Theme Collections
185th Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders)
Artifacts
Sweetheart Pins
This section contains photos of four examples of sweetheart pins for the 185th Battalion, circa 1916-1918.
Sweetheart pins were small brooches that were often miniature versions of unit cap or collar badges. They were usually modified to include finer finishes including silver or enamel, and were given as tokens of love by soldiers to their wives and girlfriends.
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Example 1
Sweetheart Pin
185th Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders)
1916-1918
Pictured above is an example of a sweetheart pin for the 185th Battalion. It has a solid, flat, gilted back with a pin. There is no manufacturer identified. The badge measures approximately 40mm wide x 20mm high.
Ref. Number: 0-7 (4-5-1.2)
Image Information: Scan of original artifact
Source: Robert MacLellan Collection
Example 2
Sweetheart Pin
185th Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders)
1916-1918
Pictured above is an example of a sweetheart pin for the 185th Battalion. It has a hollow, gilted back with a pin. The pattern and size are the same as the scroll pattern 185th Battalion collar badges. This example came pinned to a paper backing. See the photo below. There is no manufacturer identified except that is was Britsih made. The badge measures approximately 49mm wide x 18mm high, the same as the collar badges.
Ref. Number: 0-7 (4-5-2.2)
Image Information: Scan of original artifact
Source: Robert MacLellan Collection
Paper Backing for the Sweetheart Pin in the Above Photo
Example 3
Sweetheart Pin
185th Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders)
1916-1918
Pictured above is an example of a sweetheart pin for the 185th Battalion. It is identical to the previous pin above, but is in a slightly more used condition. It has a hollow, gilted back with a pin. The pattern and size are the same as the scroll pattern 185th Battalion collar badges. There is no manufacturer identified except that is was Britsih made, as per the previous pin above. The badge measures approximately 49mm wide x 18mm high, the same as the collar badges.
Ref. Number: 0-7 (4-5-4.2)
Image Information: Scan of original artifact
Source: Private Collection 2024
Example 4
Sweetheart Pin
185th Battalion (Cape Breton Highlanders)
1916-1918
Pictured above is an example of a sweetheart pin for the 185th Battalion. It is very tiny and crudely made, with a flat, solid back and a pin. There is no manufacturer identified. The badge measures approximately 25mm wide x 18mm high.
Ref. Number: 0-7 (4-5-3.2)
Image Information: Scan of original artifact
Source: Robert MacLellan Collection