Y.M.C.A. soldier's gift wallet with writing set - Christmas 1917

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1917

Overview

Australian Y.M.C.A. writing set presented as a gift to servicemen for Christmas 1917. It comprises a black textured leather outer covering which is stitched around the edges and secured at the front with a black press stud. There is a central logo printed in gold which features the letters 'Y.M.C.A.' over an inverted triangle with a rising sun badge at the top, all on top of an outline map of Australia.
The wallet opens to reveal an upper pocket containing cream coloured envelopes bearing an outline of the rising sun badge in the upper left corner; a pencil in a custom made sleeve in the centre; and lower pocket containing a writing pad. The cover of the pad has the same logo as on the outer covering, except that the triangle is printed in red and the rest is in black outline. The phrase "CHEERO! FROM THE AUSTRALIAN Y.M.C.A' is printed below.
When the writing pad is opened, it reveals lined paper with the same logo in the top left corner and the text 'In the Field' with the date '191...' so that it can be filled in by the writer.
The back cover has the motto 'TALK CLEAN, LIVE CLEAN, FIGHT CLEAN, PLAY THE GAME' printed in gold lettering.

Historical information

Throughout the war, the Australian Young Men’s Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) served the social welfare needs of soldiers by running canteens and offering recreational activities like film screenings and performances. They also made it their mission to distribute Christmas gifts, such as wallets, to those in military service.

This writing wallet is a rare survivor, as it is in pristine condition and the contents are still inside. Two other Y.M.C.A. gifts presented to World War One Australian soldiers are held in the collection.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01007

Item type

Accessories

Artefacts

Collectibles

Letters

Personal Effects

Themes

Communication

Social History