Antique WW1 Silver & Tortoiseshell Sweetheart Brooch - Sussex Regiment - London 1917

This is a nice example a First World War era silver framed tortoiseshell sweetheart brooch. This example follows the typical format for these mixed material brooches - the central part is a flat disc of tortoiseshell, into which there is a sterling silver motif mounted, pique style. Around the circumference there is a silver frame mount, with an attached C clasp and tube hinge mechanism. As is typical of brooches from this era, the pin extends beyond the edge of the disc. Clothing from this era was typically of heavier fabric, so longer pins were required in order to fully pierce the garment. Sweetheart brooches we’re worn by the wives, girlfriends and mothers of servicemen who would be overseas serving their King and country during the conflict. By wearing a representation of their loved ones cap badge it showed solidarity, and more importantly that they were ‘doing their bit’ for the war effort. Brooches like these came in various quality’s, ranging from gilt plated base metal examples, all the way up to gem encrusted gold examples. Tortoiseshell wasn’t an inexpensive material even then, so it would be fair to say that this would of been a mid range example when it was first made. The item carries a full U.K. hallmark to the reverse of the silver frame - this is for London 1917. The makers mark is a little indistinct, but it would appear to be C&A. This makers mark is believed to be for Corke & Apthorp, who were known to have been brooch makers. The silver parts only show a normal level of wear for its age, but there are no splits, dents or repairs. The tortoiseshell is also good and shows no damage - you often see fractures to the shell on pieces like this where it has contracted with age, but this example has no cracks or fractures. Both the hinge and clasp work as they should, and there only a normal level of play in the pin where it is attached to the hinge. All in all, a nice example of its type! It would make a nice little memento if you had an ancestor or relative serve in the Royal Sussex Regiment during WW1.