WW1 South Stafforshire sweet heart picture miniature

This is absolutely beautiful piece of art shows a young officer of the South Staffordshire Regiment during the First World War. The painting itself has been painted by a highly talented artist capturing the young officer perfectly. The subject is wearing a cuff rank tunic indicating that this was completed most likely during the early years of the war. The painting is surrounded by a metal frame which is possibly silver and again is very well done. This piece has obviously been made with the upmost quality and would have cost the original owner a lot of money. This leads me to wonder if it was a mourning piece to be placed on the mantel piece above the fire or bed side table to remember a fallen son. The cases interior is cushioned to protect the painting and the outside looks to be made of wood covered in a unknown material. The case has some damage however it has protected the portrait very well.