'Charity' fundraising button 1915 - small size

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1915

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'Charity' appeal in 1915. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It features a depiction of a hovering angel dressed in white on a pale blue background with the word 'Charity' printed in red letters across the bottom.
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.

According to Nick Pezikian and David Andersen, the Commonwealth Button Fund issued these generic 'Charity' buttons in October 1915 for the use of those wishing to raise funds for hospitals and other charitable purposes.
This smaller sized button sold for 1 shilling, while the larger size sold for 2/6.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00471

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Ink

Metal