'King George's Day' fundraising button 1916 - large size

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1916

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'King George's Day' appeal in 1916. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
The button has a broad gold border encircling a replica of the small version of the button, which has a central image of the monarch wearing his ceremonial uniform on a cream circular background. Behind the King are the flags of Italy, Serbia, Montenegro and Russian Poland. Outside of the central circle is a broad purple band, in which the words 'King George's Day' appear in an arc above and the word 'Copyright' below in cream 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.

The 'King George's Day' appeal was held on 2 June 1916 with proceeds going to the war affected peoples of Italy, Serbia, Montenegro and Russian Poland, countries which supported the Allies.

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

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00417

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Ink