'ANZAC Day' fundraising button 1917 - large size

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1917

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'ANZAC Day' appeal in 1917. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
The button has a broad gold border encircling a replica of the small version of the button. It depicts a dark silhouette of the upper body of an Australian soldier playing a bugle in front of a setting sun, represented by a stippled background which is rusty orange grading to pale gold from bottom to top.
The words 'ANZAC Day' are printed in matching dark lettering above the soldier in the lighter coloured section. There is a thin dark border around the central circular area, the outside of which is gold as is the rim of the badge.
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.

'ANZAC Day' button day was held on April 25 1917. Proceeds were shared between the Returned Soldiers Association and the State War Council.

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

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00421

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material