WW1 Canada 5th Overseas Pioneer Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force Sweetheart Brooch, PIN FITTINGS REMOVED.

A scarce First World War period Canadian Expeditionary Force '5th Pioneer Battalion CEF sweetheart brooch' gilt and enamel maple leaf bearing Crowned "Pioneer" scroll above superimposed '5' resting on a 'Canada beaver' and flanked by "Overseas" "Battalion" with Latin motto "Sed Miles Sed Pro Patria" roughly translates (A young man died before his time, but a soldier for his country) scroll below; the reverse with evidence of having had a pin shank and hook removed many years ago, otherwise I would have classified this as very good condition, perfect enamel, gilt remains fresh. Price reflects.
Height 30mm.

This is part of a large collection of First World War period, rare and wonderful sweetheart brooches, all in superb condition but with their pin fittings absent or removed. These came attached to a retailer's sample display board.