Sailors' Day fundraising button

c. 1940
Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War Two to support the 'Sailors' Day' appeal. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It is in the patriotic colours of red, white and blue. It features a central white anchor on a vibrant blue background surrounded by a thin red border.
The denomination '6ᵈ' (sixpence) is printed in red block text directly on the upper shank of the anchor, while the text 'SAILORS' DAY' is printed in red capital letters, curved neatly along the white stock and flukes of the anchor's lower crossbar.
The reverse has a metal pin which encircles the edge of the badge before ending in a point which can be pushed through clothing for attachment. There are no maker's marks.

Historical information

The Sailors' Day and Merchant Seamen's Appeals during World War Two were nationwide charity and fundraising campaigns in Australia designed to support Allied merchant navy personnel and naval seamen.
Organised through various charitable groups like the Royal Navy and local merchant navy welfare funds, these regular appeals raised vital capital to provide comfort packages, medical aid, and financial relief to the families of sailors who faced immense danger keeping supply lines open.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-119-RoW01145
Item type
Badges
Collectibles
Ephemera
Material
Ink
Metal
Paper
Width
22 mm
Height or length
22 mm
Inscriptions and markings

"6ᵈ"

"SAILORS' DAY"

Year
Primary significance criteria
Social or spiritual significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Last modified
Tuesday, 29 September, 2026
Completeness
94
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Recollections of War

Recollections of War

Sailors' Day fundraising button
Sailors' Day fundraising button
Reverse of Sailors' Day fundraising button
Reverse of Sailors' Day fundraising button

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