TOPIC:

Has anyone ever seen any “sweetheart broaches” from the Boer War or were they an invention of the First World War? I have a couple of pre 1905 type Border Regiment collar badges, one with 11 battle honours and a volunteer type with no honours, which have been converted into broaches with a pin fitting on the back replacing the original rear lugs, but I do not know of any commercially produced sweetheart badges from before WW1. Perhaps there were some privately commissioned from jewellers, maybe for officer’s wives?
I guess there must be some examples of homemade “trench art” (to use a WW1 term) fashioned from 1899-1902 period badges & insignia attached to picture frames, boxes, vestas etc? Anyone seen any decorated shellcases etc. maybe engraved “ Ladysmith” or similar?
The closest thing to Boer War trench art that I have is a bit of Prisoner of War work – a fruitwood letter opener made by a Boer PoW named “S.J.Nel” in Bermuda. (Altogether about 26,000 Boer PoWs were sent overseas to camps in St Helena, Ceylon, Bermuda, & India.)
Does anyone know of any records which may help me research the bloke who made this knife please?
Regards Paul

Good Morning Paul.....

Sweetheart Pins go all the way back to the Crimea.....

There have been several books published on the subject and I will be damned if I can find mine right now......

I was lucky enough to find a nice one at a car boot sale from WW2 on my latest trip to the UK.....

Mike

Found It Paul......

MILITARY SWEETHEARTS, A Guide for Collectors by PAMELA M. CAUNT, I.S.B.N. 0-9523709-0-5

I understand that this is a first edition and in more recent editions she has updated the information.....

Mike

Gentlemen,
People are now paying quite substantial three figure sums for some sweetheart broaches here!

QSAMIKE wrote: Found It Paul......

MILITARY SWEETHEARTS, A Guide for Collectors by PAMELA M. CAUNT, I.S.B.N. 0-9523709-0-5

I understand that this is a first edition and in more recent editions she has updated the information.....

Mike

Thanks for that guys.
I have looked at your Forum a few times in the past, but was inspired to join by " Cockney Tone" also known as "Scottie" from The Border Regiment Forum, to which I am a regular contributor ( I'm a "Global Moderator whatever that means !!!).
I have some Boer stuff relating mainly to the Borders which I'll also post on your forum if you are interested?
Regards Paul.

Here is a photo of the book and the pin I picked up.....

It was black as the Ace of Spades, the voids covered in soil, as if it had been dug up......

I cleaned it, had it tested and it turned out to be Platinum and Diamonds.....

Mike