The Kew sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia was granted its Charter on 1 January 1920. Its first president was Sam Kilduff, who served with the 24th Battalion in the First World War (1914-1918) and was badly wounded in Belgium.Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection date from the 1940s to the 1960s. Programme for an Anzac Day Commemoration Ceremony hosted by the Kew Sub-branch of the RSSAILA in the Recreation Hall Kew on Friday 25th at 10am. The year is not noted in the programme.rssaila kew sub-branch, kew recreation hall -- wellington street, kew civic hall -- cotham road

Connor, James Wilfred Service number: 1636 Rank: Private 6 Infantry Battalion - 1 to 9 Reinforcements (December 1914 - September 1915) First World War, 1914-1918 Date of Embarkation: 19 February 1915, Melbourne Ship Embarked on: HMAT Runic A54first world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, soldiers, men, el dorado, eldorado

Culph, Edward Heathcote Service Number: 1447 Final rank: Private First World War, 1914-1918 5 Infantry Battalion - 1 to 12 Reinforcements (December 1914 - November 1915) Date of embarkation: 02 February 1915, Melbourne Ship Embarked on: HMAT Clan McGillivray A46first world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial forces, aif, soldiers, men, milawa, el dorado

View looking down Main Road and the Avenue of Honour from near Brougham Street. The Avenue of Honour was established in 1916-1917 by the Welcome Home Committee with the planting of over 100 trees dedicyted to the eternal memory of soldiers from the Eltham district who served in the First World War (1914-1918).Born Digitaleltham, main road, avenue of honour

This type of bayonet was common issue for the French Army in World War 1 (1914-1918). Part of a collection of edged weapons, some relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian military forces, others are souvenirs brought home by returning soldiers.French Model 1892 Berthier bayonet, 527 mm long fluted steel blade, with metal scabbard. On ring - "AE 30556"france, berthier

Lieutenant Albert Borella, 26th Battalion AIF, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Villers Bretonneux, France, in March 1918.Possibly the only self portrait of an Australian VC winner.Framed self portrait of Captain Albert C Borella VC MM MID in World War One (1914-1918) uniform with 'Sam Browne' belt and medals. Stained wooden frame has been covered with a protective clear acrylic sheet.Engraved plaque on lower face of frame "Capt Albert C Borella VC MM MID presented to 8/13 VMR by Mrs E Borella"borella, victoria cross, self-portrait

Ray, Thomas Henry Service Number: 4580 Rank: Lance Corporal First World War, 1914-1918 8 Infantry Battalion - 13 to 23 Reinforcements (December 1915 - November 1916) 58th Australian Infantry Battalion Embarkation date: 28 Janaury 1916, Melbourne Embarkation ship: HMAT Themistocles A32first world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, el dorado, eldorado, soldiers, men

Photograph relates to Chiltern resident and soldier of the first world war Adde Cooper. Service number 5002 Rank Private Unit 21st Australian Infantry Battalion Service Australian Imperial Force Conflict/Operation First World War, 1914-1918 Award Military Medal Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 August 1917 on page 1828 at position 38 London Gazette 11 May 1917 on page 4601 at position 9photograph relates to WW1 Soldier Adde Cooper, a Chiltern Resident. Brown framed photograph of WW1 Soldier Adde Cooper. Small sign at the bottom of the photograph identifying soldier as being Adde Cooper, Chiltern Resident and WW1 soldier. ww1 1914-1918, the great war ww1, soldier adde cooper

Joseph Roland Page Cross ; Service Number: 35864: Rank: Gunner; Roll title: FAB [Field Artillery Brigade] - 27 to 35 Reinforcements (November 1917 - June 1918) Conflict / Operation: First World War, 1914-1918; Date of embarkation: 9 November 1917; Place of embarkation: Melbourne; Ship embarked on: HMAT Port Sydney A15 (from First World War Embarkation Rolls). This photograph was used in the WW1 exhibition held in Orbost April 2015.This is a useful reference tool.A laminated b/w photograph of Gunner Joseph Roland Cross. It is a head and shoulders photograph of a soldier in uniform.GUNNER;Joseph Roland Cross HEAD DRIVER ; Heavy Artillery 28th Batallion, 3rd Brigade (1914-1918) WARcross-joseph-roland ww1

