'Italian Red Cross 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 'Italian Red Cross Day' appeal in 1916. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
The button features the Italian Coat of Arms, the words 'Italian Red Cross' in a white scroll, and a red cross in a gold circle on a background of green, white and red vertical stripes representing the Italian flag. The word 'Copyright' is printed on the white section of the lower rim in black letters.
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.

'Italian Red Cross' button day was held on 6 July 1917 with proceeds going to the Italian Red Cross Society.

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

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00405

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material