*British, WWII, Royal Navy HMS Hermes, Sweetheart Brooch, Gilt & Enamel*
A fine WWII-period Royal Navy sweetheart brooch for HMS Hermes, measuring 2cm x 2.5cm. The gilt and enamel badge is shaped as the ship’s crest: a diamond panel with a gilt helmeted head of Hermes, messenger of the gods, set against a deep blue enamel ground, framed with a rope border, surmounted by a naval crown and with a blue enamel scroll below inscribed “H.M.S. Hermes”. The reverse retains its original simple pin fitting.
Historical Note: The name Hermes has been carried by several Royal Navy vessels, but this brooch relates to the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes (R12), commissioned in 1924 as the world’s first purpose-built aircraft carrier. She served through the interwar years and into WWII, operating in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. On 9 April 1942 she was sunk off Ceylon by Japanese carrier aircraft during the Indian Ocean raid, with heavy loss of life. Sweetheart brooches of this type were purchased by serving men as gifts for their wives, mothers, or sweethearts, as symbols of service and affection.
*Condition* The gilt retains good original colour with some light age wear. The enamel remains bright, though with very minor rubbing from handling. The reverse shows age-related toning with some verdigris, but the hinge and clasp remain intact and functional. Overall, a well-preserved example. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
