*British, WWII era, Royal Navy, HMS Drake Sweetheart Brooch, Motto “Sic Parvis Magna”, Enamel &White Metal*
A handsome and historic HMS Drake sweetheart brooch, linking Devonport’s proud wartime naval tradition with the legacy of Sir Francis Drake.
A fine WWII-era Royal Navy sweetheart brooch for HMS Drake, measuring 5.8cm x 2.5cm. The badge displays the ship’s crest: a wyvern in silver on a red enamel field, bordered by a naval rope frame and surmounted by a naval crown. Beneath, the legend “HMS DRAKE” is picked out, with the Latin motto “SIC PARVIS MAGNA” (“Greatness from small beginnings”) in enamel below. The crest is mounted to a silvered bar brooch fitting, typical of wartime sweetheart jewellery.
Historical Note:
The name HMS Drake has a long history in the Royal Navy. It was first given to a 16-gun sixth-rate ship launched in 1653, followed by a series of vessels over the centuries, including sloops, brigs and cruisers. The most notable was the armoured cruiser HMS Drake, launched in 1901, which served in the First World War and was sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland in 1917.
In 1934 the name was transferred ashore to the Royal Navy’s main barracks at Devonport, Plymouth, which became and remains the largest naval base in Western Europe. During the Second World War, HMS Drake was a vital hub for administration, training, and support of the fleet. Tens of thousands of sailors passed through before deploying at sea. The name honours Sir Francis Drake, the celebrated Elizabethan seafarer, and the establishment continues to use his family motto, Sic Parvis Magna (“Greatness from small beginnings”).
Sweetheart brooches were popular gifts, purchased by sailors or at dockyard canteens and presented to wives, fiancées or family as a token of pride and connection to service.
*Condition*
The brooch retains much of its original silvered finish with bright enamel detail, though some very light wear is visible under magnification. The pin fitting on the reverse remains intact and functional. Overall, a very good example of a WWII naval sweetheart brooch.
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