*British, WWII-Post-War, Royal Navy HMS Morecambe Bay, Gilt & Enamel Sweetheart Brooch*
A fine Royal Navy sweetheart brooch for HMS Morecambe Bay, measuring 4cm x 2.5cm. The brooch is gilt metal, set with the ship’s badge in coloured enamel: blue and white wavy lines with a red rose at centre, encircled by a gilt rope border beneath a naval crown. A blue enamel scroll reads H.M.S. MORECAMBE BAY. The badge is mounted on a horseshoe-shaped gilt frame, with a pin back fitting to reverse.
Historical Note:
HMS Morecambe Bay was a Bay-class anti-aircraft frigate, launched in 1943 and commissioned in 1945, named after the Lancashire bay. She served with distinction in the Far East and Korea, providing naval bombardment and escort duties during the Korean War. In 1960 she was transferred to the Royal Australian Navy, serving as HMAS Morecambe Bay.
Sweetheart brooches were treasured keepsakes, purchased privately and given to wives, fiancées, or family by serving sailors, worn proudly on the home front during wartime and beyond.
*Condition*
The brooch retains much of its original gilt finish with good colour to the enamel. Some rubbing and age-related wear to the reverse and pin, commensurate with age and use. Overall a very presentable example with fine enamel detail. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
