'Allies Day' fundraising button 1915 - large size

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Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'Allies for Freedom and Life' appeal in 1915. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
The button has a broad gold border encircling a replica of the small version of the button, which has a cream map of Australia on a blue background. In the centre of the map are the flags of allies - Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia and Italy. The word 'Allies' is written in red where the bases of the flagpoles join. Under that appear the words 'For freedom and life' in large cream letters on the blue background.
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 'Allies for Freedom and Life' button day was held on 26 November 1915 with proceeds going to the Allied Relief Fund, administered by the Governor General and the Lord Mayor.

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

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00407

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Ink