*British, WWII, Royal Navy HMS Leander, Sweetheart Brooch, Gilt and Enamel*
A fine WWII period Royal Navy sweetheart brooch for HMS Leander, measuring 5.1cm by 2.4cm. The brooch is gilt-metal with enamel detail, featuring the official ship’s crest: a golden figure of Leander, the mythological hero, swimming the Hellespont on a blue enamel ground. The crest is surmounted by a Naval crown above the name LEANDER, with the name scroll H.M.S. LEANDER below, all mounted to a horizontal bar brooch fitting.
Historical Note: HMS Leander was a Leander-class light cruiser of the Royal Navy, launched in 1931 and commissioned in 1933. She served with distinction during the Second World War, initially on the New Zealand Station, before transferring to the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1941. She saw active service in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean, notably taking part in the Battle of Kolombangara in 1943, where she sustained heavy damage. Her service history and connection with New Zealand give this brooch particular interest to collectors of Commonwealth naval memorabilia.
Sweetheart brooches such as this were worn by wives, fiancées, mothers, and sweethearts of serving Royal Navy sailors as a token of affection and pride in a loved one’s service.
*Condition* The brooch retains much of its original gilt finish with vibrant blue enamel to the front, showing minor wear consistent with age. Some tarnishing and surface corrosion are visible to the bar fitting on the reverse, but the enamel remains well preserved. The clasp is intact and functional. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
