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Sweetheart broaches and "Trench art" 11 years 11 months ago #7512



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
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Re: Sweetheart broaches and "Trench art" 11 years 11 months ago #7513

  • QSAMIKE
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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
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Re: Sweetheart broaches and "Trench art" 11 years 11 months ago #7514

  • QSAMIKE
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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
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O.M.R.S. 1591

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Re: Sweetheart broaches and "Trench art" 11 years 11 months ago #7515

  • Frank Kelley
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Gentlemen,
People are now paying quite substantial three figure sums for some sweetheart broaches here! :ohmy:

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

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Re: Sweetheart broaches and "Trench art" 11 years 11 months ago #7516

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.

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Re: Sweetheart broaches and "Trench art" 11 years 11 months ago #7517

  • QSAMIKE
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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





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