'Our Sailors' Day' fundraising button 1917 - small size

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1917

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'Our Sailors' Day' appeal in 1917. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
The button depicts a ship's life ring with a section of rope at the bottom. The central area features a white ensign flag with the Union Jack in the top left corner on a bright blue background. The phrase 'Our Sailors Day' appears in large black letters around the life ring and the word 'Copyright' appears in black on the lower rim of the button. The badge is showing its age with spots, fading and discoloration.
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.

'Our Sailors' Day' button day was held on March 23 1917. It was the first to be dedicated to Australia's naval forces and proceeds were given to The Navy League.

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

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00313

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Ink