WW1 Coldstream Guards Sweetheart Pin Cushion Beaded Heart Think of Me

A striking First World War sweetheart pin cushion associated with the Coldstream Guards, dating to around 1914–1918.

The large heart-shaped cushion is exceptionally decorative, with a central printed Coldstream Guards regimental badge surrounded by dense hand-worked glass beads, sequins and metallic-thread motifs in shades of blue, green, clear glass, black and gold.

To either side are printed textile panels headed “Think of Me”, incorporating the sentimental verse. This type of sweetheart cushion was made during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and became particularly associated with the First World War. They were often produced by servicemen, including wounded or recuperating soldiers, as keepsakes for wives, sweethearts and family members.

The elaborate decoration on this example includes numerous glass-headed pins and beads, metallic gold-thread sunburst motifs and a border of dark sequins surrounding the Coldstream Guards badge. The outer edge is finished with textile trim and small hanging pom-poms. The reverse is covered in plain cream textile.

A highly decorative piece of First World War military folk art and a particularly appealing example for collectors of sweetheart items, militaria, antique sewing pieces and historic textiles.