Boer War trench art & sweetheart badges? (forum archive)

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 Posted by plbramham » Fri Jan 18, 2013 9:40 pm
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Has anyone ever seen any “sweetheart brooches” from the Boer War or were they an invention of the First World War? I have a couple of pre 1905 type collar badges, one with 11 battle honours and a volunteer type with no honours, which have been converted into broaches with a pin fitting on the back replacing the original rear lugs, but I do not know of any commercially produced sweetheart badges from before WW1. Perhaps there were some privately commissioned from jewellers, maybe for officer’s wives?

I guess there must be some examples of homemade “trench art” (to use a WW1 term) fashioned from 1899-1902 period badges & insignia attached to picture frames, boxes, vestas etc? Anyone seen any decorated shell cases etc. maybe engraved “ Ladysmith” or similar? The closest thing to Boer War trench art that I have is a bit of Prisoner of War work – a fruitwood letter opener made by a Boer PoW named “S.J.Nel” in Bermuda. (Altogether about 26,000 Boer PoWs were sent overseas to camps in St Helena, Ceylon, Bermuda, & India.) Scottie, have you seen any such items during your research into this conflict, and do you know of any records which may help me research the bloke who made this knife please?
Regards, Paul.

 Posted by mrdeacon » Fri Jan 18, 2013 10:43 pm
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That is a nice bit of woodwork cheers for sharing Paul.

Have had a quick look on Ancestry without any joy sorry.

Mike.

 Posted by CockneyTone » Fri Jan 18, 2013 11:00 pm
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Paul,

Not seen any Border Boer War Sweetheart pins etc, however its not unusual to see 'Boer prisoners' works, often for sale on E Bay!

This is a lovely example you have. I have only tried to research a couple of 'Boer' combattants and always drawn a blank, however a couple of days ago I saw 'on line' a book for sale on the Boer War prisoners in Bermuda, but try as I might I cannot now find it or remember what site it was on !!!!!!!

If we can trace that book it may list prisoners on Bermuda!

I have actually seen a shell case engraved from Ladysmith, so they are out there! kind regards,
Scottie

 Posted by CockneyTone » Fri Jan 18, 2013 11:04 pm
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Paul

bit of info that you may be aware of, http://www.angloboerwar.com/other-information/89-prisoner-of-war-camps/1838-camp-for-boers-bermuda

and I found a link to the book I mentioned! http://www.angloboerwar.com/ols/category/13-books-boer-war

Kind regards,
Scottie

 Posted by mrdeacon » Fri Jan 18, 2013 11:06 pm
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Found this web site

http://ancestry24.com/boer-prisoners-of-war-bermuda/

 Posted by plbramham » Sat Jan 19, 2013 8:44 am
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Thanks guys, both very useful replies. I noted with interest this from the first site - probably the origin of the knife

"There was an Industrial Association linked to each camp. This encouraged participation in camp work but also in the making of craft items and games" I'll post details if I find anything out about the prisoner, but I think it is a very long shot!

Cheers Paul

P.S. Mike, Ancestry 24 comes up with a message that they are closing on 28th February 2013 - If you have any outstanding membership credit left you'd better use it up!

 Posted by CockneyTone » Fri Jan 25, 2013 7:11 pm
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Just seen a Border Regiment Sweetheart Badge on E Bay (No, I am not selling it!)

Best wishes,
Scottie

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Border-Regiment-Gilt-enamel-Sweetheart-Brooch-/200883595865?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item2ec5986a59

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