WWI fundraising button 'For the men in the trenches, Good Luck'

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c. 1915

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the men in the trenches. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It is a cream coloured button with a dark blue border, red writing and dark blue central area featuring a white, flat symbol of an equilateral cross with its legs bent at right angles, facing left. This is a millennia-old sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism that represents peace and good fortune.
The colours of the button - red, white and blue - represent the Empire.
The reverse has a shiny, gold coloured metal back with a void into which a metal pin is secured for attachment. Much of the shiny surface has rubbed off over time.
There is no maker on the button.

Historical information

The swastika is an ancient and widely used symbol representing peace and good luck.
In Hindu tradition, the symbol that faces right (clockwise) is called a "swastika" and is associated with positive attributes like the sun, prosperity, and good luck. A left-facing symbol (counter-clockwise) is called a "sauvastika" and can symbolize night or the tantric aspects of Kali, a Hindu goddess.
A link to the history of the swastika is attached.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00503

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Ink

Metal