'Wattle Day' fundraising button c.1921 - large size

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Wattle Day League

c. 1921

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold just after World War One to support the 'Wattle Day' appeal c.1921. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It features a spray of wattle blossom on a chocolate brown background. The words 'Wattle Day' are written diagonally in black on a cream rectangular background in the lower right hand side.
The reverse has a metal back with a void into which a metal pin is secured for attachment.

Historical information

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. 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.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00466

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Ink

Metal