English Sailor's Sweetheart Cushion

Victorian period. 7 1/4" height. Heart shaped of high rounded form to be used as a pin cushion, though most in fact were simply displayed. Pink satin face and red felt back, the seam with cotton fringe. The face decorated in pins securing beads and sequins forming a central Christian cross above a heart and an anchor at the bottom. The upper lobes with symmetrical flowers and clusters of beads. Motto "I THINK OF THEE" along the bottom. A few pins/beads missing from the small heart, otherwise complete. The front faded and some soiling, in need of careful cleaning. Created at sea while longing for home and his girl, the maker was quite likely impressed against his will. Needing a little attention, but a very rare original and fragile nautical artifact quite well preserved.