This style bayonet was used by British and Imperial troops in the Boer War and concurrently with the 1907 pattern during World War 1 (1914-1918). Used by Victorian colonial troops.Rare example of nineteenth century British bayonet.British 1888 pattern bayonet for magazine Lee Metford and Magazine Lee Enfield rifles with scabbard" EFD " and " 88E " under crownbayonet, boer war, metford, vmr

Semaphore using small flags was a common means of communication used by units especially light horse during World War One (1914-1918). This badge was awarded to qualified signallers.Metal badge featuring crossed semaphore flags. Awarded to qualified signaller and worn on the right sleeve of the tunic between elbow and wrist band.military, semaphore, signal, flag, light horse, wwi, world war one

A collection of the service histories of men and women from Monbulk and District who served in World War 1; 1914-1918. Written and compiled by Jill A'Vard, President of Monbulk Historical Society.Soft cover.monbulk, monbulk rsl

Telling of the deeds of the Australian Light Horsemen, Campaigns of the 4th Lighthorse Regiment - Middle East, Palestine. Australian Cavalry operations and Military History of Beersheba ( Israel). World War 1 1914-1918 339 pages - B/W Photos - slight water damage

Private George Alfred Williams Service number 70 Final Rank Private Unit 13 Fld.Amb. Conflict/Operation First World War, 1914-1918 Rolls First World War Nominal Roll: Unit 13 Fld.Amb. Conflict First World War, 1914-1918 Rank Private Timeline Date of enlistment 22 September 1914 Date of fate 17 September 1918 Father W.A. Williams of Belle Vue, Eltham Promoted to Corporal 15 March 1916 and transferred to 6th Field Ambulance Transferred to 13th Field Ambulance 9.2.17 Made temporary Sergeant from 27 April to 26 May 1918 whilst his unit awaited a replacement Sergeant at which point he reverted to Corporal. Died of shrapnel wounds to his left side and face received in action with the 4th Australian Field Ambulance in France, 17 Sep. 1918 His mother, Mary Ann Williams (nee Kidd) gave written permission for him to enlist In his Will he left all his effects to his mother.. Williams George Alfred : SERN 70 : POB Heidleberg VIC : POE Broadmeadows VIC : NOK F Williams W A https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/ItemDetail.aspx?Barcode=1807628&isAv=Nmarg ball collection, 1914, george alfred williams, tesla studios photographer 244 chapel st prahran

Private George Alfred Williams Service number 70 Final Rank Private Unit 13 Fld.Amb. Conflict/Operation First World War, 1914-1918 Rolls First World War Nominal Roll: Unit 13 Fld.Amb. Conflict First World War, 1914-1918 Rank Private Timeline Date of enlistment 22 September 1914 Date of fate 17 September 1918 Father W.A. Williams of Belle Vue, Eltham Promoted to Corporal 15 March 1916 and transferred to 6th Field Ambulance Transferred to 13th Field Ambulance 9.2.17 Made temporary Sergeant from 27 April to 26 May 1918 whilst his unit awaited a replacement Sergeant at which point he reverted to Corporal. Died of shrapnel wounds to his left side and face received in action with the 4th Australian Field Ambulance in France, 17 Sep. 1918 His mother, Mary Ann Williams (nee Kidd) gave written permission for him to enlist In his Will he left all his effects to his mother.. Williams George Alfred : SERN 70 : POB Heidleberg VIC : POE Broadmeadows VIC : NOK F Williams W A https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/ItemDetail.aspx?Barcode=1807628&isAv=Nmarg ball collection, george alfred williams, 1918, aif, first world war, honour roll

