Summary

Alternative Name(s): Button, Pin

World War I-era pressed tin fundraising badge - 'Italian Red Cross'. The badge features a red cross symbol and scroll with the text 'Italian Red Cross' against a background of the flag of the Kingdom of Italy (in use from 1861 to 1946).

The Australian War Memorial website records that this fundraising badge was produced to to promote and support the work of the Italian Red Cross. Such badges were sold in trams, buses, at railways stations and at rallies to raise money for the stated cause. This example was produced in Victoria but appears to have been sold nationally from 1916; some 22,200 pounds was raised in Victoria; 67,577 in New South Wales and 115 pounds in Queensland for the cause.

One of 24 fundraising badges attached to a black velvet ribbon. Purchased and collected by the donor's great-grandmother, Mrs Lillie Mary Holinger, in Melbourne (probably Canterbury).

Badges were worn or displayed on ribbons during and after World War I, commemorating involvement in the war effort and expressing patriotism. They were generally made to raise funds for particular causes, including comforts and medical aid for those serving overseas; assisting widows and children of deceased soldiers; and assisting with the purchase of aids and treatment for soldiers who returned with disabilities.

Physical Description

Circular pressed tin badge featuring the a Red Cross symbol overlaying a white scroll on which is written in red text 'Italian Red Cross'. The background is the green, white and red stripes of the flag of the Kingdom of Italy (in use from 1861 to 1946), which also featured a white cross on a blue and red crest, surmounted by a gold and red crown. The back of the badge is a dull tin with mild rust. The back is scratched, revealing the original silver colouring. A bent nail has been utilised as the pin and is attached through holes in the back of the badge.

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