Summary

Square handkerchief with image of the Eiffel Tower accompanied by text starting 'PARIS' and 'Victorie'.

Sun rising behind the pink and gold Eiffel Tower. Yellow flowers stem from bottom right of Eiffel Tower and 'PARIS' is sewn in pink underneath the tower. 'Victorie' is spelled out at the top of the tower, in a semi-circle just above the sun; a blue aeroplane trails at the end of the 'e'.

Embroidered postcards and handkerchiefs became popular souvenirs for soldiers serving on in World War I, particularly on the Western Front (as well as in the Middle East). Created by local women and sold to the troops via regimental canteens, these items usually featured either patriotic or 'sentimental' messages or symbols. Thousands of handkerchiefs and postcards were sent home by Australian troops during World War I.

Physical Description

Square handkerchief, golden/beige muslin with hand sewn colourful image and text in one quarter. Patterned lining consists of straight lines, back-to-back spirals, and semicircles in corners.

Significance

This handkerchief is an example of the popular souvenir handkerchiefs created for soldiers during World War I, and commemorating its end. The often patriotic or sentimental nature of their message along with their lightweight nature made them ideal for sending home to loved ones.

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