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Brooch

early 1940s (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This brooch was probably worn by the wife or mother of an American serviceman during the Second World War. Its design is that of a Service Flag, the official banner that may be displayed by an American family who have someone serving in the armed forces during a time of conflict. The banners were introduced in 1917 and were in widespread use during the Second World War. On the banners the blue star, representing the family member, would be replaced with a gold one if he or she were killed in action.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
White gold, diamonds, rubies sapphire
Brief description
Brooch in the form of a flag with a border of rubies, a field of diamonds and a central star of sapphires. United States, 1940-5.
Physical description
Rectangular brooch in the form of a flag, with a sapphire cut as a star in the centre, a border of invisibly-set rubies, and a ground of pavé-set diamonds.
Dimensions
  • Height: 9mm
  • Width: 16mm
  • Depth: 5mm
Marks and inscriptions
Unmarked
Credit line
Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Patricia V. Goldstein
Subjects depicted
Summary
This brooch was probably worn by the wife or mother of an American serviceman during the Second World War. Its design is that of a Service Flag, the official banner that may be displayed by an American family who have someone serving in the armed forces during a time of conflict. The banners were introduced in 1917 and were in widespread use during the Second World War. On the banners the blue star, representing the family member, would be replaced with a gold one if he or she were killed in action.
Bibliographic reference
Price, Judith; Lest we forget: Masterpieces of patriotic jewelry and military decorations, Maryland 2011, p.109
Other numbers
  • LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.353-2003 - Previous loan number
  • 286 - Goldstein Collection number
Collection
Accession number
M.219-2007

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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