WWI era rose and yellow gold sweetheart brooch - Mary

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Willis & Sons

c. 1915 - 1920

Overview

World War One era two toned gold sweetheart brooch in the form of a scarf or tie pin. It has three horizontal lines of square gold wire with a central yellow gold disc surrounded by a rose gold border mounted on top.
The centre features an image of an Australian soldier dressed in his uniform and peaked cap, holding a rifle. He is shown in front of a lower textured background depicting grass, while the upper area is clear, representing sky.
The name 'Mary' is engraved on the upper arc of the rose gold border. There is a pin clasp on the reverse.
It has a very clear three part maker's mark on the reverse showing the Unicorn mark of Willis and Sons, 9 for 9ct gold and W for Willis.

Historical information

From around 1900, ladies adorned themselves with large scarves and collars made of lace and other light fabrics. A special kind of brooch then appeared, which was supposed to hold these loosely folded accessories tight and together.

Brooches such as this one served the dual purposes of securing the item of clothing and being a sentimental keepsake presented to a wife or mother by a serviceman.

The same central gold discs were produced by Willis and Sons for use in the returned from active service fobs presented by various Australian towns to those who served in the Great War.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00574

Item type

Themes

Social History
War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Gold