Sterling silver and enamel Rising Sun badge sweetheart brooch or tie pin
c. 1915 - 1945Sterling silver sweetheart brooch or tie pin with a depiction of an Australian Army Rising Sun badge attached to a horizontal bar.
The Rising Sun badge has the words 'AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCES' in silver lettering embedded within bright blue enamel, and the King's Crown is surrounded by a semicircle of rust coloured enamel.
Some of the tips of the badge have become bent over time.
The reverse is sturdy, comprising a thick strip of silver wire to which the base of the badge is attached. There is no maker's mark but the words 'STERLING SILVER' are embossed in raised lettering.
A pin clasp goes from one side to the other for attachment.
During both World Wars, patriotic military sweetheart items were widely purchased by servicemen to give to their mothers, sisters, wives or girlfriends to wear at home as a token of remembrance and pride.
The Rising Sun badge is of the third pattern which was the emblem for the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Forces from 1904-1949.
Although such items may have been produced during World War Two, it is more likely that is is from the World War One period. The Australian government placed a strict ban on manufacturing commercial jewellery in 1942 to redirect metals and materials toward the necessary war effort. However, it is not possible to be absolutely certain when it was produced.
Details
Details
On front of brooch:
"AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH
MILITARY FORCES"
ON reverse of brooch:
"STERLING SILVER"
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