*British, WWII, Royal Navy HMS Emerald, Enamel Sweetheart Brooch*
A fine Royal Navy sweetheart brooch for HMS Emerald, mounted on a horizontal bar fitting. The shield-shaped badge is decorated in green enamel with a white cross fleury and fleurs-de-lis, surmounted by a naval crown. Below is the ship’s motto scroll “Sans Tache” (“Without Stain”). The reverse is plain metal with aged patination. Dimensions: 5.2 cm x 2.4 cm.
Historical Note:
HMS Emerald was a Danae-class light cruiser, launched in 1918 and commissioned in 1926. She served extensively during WWII with the Eastern Fleet and on convoy escort duties in the Indian Ocean. Known for her speed and resilience, Emerald remained in active service until 1945 and was scrapped in 1948. Her motto “Sans Tache” reflected the ship’s reputation for honour and integrity in service.
Sweetheart brooches were widely produced in both world wars and given by sailors to wives, fiancées, or family members as a token of affection and remembrance. HMS Emerald examples are relatively scarce due to the ship’s smaller complement compared to capital ships.
*Condition*
The brooch shows light wear to the gilt finish and some surface losses to the green enamel, particularly around the centre. The reverse displays age patina consistent with wartime manufacture. The clasp and bar fitting remain intact, though oxidised with age. A good and presentable example. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAOXBE_3997215738
