Handkerchiefs have been used by men and women for centuries. They could be made of any bit of cloth, but eventually they became a symbol of social status and wealth. As they became a status symbol, they also became more than just scraps of cloth, and were decorated with lace and embroidery. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the families of the early settlers.Hand-embroidered silk dress handkerchief. Flowers embroidered on front. Fabric colour is beige.handcraft silk-handkerchief embroidery

This item has been brought back to Australia by a returning soldier from World War One (1914-1918). At a time when France was completely disrupted by the ravages of war many French women, especially those in rural areas, earned a living by making souvenir pieces of embroidery to sell to soldiers in the Allied forces. These embroidered pieces took the form of postcards, doyleys, centerpieces, handkerchiefs etc. The items are noted for the handcraft skills shown by the makers and are prized by collectors today. This item, although fragile, is of considerable interest, firstly as an attractive embroidered piece and secondly, because of its association with World War One as an example of the souvenirs brought back from France to Australia by returning soldiers. This is an oblong-shaped handkerchief or doyley. It has a pink or mauve silk square in the middle with a coloured motif embroidered in one corner. This s a shield with representations of several European flags and embroidered wording underneath. The silk square is edged in a wave pattern in pink. The square has a white lace border. The item is slightly stained and has fold marks.Souvenir de Franceworld war one

Embroidered handkerchiefs - Souvenirs from 1914-1918.Embroidered handkerchiefs - souvenirs from 1914 - 1918. .1) Silk handkerchief edged with lace & embroidered with two white 7 purple pansies and the words "All kind thoughts" in one corner. .2) Silk handkerchief with gold ribbon edging, embroidered with six flags and yellow & mauve pansy plus the words "Souvenir de France".1) Embroidered with "All kind thoughts" .2) Embroidered with "Souvenir de France"handcrafts-embroidery, souvenirs, silk

Rupert Henry Treganowan No 18321. Sent by Rupert Treganowan to his sister Reka. Possibly made in Egypt in 1918. Refer Cat No 1862.5 for service history also 1861,1863.Embroidered white silk handkerchief with pink edges, small circles near each corner with leaf and flower designs and circular design in centre with leaves and flowers,costume accessories-haberdashery, handcrafts-embroidery, silk