'Wattle Day' fundraising button 1918 - small size

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1918

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'Wattle Day' appeal in 1918. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It features a cream map of Australia (sans Tasmania) with sprays of wattle inside and a dark green border on a pale blue-green stippled background. The words 'Wattle Day' are written in matching dark green colour beneath the map. The outer edge and rim of the badge are also coloured dark green.
The word 'Copyright' is written in cream on the lower rim.
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 'Wattle Day' button day was held on 27 September 1918 with the proceeds distributed to various children's institutions, hospitals and charities.

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

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00427

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material