WWI era A.I.F. sterling silver filigree sweetheart Rising Sun brooch

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c. 1915

Overview

World War One era Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) circular sterling silver filigree sweetheart brooch.
It features a central Rising Sun badge with a kangaroo on the left and an emu on the right. A shield containing the letters 'AIF' appears at the centre top.
It has a solid border inside of which are layers of thin silver wire arranged in a wave pattern between concentric circles.
The reverse has a brooch attachment which is missing the pin. There is a central, circular silver disc with the word 'Jerusalem' impressed in the centre, and 'Silver 935' below. Some of the lettering has worn away with time.

Historical information

Visiting servicemen and women purchased a variety of souvenirs from Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Palestine and The Holy Land while passing through on active service during both world wars.
Some of the more common items were embroideries such as cushion covers, painted artworks on fabric, jewellery made from mother of pearl, metal and timber, and photo albums with wooden covers filled with postcards of local scenes and pressed dried flowers.
There was also a range of trinket boxes, often with hidden drawers, made from the local olive wood and a range of other olive wood items including napkin rings and even a portable book shelf.

This filigree brooch is one of several held in the collection.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00850

Item type

Collectibles

Decorative Objects

Jewellery

Souvenirs

Themes

Social History

War and Conflict