WWI era Labour Corps Mizpah sweetheart brooch

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c. 1917

Overview

World War One era brass and enamel Mizpah sweetheart brooch. It features two hearts joined at the base by a spray of ivy leaves.
The left heart has the word 'MIZPAH' engraved on the diagonal with floral decoration above, while the right heart bears a verse from the bible which reads 'The Lord watch between me & thee when we are absent one from another'.
A metal and enamel badge is attached to the centre of the hearts and features the crown and crest of the Labour Corps, along with their motto 'Labor Omnia Vincit' (Labor Conquers All), highlighted with red and blue enamel. The badge obscures some of the writing of the hearts on either side.
The reverse is plain and there is a pin clasp for attachment.

Historical information

The World War One Labour Corps was a massive British Army force formed in January 1917 to centralise and manage the enormous logistical and manual manpower required on the Western Front, Salonika, and the home front. By the end of the war, there were nearly 400 000 men in the Labour Corps, most of whom were considered medically unfit for the front line.

Ivy leaves traditionally symbolise fidelity and deep attachment.
The biblical quote from Genesis 31:49 historically symbolises a protective emotional bond between two people separated by great distance. In this case, the separation is due to a soldier going to war and the brooch may have been given to a sweetheart or other loved one. They can be personalised by the addition of military symbols or inscriptions.

There are several Mizpah items in the collection.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01010

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Jewellery

Personal Effects

Themes

Social History