ProvenanceBadge produced for War Chest Day, a fundraising appeal by the New South Wales War Chest.
Button days, and the sale of badges in general, were a key aspect of fundraising appeals during the war. Badges were produced by all different charities and organisations during World War I to raise funds for their respective causes. Patriotic buttons were common as a symbol of support and loyalty to Australia's military forces and the war effort as a whole.
The War Chest committee organised a War Chest Day in 1916, 1917 and 1918 and raised over £300,000 over the course of the war.SignificanceIllustrative of the badges that were popular as a means of raising funds or showing support for particular organisations or causes during and after World War I. This and other associated badges are a rich source of evidence on the material and cultural history of Australia, particularly during wartime. The symbols, colours and mottoes used on the badges themselves also express ideas about the values and identity that Australians held in the early to mid-twentieth century.DescriptionCircular badge; printed paper between tin base and celluloid cover. Depicts red star with drawn bust of soldier in colour on black background. Marked 'War Chest Day' 'Scholars Button' in white block letters around the rim.Creator (person)Creator (organisation)AcknowledgementDate of Creation1914 - 1918Date of Usage1914 - 1918MaterialTin
|paper
|celluloid Accession NumberHT 1986.0070
