'Blind Day' fundraising button 1920 - small size

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1920

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold just after World War One to support the 'Blind Day' appeal. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It features a white poppy with a central gold star on a dark blue background. The phrase 'Lest we forget those who walk in darkness' is written in white on the blue background. The name and address of the maker is written around the rim of the button.
The reverse has a metal back with a void into which a metal pin is secured for attachment.

Historical information

The Commonwealth Button Fund was established in mid-1915, with the first Button Day being held in November of that year, supporting the people of Belgium. Over the course of the next 6 years, 33 Button Days were held raising money for a variety of patriotic and charitable causes including the Australian, British and French Red Cross, Hospitals, allied countries, current serving men and women, discharged, wounded and disabled servicemen and women, and their families. The buttons were sold in trams, buses, at railways stations and at rallies to raise money for the stated cause.

The 'Blind Day' button day was held on 13 May 1920 with proceeds given to four groups supporting blinded soldiers. The funds were used to improve activities for the blind and for the construction of new buildings to house and support them.

This smaller sized button sold for 1 shilling, while the larger size sold for 2/6.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00326

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

Social History
War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Ink