The 16th (Canadian Scottish) Battalion,CEF Sweetheart brooch
A most excellent sweetheart brooch in rich gilt and enamels,comprising;a gilt Saltire with the numerals"16" in white enamel,below a long scroll in blue enamel and inscribed"DEAS GU CATH" at the very top is the Crown in superb red enamel.
The rear is almost as lovely as the front( Oh Gladys !),in gilt with impressed assaye marks for Birmingham 1917 and makers mark "C.A & S"
This marvellous Regiment was formed in 1914 and won four VC's during the war,one of whom was Piper James Richardson who was only 18 yrs old when he enlisted and died at the battle of the Somme shortly after having played his Company back through No mans land. He disappeared in shellfire after going back to retrieve his pipes that he had laid aside whilst he returned to rescue a wounded comrade.
This beautiful little memento will remind us forever just what price was paid by these gallant Canadian Jocks.
The enamels are perfect and the gilt as well,it justs needs a careful little clean.
"DEAS GU CATH" or "READY TO STING"..................and sting they did!