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Recollections of War > Records

WWI Ypres souvenir sweetheart brooch with mistletoe

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c. 1914

Overview

World War One era souvenir sweetheart brooch manufactured in Ypres, Belgium.
It features a central artillery shell on the diagnonal, which has the number '75' impressed into it. It is positioned in front of the metal outline of a shield, with a decroative scroll underneath which has the word 'Ypres' in raised lettering.
Behind this is floral decoration including curved leaves and berries typical of European mistletoe.
There is a pin clasp on the reverse and no visible maker's mark.

Historical information

This brooch is typical of sweetheart jewellery sent home by Australian servicemen on the Western Front during the First World War.
It is possible that this brooch was produced to send home for Christmas, as it features a traditional Christmas motif. A holly leaf brooch also made in Ypres during World War One is held in the collection.

Details

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00848

Item type

Collectibles

Decorative Objects

Ephemera

Jewellery

Souvenirs

Themes

War and Conflict

War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Metal

Width

36 mm

Height or length

23 mm

Depth

5 mm

Inscriptions and markings

On front of brooch:

"75"
"YPRES"

Keywords

World War One

Ypres Belgium

Sweetheart Brooch

Jewellery

First World War souvenir

Souvenirs

History - Social

Place made

Belgium

Year

Primary significance criteria

Artistic or aesthetic significance

Social or spiritual significance

Comparative significance criteria

Interpretive capacity

Last modified

Thursday, 23 April, 2026

Completeness

100

Related Objects

Related Objects

Sibling records

WWI souvenir sweetheart brooch - Ypres

WWI Ypres souvenir sweetheart brooch with holly leaf design

Recollections of War

Recollections of War

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WWI Ypres souvenir sweetheart brooch

WWI Ypres souvenir sweetheart brooch

Angled view of WWI Ypres souvenir sweetheart brooch

Angled view of WWI Ypres souvenir sweetheart brooch

Reverse of WWI Ypres souvenir sweetheart brooch

Reverse of WWI Ypres souvenir sweetheart brooch

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