Australian Sweetheart Brooch

[christek]

Hello all,

An interesting item.

I have very little knowledge on the topic but I believe it's a 'sweetheart' badge made between 1912 and 1931 (post '12 as the emu leg is down). There is very difficult to read writing on the reverse. I can make out a town and a name but so far no luck on an ID. Quite well made in 9ct gold. I believe the symbols (unicorn and 'W') indicate the maker is Willis & Sons (Melbourne) which stopped manufacturing items in 1931. The pin appears to be missing. The brooch measures 3.5 x 4 cm.

[reneblacky]

Hey Chris I've asked a mate to help out, bit of luck he may chime in?

[Rick W]

Far out,
I had one of those , came in a box of buttons .
I always thought they were a patriotic type of badge of the time WW1 era.
Sorry I can't go and photo it , as I gave it away to a mate of mine.
Cheers Rick

[Ubique]

Nice piece!
W. J. King? What town? Can you show the whole back?

[christek]

Here is a pic of the reverse. The town is West Wyalong NSW.

[Ubique]

I searched the Electoral Roll for a W.J. King from W-W circa WWI but no luck. Could have been a young lady who was not on the roll untill after she married.

[monochrome]

Very nice unique aussie WW1 Sweetheart badge