'Win-the-War 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 'Win-the-War Day' appeal in 1917. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It features a white map of Australia on a dark blue background with a gold border. The five stars of the Southern Cross are overlaid in white with gold edges.
The phrase 'I Will Help Until the War is Won' is printed across the map in red writing and the word 'Copyright' appears in black on the lower rim of the button.
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.

'Win-the-War Day' took place on Friday 23 February 1917. Proceeds were forwarded to the Lady Mayoress' Patriotic League, the Victorian Division of the Australia Soldiers' Comforts Fund.

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

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00311

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Ink