'Our Day' fundraising button 1916 - small size

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1916

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'Our Day - Nation & Honor' appeal in 1916. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
The button is red and cream in colour, having a red rim and a central red cross on a cream background. In the centre of the cross there is a depiction of the head and shoulders of Nurse Edith Cavell in an oval frame. The words 'Our Day Nation & Honor' are printed in the four cream quadrants surrounding the portrait.
The reverse has a metal back with a void into which a metal pin would be secured for attachment. The pin on this example is missing.

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 'Our Day - Nation & Honor' button day was held on 25 February 1916, with proceeds going to the Red Cross and the Edith Cavell Fund for sick and incapacitated military nurses.

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

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00416

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Ink