War Work Pin from India 1914-1919

[Brian Wolfe]

Hello Everyone,

I was going through one of my British India Medals drawers and came upon this pin at the very back of the drawer. I had forgotten that I had it though not to the point where I might had purchased a second one... I'm not that forgetful...yet.

This pin is "For Voluntary War Work In India 1914-1919". It's 24mm wide and 32mm in height. The fitted box is marked

H.M. MINT CALCUTA. Take a look and see if you don't agree that there is an elegance to this pin that the enameled pins and badges lack, for the most part.

Regards

Brian

[Brian Wolfe]

Here's a better view of just the pin's obverse.

[Brian Wolfe]

The reverse showing the pin arrangement.

[Brian Wolfe]

This shows the box interior and the area where the pin rests. I really like the idea that they have made this so that the pin sits down into the box and flush with the box interior.

The interior shows a lot of age and was probably white when first made.

[Brian Wolfe]

This shows the exterior of the box and the push-button catch that allows the box to open when the pin is depressed.

The box shows "age" wear but no damage.

[Brian Wolfe]

The bottom of the box is bevelled around the edges making it look nicer when sitting on any surface. I present the view of the bottom detail to point out the attention to detail on even a utilitarian object such as a pin box. Details that were common during the Great War era and before. An attention to detail that is missing in today's slam-bam world. Today it's maximize the profit and to hell with the small details, like customer service and quality.

End of sermon.

I hope you liked my little boxed pin, it is one of my favourite collectables.

Regards

Brian

[Wood]

I bought mine for the Art Nouveau flower, before I read what was on the badge. Still after a boxed one.

Pete

Edited May 8, 2010 by wood

[Brian Wolfe]

I bought mine for the Art Nouveau flower, before I read what was on the badge. Still after a boxed one.

Pete

Hi Pete,

I never gave the style of the rose any thought. After years of watching Antiques Road Show you'd have though I'd have recognized Art Nouveau.

Well done Pete.

Regards

Brian

[Wood]

One of my other passions.

Don't think its a rose though. Indigenous Indian flower perhaps?

Pete

[Brian Wolfe]

One of my other passions.

Don't think its a rose though. Indigenous Indian flower perhaps?

Pete

It must have been a rough day as I'm not sure why I wrote "rose" as I too think it is a different flower. I'll see if I can find out what it is. Hmmm...rose...now where did that come from...?

I wonder if it is a lotus, that would be more in keeping with India.

Regards

Brian

[Hugh]

It must have been a rough day as I'm not sure why I wrote "rose" as I too think it is a different flower. I'll see if I can find out what it is. Hmmm...rose...now where did that come from...?

I wonder if it is a lotus, that would be more in keeping with India.

Regards

Brian

What a lovely piece! In many ways, those were better times.

I'm betting on a lotus from looking at the seed pods on the side. Any idea of the the criteria for award?

Best,

Hugh

[Brian Wolfe]

What a lovely piece! In many ways, those were better times.

I'm betting on a lotus from looking at the seed pods on the side. Any idea of the the criteria for award?

Best,

Hugh

Hello Hugh,

No idea of the criteria but I am looking into it. When I got the pin I recall putting it in the drawer thinking I'd get to it later. Then the old memory decided to take a vacation on the subject and I never followed through with the research. If and when I find out I will post the information.

Regards

Brian

[Mervyn Mitton]

Hi - Brian. A very nice item and made more interesting with the original box. I agree with Hugh - almost certainly a Lotus. I would suspect that it would have been given for the volunteers like Canteen ladies etc. South Africa had such an award in WW2.