Posted 12 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
This sweetheart jewelry pin was made in Australia during WW2.
There was a thriving market among US soldiers to buy these, with the heart shaped items being the most common.
This particular pin was purchased by "TCT" and was "To Mother"-- most likely from the US as this is where is recently surfaced. In addition the second heart is engraved "New Guinea, 1944".
The back shows that it was cut from a 1941 Australian Silver Florin!
Most of this type were originally inset in plexiglass and worn as necklaces. This example has lost its aircraft plexiglass holder (or it could be an unfinished piece). It is doubtful that it was finished this way as it has no holes to allow it to be worn.
I have several other examples of these-- several currently posted on Collectors Weekly.
Reproduction of these images is not authorized.
scott
Fabulous, I've not seen this use of a florin before!
Thanks vetraio. The use of Australian coins for this was very popular during the War. Here is an example of a pin in my collection:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/70173-ww2-souvenir-sterling-sweetheart-jewelry
scott
Here is another example in the full necklace form. The back of the coin is not visible, but I would bet it is Australian as well:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/61555-ww2-trench-art-sweetheart-necklace
scott
Thanks mikko and walksoftly!
scott
Thanks bellin!
scott
Thanks petey-- Merry Christmas to you as well!
scott
Thanks inky and official!
Happy Holidays.
scott
Have a great Mother's Day!
scott