*British, WWII, RAF Sweetheart Brooch in Wishbone Form, Enamelled*
A charming and evocative WWII RAF sweetheart brooch in wishbone form, combining enamelled RAF crest detail with the timeless symbol of luck and safe return.
A fine WWII period Royal Air Force sweetheart brooch, measuring 3.5 cm wide x 2 cm tall, fashioned in the form of a wishbone with an applied RAF winged crest. The badge shows the RAF monogram in gilt against a deep blue enamel ground, surrounded by a laurel wreath and surmounted by the King’s Crown with red enamel detail. The crest is mounted centrally across the wishbone frame, a symbol of good luck and safe return. The reverse shows a simple pin-back fitting, with traces of the original gilt wash remaining.
Historical Note: Sweetheart brooches were popular gifts from servicemen to wives and fiancées during WWII, worn as a visible sign of affection and service pride. The wishbone motif, symbolising luck, was especially favoured by aircrew and their families given the perilous nature of wartime flying. The inclusion of the RAF crest, with its wings and crown, strongly identifies this as a wartime piece, almost certainly produced in the early 1940s.
*Condition* The brooch retains good form with a working pin clasp. The enamel is largely intact with only minor surface wear and some loss of lustre. Traces of verdigris are visible to the front and reverse, consistent with age and storage. The reverse shows wear to the gilt wash with base metal exposed. Overall a very presentable and authentic wartime example with age-commensurate patina. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
