|
CAROLYN'S STORY ~
"My husband has been a collector of unusual militaria and an avid
historian for over 25 years. I would attend shows with him now and then,
and began to see and fall in love with ladies military sweetheart
jewelry. It was not only fun and unusual, but sentimental and patriotic
also. I purchased several collectors books on the subject and over the
next few years actively sought out and purchased it. When some of my
husbands militaria collecting buddies found out that I liked it, they
would save it for me and I would buy it.
The pieces are found in silver plate, sterling
silver, gold plate, gold filled, and very occasionally, solid gold. Many
wooden, plastic, celluloid and other non precious metal pieces were used
with conservation of these precious metals for the war effort in mind.
Pieces have a much greater value if they retain original store card,
boxes, tags or packaging. "In service" pins were very popular, featuring
a star for each family member serving in active duty. One star pins are
common, two a bit rarer, three stars or more, quite rare.
In addition to jewelry one can also find compacts,
cigarette cases, pillow cases, hankies, postcards, playing cards, flags,
banners and pennants. There are several books that I would recommend,
but my favorite is Antique Sweetheart Jewelry by Nicholas D. Snider- a
Schiffer Book for Collectors with Price Guide. These pieces in my
estimation are still quite affordable, and besides being a good monetary
investment, more importantly are an investment in our history, and a
step back toward a more sentimental and patriotic time." |
