'Wattle Day' fundraising button 1917 - large size

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1917

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'Wattle Day' appeal. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
The button depicts a large bunch of wattle flowers and leaves in gold and green against a pale sage green background. The phrase 'For our own' appears at the top in brown and the word 'Copyright' appears in black on the lower rim of the button.
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 'Wattle Day' button day was held on 24 August 1917 with the proceeds distributed to various children's institutions, hospitals and charities.

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

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00465

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material