British Sailors' Society Merchant Seamen's Appeal celluloid pin

Overview

British Sailors' Society Merchant Seamen's Appeal circular celluloid fundraising pin. It features the patriotic colours of red, white and blue on a cream background, all enclosed within a thin blue border.
The initials 'M.N.' (Merchant Navy) are set horizontally across the direct centre in red, Behind the lettering sits a traditional fouled navy anchor printed in blue with white internal shading, and an entwined rope length trailing downwards also with a blue outline infilled with white.
Printed in a curved arc directly above the central anchor ring is the word 'APPEAL' in red, above which is the text 'MERCHANT SEAMEN'S' following the upper circumference. The words 'BRITISH SAILORS' SOCIETY' are in the same position on the opposite lower side. The placement of the print is not central, which is most noticeable with the border.
It would have had a metal pin threaded through a small hole for attachment, but this is missing.
The reverse of the pin is plain, with no maker's marks.

Historical information

The 'British Sailors' Society' was established to minister to the religious needs of seamen. It was originally founded in 1818 as the 'Port of London Society' and then after 1833, the 'British and Foreign Sailors Society'. In 1925, the name was changed to the 'British Sailors' Society'. It supports merchant navy seafarers and their families worldwide.
The Society formed affiliations with local Australian organisations such as the 'Port Adelaide Seamens' Mission', and from the 1930s raised substantial funds through badge/button appeals in South Australia.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-119-RoW01133
Item type
Badges
Collectibles
Ephemera
Material
Card (Laminated)
Ink
Paper
Width
29 mm
Height or length
29 mm
Inscriptions and markings

From top to bottom:

"MERCHANT SEAMEN'S

APPEAL

BRITISH SAILORS' SOCIETY"

Primary significance criteria
Social or spiritual significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Last modified
Friday, 25 September, 2026
Completeness
83
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British Sailors' Society Merchant Seamen's Appeal celluloid pin
British Sailors' Society Merchant Seamen's Appeal celluloid pin
Reverse of British Sailors' Society Merchant Seamen's Appeal celluloid pin
Reverse of British Sailors' Society Merchant Seamen's Appeal celluloid pin

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