'Wattle Day 1932' fundraising badge - small size
1932Circular fundraising badge or button sold to support the 'Wattle Day' appeal in 1932. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It features a central depiction of a sprig of wattle printed in gold on a bright blue background. There is a broad gold border around the outside on which the words 'Wattle Day' appear in blue between the gold around the top. The date appears in a blue rectangular box in gold letters, some of which have worn away over time.
The badge is discoloured and soiled. There are no maker's details.
The reverse has a dark metal back with a void into which a metal pin is secured for attachment.
Fundraising badges such as this were sold in trams, buses, at railways stations and at rallies to raise money for the stated cause.
According to the Australian War Memorial, the Wattle Day League was formed almost concurrently in NSW and South Australia in 1909-10 with the purpose of promoting awareness of the plant, encouraging people to wear it and pushing for its adoption as a national symbol.
Founded by women and members of the Australian Natives Association, the League aimed to foster patriotic pride and national identity among Australians through the planting of wattle and other activities, eventually leading to the wattle being incorporated into the Australian Coat of Arms.
The homesickness felt by many troops serving in France and the Middle East during World War One saw the wattle become a powerful symbol for Australia and home. The League used its popularity to promote and support many fundraising events.
It is unknown which state this badge was made or sold in. It is one of four such badges in the collection, all dating from the 1930s, which share the same design but in different colours.
Details
Details
On front of badge:
"WATTLE DAY
1932"
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