*British, WW1, Royal Flying Corps Sweetheart Brooch, Hallmarked Silver & Tortoiseshell*
A fine First World War period Royal Flying Corps sweetheart brooch, measuring 2.5 cm in diameter. The circular brooch is inset with polished tortoiseshell beneath a clear cabochon, mounted with the silver figure of a crowned eagle in flight. The reverse bears a hinged pin fitting and is fully hallmarked: maker’s mark S & Co (attributed to Sydney & Co. of Birmingham), anchor for Birmingham, lion passant for sterling silver, and date letter S for 1917.
Historical Note: Dated 1917, this sweetheart brooch was produced during the last year of the Royal Flying Corps before its merger with the Royal Naval Air Service to form the Royal Air Force in April 1918. At this stage of the war, the RFC was heavily committed on the Western Front, with increasing roles in reconnaissance, artillery observation, and aerial combat.
Sweetheart brooches were treasured tokens exchanged between servicemen and their loved ones, often crafted by Birmingham jewellers such as Sydney & Co. This example is notable for its tortoiseshell mount and for bearing hallmarks of the year immediately preceding the RAF’s foundation, making it a scarce transitional piece of early aviation memorabilia.
*Condition* The brooch is in good original condition with age-appropriate wear. The silver mount shows tarnishing and surface oxidation to the reverse. The pin and clasp remain intact. The tortoiseshell retains attractive natural mottling, with minor age-related marks beneath the clear covering. The applied eagle and crown remain sharply defined. Overall, a scarce and desirable sweetheart brooch. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
