*British, WW1–WW2 Period, Hampshire Regiment Sweetheart Brooch, Gilt Brass and Enamel Example*
A sweetheart brooch in the form of the badge of the Hampshire Regiment, the gilt brass badge mounted on a horizontal bar brooch fitting. The design shows the regiment’s lion within a laurel wreath above the red enamel rose, with blue enamel scroll below reading HAMPSHIRE. The badge retains much of its original gilt finish with coloured enamel still present to the rose and title scroll. The reverse fitted with original pin and hinge fastening. No maker’s marks visible.
Approx. Measurements – Width: 4.7 cm. Rosette diameter: 2.3 cm.
History Note: Sweetheart brooches became popular during the First World War and remained so through the Second World War, worn by wives, mothers and sweethearts of serving soldiers as a sign of pride and connection to a particular regiment. Many were privately purchased from jewellers or regimental outfitters and produced in a range of materials from gilt brass to silver and occasionally gold. The Hampshire Regiment, a long-serving infantry regiment of the British Army, saw extensive service in both World Wars, making its badge a common but highly collectible subject for wartime sweetheart jewellery.
*Condition* Good overall condition for age. Some wear to the gilt finish and minor enamel loss to the rose, with oxidation visible to the reverse consistent with gilt brass construction. Pin and hinge intact and functional. No maker’s marks present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
