'French Red Cross Appeal' fundraising button 1916 - child

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1916

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'French Red Cross Appeal' in 1916. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It has a depiction of Marshal of France, Joseph Joffre, in the centre. The French flag is behind him on a gold circular background. This is surrounded by a cream band on which the words 'Victorian School Tribute 1916' are printed in dark blue letters. The rim of the badge is gold.
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.

'French Red Cross' (Croix Rouge Française) button day was held on 14 July 1916, to coincide with the French National Day. Proceeds from the appeal were given to the French Red Cross.

This badge was sold in limited numbers to school children. The other smaller sized button sold for 1 shilling, while the larger size sold for 2/6.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00428

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Ink