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A pair of vintage World War II “sweetheart” souvenir items from the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater - pillow cover and fabric souvenir similar to a pillow cover

 

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DESCRIPTION –

 

These are unique theater-made souvenirs to send to the sweetheart or folks on the Home Front from their boy in the U.S. armed forces overseas in Asia during WWII.

 

The pillow cover features a very dark blue velvet/velour front with a very large embroidered CBI patch in the center, “C.B.I.” embroidered in gold/yellow at the top, and “CHINA”, “BURMA”, “INDIA” embroidered in white on the sides and bottom.

 

The velvet/velour front cover is attached to a royal blue cotton base that makes up the pillow cover. Gold/yellow rope-style trim is sewn around the perimeter of the cover. Fabric ties are sewn to the open bottom of the cover to close it when a pillow is inserted.

This pillow cover was well-made, with symmetrical letters and design.

 

Measurements –

16 x 19 inches ** ©nasa21 – do not copy **

 

The pillow cover is in EXCELLENT condition except for a loose 2 inch portion of edge trim.

 

The fabrc souvenir resembles a pillow cover but is not open on any edge. It features a red silk front with a bullion hand embroidered CBI patch in the center with horizontal wings on each side. “C.B.I.” is embroidered in bullion at the top, “CHINA” and “BURMA” embroidered on the sides, and “”TO . SISTER / INDIA 1944” at the bottom. Bullion embroidered stars are found in each corner.

It is very apparent that this item was made by hand (most likely in India) and not machine made as the letters are uneven and non-symmetrical. Other examples of this item will differ in design and layout due to being individually made.

 

The designs and letters are completely intact.

 

Reverse is white cotton fabric.

 

Measurements –

13 x 17 inches

 

This item is in EXCELLENT condition except for a short length of loose edge trim in the bottom right corner and a few age/storage spots on the white cotton reverse.

 

These items DO NOT GLOW in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) / “black light”.

Modern materials and thread (nylon or other synthetics) GLOW in UV light, which indicates post-WWII manufacture. Cotton thread that does not glow in UV light was used in the WWII era.

 

These two items show some creases and fold lines from a previous owner but have been stored flat while in my possession. They are NOT a wadded up mess someone found in a paper bag, trunk, closet, footlocker, or barracks bag.

 

This is NOT a “fresh estate sale find”. ** ©nasa21 – do not copy **

 

This pillow cover and souvenir are from my personal collection. Always stored indoors. Clean, no musty odor. No fading. No rips, tears, unsightly stains, or holes. All stitching is intact except as noted above.

 

Items will be folded for shipping.

 

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These items are located in the United States.

 

All measurements are approximate.

 

Please carefully review the photographs included with this listing and ask appropriate questions if necessary.

 

The watermark (©nasa21) is on the photos ONLY, not on the item(s).

 

All items are subject to prior sale, unless a bid is placed.

 

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