'Wattle Day' fundraising button 1919 - large size

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1919

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'Wattle Day' appeal in 1919. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
The button is mainly cream in colour with a green wreath of leaves and berries around the edge and a central image of the Union Jack flag above which the words 'Peace 1919' are printed in gold. The area inside the wreath and surrounding the flag is stippled with gold.
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 22 August 1919 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-RoW00442

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material