Returned Services League Australia Life Subscriber (LS) membership stick pin
c. 1965Returned Services League Australia Life Subscriber (LS) metal and enamel membership stick pin.
The badge attached to the metal pin is in the shape of a shield and features a gold-toned circular centre showing three service figures (representing a sailor, soldier, and airman/airwoman), surrounded by a blue enamel ring reading 'RETURNED SERVICES LEAGUE', all on a white enamel background.
There is a red enamel banner at the bottom containing the word 'AUSTRALIA', in gold lettering.
The badge is surmounted by a gold Queen's Crown which is covered by a Queens' Crown clasp in bright orange with gold edges and the gold initials 'LS' inside.
The reverse is plain with the exception of the impressed issued membership letter and numbers 'W3162'. There is no maker's mark.
A metal pin at the top of the reverse of the badge extends down vertically for attachment. It has a broad metal sleeve which can be moved up and down the pin. This can cover the end point and protect the wearer.
The organisation was originally formed in 1916 as the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA), later incorporating airmen (RSSAILA) in 1940 before officially becoming the RSL in 1965.
The 'LS' clasp attached to the crown at the top of the badge means Life Subscriber. The holder of the badge paid the lifetime subscription rate instead of the yearly rate.
The letter 'W' on the reverse indicates that the membership badge was originally issued in Western Australia.
A membership badge with 'LS' attached is also held in the collection and came with this stick pin. However, it has the RSSAILA logo on it and a King's Crown, meaning it was issued 1940-1952, and the letter 'Z' indicating it was issued in Queensland. It is therefore unlikely that these two items were issued to the same veteran.
Details
Details
On fron of badge:
"RETURNED SERVICES LEAGUE"
"AUSTRALIA"
On reverse of badge:
"W
3162"
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