*British, WWI, Royal Navy Sweetheart Brooch, Sterling Silver & Enamel, King’s Crown*
A fine Royal Navy sweetheart brooch, crafted in solid silver and enamel, dating to the WWI or early interwar period (c.1914–1930s). The design features a crowned fouled anchor in silver with red enamel to the King’s Crown, blue enamel band, and scroll inscribed ROYAL NAVY. Reverse stamped SILVER. Mounted on a horizontal bar brooch fitting with its original long pin and “C” catch, typical of WWI-era manufacture. Dimensions: 5 cm x 2.5 cm.
Historical Note:
Sweetheart brooches were especially popular during the First World War, when servicemen purchased them as tokens of affection for wives, fiancées, and family members. The Royal Navy played a vital role in WWI, maintaining the blockade of Germany, escorting merchant convoys, and engaging in actions such as the Battle of Jutland (1916).
This brooch, with its enamelled anchor and King’s Crown, is typical of the jewellery worn proudly on the home front as a reminder of a sailor’s service. The simple SILVER stamp and open “C” clasp are consistent with early 20th-century production. Such pieces remained in use into the interwar years, though the design and construction are most strongly associated with WWI sweetheart jewellery.
*Condition*
The brooch retains good detail and attractive enamel colour, with only minor wear and tiny losses in places. The silver shows a mellow patina with light tarnish consistent with age. Original pin and catch remain intact and functional. The reverse is clearly stamped SILVER. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
