British Sailors' Society Appeal pin - Matthew Flinders

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British Sailors' Society

Overview

British Sailors' Society Appeal oval paper fundraising pin. It features a central greyscale depiction of maritime explorer, Matthew Flinders, on a cream background with red upper case text.
Around the top circumference are the words 'BRITISH SAILORS' SOCIETY' and around the lower circumference 'APPEAL'.
It is cheaply made, with the edges not being smooth or symmetrical and the printed graphic not centred.
It has a metal pin threaded through a small hole for attachment.
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.

The portrait on the pin depicts Captain Matthew Flinders, the celebrated English navigator, hydrographer, and scientist. He led the first confirmed circumnavigation of mainland Australia and is credited with popularising the continent's name. This confirms the Australian association of the pin.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01124

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

Defence > Navy

Religion

Social History

Transport