*British, WW2, Royal Marines Sweetheart Brooch, Sterling Silver & Enamel*
A genuine wartime Royal Marines sterling silver sweetheart brooch, showing service pride with motto and globe design – a fine piece of WWII-era naval family history.
A fine Royal Marines sweetheart brooch, measuring 5.4 cm x 2.2 cm, crafted in sterling silver and mounted as a bar brooch with long pin and catch. The design features the Royal Marines globe encircled by a laurel wreath, surmounted by the King’s Crown, and flanked by scrolls bearing Gibraltar and the famous motto Per Mare, Per Terram (“By Sea, By Land”). The front retains traces of its original enamel — chiefly pale blue/aqua on the globe, dark blue on the motto scrolls, and red within the crown — now showing wear from age and use. The reverse is stamped STERLING, indicating manufacture in silver.
Historical Note:
Sweetheart brooches were popular items during both World Wars, given by servicemen to their wives, fiancées, or mothers as symbols of affection and service pride. The Royal Marines, whose history stretches back to 1664, adopted the globe and laurel emblem in 1827, with “Gibraltar” referencing their distinguished role in the famous 1704 siege. The Corps’ motto Per Mare, Per Terram reflects their dual fighting capability both on land and at sea. This brooch, bearing the King’s Crown (in use from 1902–1952), is consistent with examples produced for wear during the Second World War.
*Condition* The brooch is in fair, untouched condition, with some enamel losses to the globe and motto scrolls, though much of the detail remains legible. The silver has developed a natural patina with some tarnish. The reverse shows oxidation but retains its full-length pin and functional clasp. Clearly marked STERLING on the bar. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
