'French Red Cross Appeal' fundraising button 1916 - small size

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1916

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'French Red Cross Appeal' in 1916. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It has a gold edge and a broad white band containing the words 'French Red Cross' in blue. In the centre there is a French flag billowing in the breeze on a gold background. At the bottom of the central area is a red cross on a white background which has rays extending outwards and upwards.
The reverse has a gold metal back with a void into which a metal pin is secured for attachment. Some of the gold paint has worn off.

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.

'French Red Cross' (Croix Rouge Française) button day was held on 14 July 1916, to coincide with the French National Day. Proceeds from the appeal were given to the French Red Cross.

This smaller sized button sold for 1 shilling, while the larger size sold for 2/6. A similar sized badge with a depiction of Marshal of France, Joseph Joffre, was sold in limited numbers to school children.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00318

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Ink

Metal