'Suffering Nations' 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 'Suffering Nations' Day' appeal in 1917. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
The button features camels crossing a golden desert on the lower half. The words 'Servia Syria Armenia' are printed in deep red on the sand. There are date palms on the left and white Arabic buildings behind the camels, with a pale blue sky behind. The word 'Copyright' is printed in dark red on the lower rim.
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.

'Suffering Nations' Day' button day was held on 7 December 1917 with proceeds going to Serbian, Syrian and Armenian Relief organisations.

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

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00422

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material