, in Adelaide, South Australia, six months before the April 25 anniversary. It was organised to raise funds for wounded soldiers. The date coincided with the 'Eight Hours Day' public holiday, and was a patriotic carnival featuring parades, soldiers, and, pageantry rather than the solemn commemoration established later.
This fundraising brooch is very rare. Another example has a ring at the top for use as a pendant and has been remnants of paint or enamel in gold, red and blue. This item doesnt appear to have ever had such colour added.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-119-RoW00872
Item type
Collectibles
Ephemera
Jewellery
Personal Effects
Souvenirs
Material
Bronze
Metal
Width
25 mm
Height or length
29 mm
Inscriptions and markings

On front of brooch:

"ANZAC
OCT. 13
1915"

Keywords
World War One
Fundraising
Adelaide South Australia
Anzac Day
Commemoration
Australian Souvenir
First World War souvenir
Sweetheart Brooch
Personal Items
History - Social
Events
Place made
Australia
Year
Primary significance criteria
Historic significance
Social or spiritual significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Rare or representative
Last modified
Thursday, 7 May, 2026
Completeness
100
Recollections of War

Recollections of War

Sweetheart brooch sold to raise funds on first 'Anzac Day' - 13 October 1915
Sweetheart brooch sold to raise funds on first 'Anzac Day' - 13 October 1915
Angled view of sweetheart brooch sold to raise funds on first 'Anzac Day' - 13 October 1915
Angled view of sweetheart brooch sold to raise funds on first 'Anzac Day' - 13 October 1915
Reverse of sweetheart brooch sold to raise funds on first 'Anzac Day' - 13 October 1915
Reverse of sweetheart brooch sold to raise funds on first 'Anzac Day' - 13 October 1915

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