World War One Australian Pinback Button Badge

AUSTRALIA World War One Tin Lapel Political Patriotic Pin Button Badge very scarce - almost 100 years old

This is a 1918 issued Australia Day Badge from the city of Williamstown , Victoria Australia

World War One Australia Day Williamstown 1918 Pinback Button Badge -  Very Scarce

Description

WWI commemorative circular plastic-coated pressed tinplate metal badge with a celluloid face and a pin attachment on the reverse. "It depicts a merino sheep standing on green grass within a black outline of Australia on a white background. 'AUSTRALIA DAY 1918 WILLIAMSTOWN' is printed in black around edge." ( as described by the National Museum of Australia - as they have one in their collection )

Inscription:

Australia Day Williamstown 1918

Maker
A W Patrick

Place made
Australia: Victoria , Fitzroy

Date made
c 1918

Size

approximately 32 mm round ( 1 1/4 inches )

Associated organisation
Australian Red Cross Society

Summary:

Victoria Australia Day badge made in 1918.

The tradition of recognizing Australia Day began in the early 1800s. What started as a day marking the first landing of Captain Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet of convict ships in 1788 evolved into an event where the colonists wanted to celebrate their new life in Australia.

Australian states and territories once celebrated Australia Day on different days and it was not until 1935 that the current Australia Day date of 26 January was made official and recognized nationwide.