Historical Note: Sweetheart jewellery became immensely popular during the First World War, with the newly formed Royal Flying Corps inspiring a wide variety of commercially made and privately purchased pieces. RFC brooches of enamelled brass were among the earliest aviation-related keepsakes, produced in limited numbers before the Corps evolved into the Royal Air Force in April 1918. The small heart pendant represents the type of sentimental token commonly bought by aircrew for loved ones on leave—celluloid and early lucite were widely used as inexpensive but attractive materials, often embedding miniature badges or regimental motifs. Together, these pieces capture the personal, emotional side of early British military aviation.
*Condition* The enamel brooch shows light age wear to the gilt finish and minor enamel losses but retains strong colour and detail overall; pin and hinge are sound. The celluloid/lucite pendant shows age toning, small surface marks and some oxidisation to the embedded RFC device, consistent with period manufacture and use. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
