WWI German “Sweetheart” Photo Brooch — gilt filigree with seed-pearl accents, c.1914–1918 (maker’s mark “GS”)

Identification & dating

Round portrait brooch from the German Empire, made and worn during the First World War. The sitter is a young enlisted soldier in the M1907/10 tunic and the flat Feldmütze/Krätzchen field cap. These pieces were popular keepsakes—bought at jewellers and photo studios—so mothers, wives, and sweethearts could wear a soldier’s likeness while he served (and, sadly, sometimes as mourning jewelry). Estimated date: 1914–1918.

Materials & construction

• Mount: gilded brass/bronze with a fine pierced filigree lattice border.

• Accents: four square pads at the cardinal points, each set with a small white glass “seed-pearl” cabochon.

• Portrait: original sepia gelatin-silver photograph (not a modern reprint), protected under its original convex crystal/glazing.

• Back & fastener: simple wire hinge and open C-catch pin (correct for WWI period). The reverse is stamped “GS” (maker’s initials; not “Ges. Gesch.”).

• Finish: warm original gilding with honest age toning.

Measurements (approx.)

Diameter 36–38 mm (1.4–1.5 in). Pin spans the back as shown.

Markings / translation

• Mark: GS on the back = maker’s initials (unidentified workshop; period German jewelers frequently used two-letter initials).

• Text to translate: none present on the brooch itself.

Condition (collector-honest)

• Portrait remains crisp with even sepia tone; glazing intact.

• Gilded filigree shows expected light rubbing and a pleasing patina.

• Minor surface marks to the reverse and a touch of verdigris around the hinge from age.

• All four “pearls” present; pin straight and functions properly.
  No repairs detected. Presents beautifully.

Historical note (for context & display)

“Sweetheart” or Liebchen portrait brooches were a private-purchase tradition across the Central Powers. Jewelers kept stock mounts like this filigree frame; families supplied a studio portrait and the shop set it under glass. The soldier’s cap and collar style place him in a Prussian (or other Imperial state) line regiment in the early war years. These brooches speak to the home-front experience—an intimate counterpoint to medals and field gear.

Collectability & rarity

• Desirable complete example with original photograph and period pin hardware.

• The decorative filigree with seed-pearl accents is a higher-quality mount than the plain brass frames more commonly encountered.

• Scarcer with a clear sitter in full uniform and with no losses to the glazing.

Care

Display away from direct sunlight; avoid moisture. If dusting, use a soft brush only—do not polish the gilding or clean the photo surface.

Provenance

From a long-held private collection of Imperial German personal items (U.S.).

In sum: an evocative, authentic WWI German sweetheart portrait brooch, c.1914–18, in a gilt filigree frame with seed-pearl accents and the maker’s mark GS—a moving, wearable piece of home-front history that pairs perfectly with medal bars, studio portraits, and trench-art displays.