*British, WWII, Royal Navy HMS Weston Sweetheart Brooch, Enamel & Gilt*
WWII gilt and enamel sweetheart brooch for HMS Weston, the Royal Navy sloop famed for sinking U-13 in 1940.
A fine WWII-era sweetheart brooch for HMS Weston, measuring 5.4 cm by 2.5 cm. The brooch is gilt with enamel decoration, featuring the ship’s badge of a herring on a blue field with rising sun, set within a diamond frame and topped with a naval crown. The surrounding red scroll is inscribed “H.M.S. WESTON” and “WESTON.” Retaining its original pin to the reverse.
Historical Note:
HMS Weston (L72) was a Grimsby-class sloop launched in 1932, commissioned for patrol and convoy escort duties. During the Second World War, she saw extensive service in the Battle of the Atlantic, safeguarding merchant shipping against U-boat attack. Weston’s most notable success came on 31 May 1940 when she sank U-13 off the Netherlands coast, one of the first U-boats destroyed by the Royal Navy in the war. Sweetheart brooches such as this were privately purchased and worn by the loved ones of sailors, symbolising both pride and connection to those serving at sea.
Condition*
The brooch retains much of its original gilt finish with bright enamel detail to the badge. Some expected age wear and light tarnish to the reverse, with the fastening pin intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