This pattern bayonet, which affixed to a .303 Lee Enfield rifle was standard issue to Australian forces in World War 1 ( 1914 - 1918 ), World War 2 ( 1939 - 1945 ) and the Korean War ( 1950 - 1953 ).Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian Military forces.British pattern 1907 bayonet, with wood hand grips blade 430mm long, with leather scabbard with steel fittings and leather bayonet frog.ON handle " A- 93061 " On blade " 1 - 1922 Lithgow "wwi, wwii, korea, world war one, world war two, lee enfield

The Shrine of Remembrance was built between July 1928 and November 1934 on St Kilda Road Melbourne, in memory of those who served and those who died in the World War of 1914-1918. It now also commemorates those who served in subsequent conflicts.4 p. pamphlet, text and colour photographshrine of remembrance melbourne, world war 1, war memorials

Distributor's blurb: " The First World War (1914-1918) was supposed to be 'the war to end all wars'. For the young, eager and patriotic men who enlisted in their thousands to fight for King and Country, it was to be a marvellous adventure - an opportunity to march to Glory with the battalions of 'pals' and 'chums'. Nothing could have prepared them for the nightmare that beckoned. This video explains what it meant to live and fight on the Western front, from the innocent patriotism of 'Kitchener's Army' to the war weary anger of the war poets. This is the story of the horror of life in the trenches. Powerful contemporary film footage and photgraphic images are revealed in this DVD, featuring the latest computer graphics and dramatised accounts of those who were there, with comment and analysis by Dr. David Chandler and a special appearance by Brian Blessed.DVD: 1-16x Speed 55 Minutes 4.7 GB Picture Format 4:3 Colour PAL 0 Disc Format DVD 5 Audio Content 2.0 Stereo9 325425 026123dvd, life in the trenches, ww1

This pattern bayonet which affixed to a .303 Lee Enfield rifle was standard issue to Australian forces in World War 1 (1914-1918), World War 2 (1939-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953). Leather bayonet frog might indicate WWI light horse issue.Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian Military forces.British pattern 1907 bayonet, blade 430 mm long with wood hand grip and leather scabbard and leather frog.Blade " 7. 17 Wilkinson" Frog " Dexxil Don 1917"military, bayonet, world war one, world war two, korea, light horse

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.A small circular pressed metal badge with a white outline of Australia against a dark blue background. Flags of Australia’s World War I allies are depicted within the Australian outline, including that of Imperial Russia."Allies For Freedom and Life"patriotic buttons, first world war (1914-18)

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.World War I-era pressed metal fundraising badge, featuring an olive wreath encircling in red text: ‘ANZAC Apr. 25. 1915’, on a white background. "ANZAC Apr. 25. 1915 / Copyright"anzac day, first world war (1914-18), patriotic buttons, world war one, numismatics, badges

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.World War I-era pressed metal fundraising badge, advertising ANZAC Remembrance Day"ANZAC Remembrance Day"patriotic buttons, remembrance day, badges

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.Circular pressed tin button featuring the Red Cross flag. Beneath the flag is a two-tiered scroll with red text ‘Australian Red Cross Appeal 1918’, against a gold background with a white and red border."Australian Red Cross Appeal 1918"patriotic buttons, first world war (1914-18)

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.A button designed to raise funds in Deepdene and Balwyn for the Alfred Hospital Appeal of 1921. The central image on the button is of cricket bats, ball and a wicket, all designed in red. The Argus was to report that ‘Yesterday on behalf of the Deepdene and Balwyn committee who organised the event, Constable F. Kloster and Mrs. F Quin handed in a cheque for £150/3/9, representing the proceeds of a fete at Deepdene on behalf of the appeal fund’.deepdene, alfred hospital, fundraising buttons, badges

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.Small circular pressed tinplate badge featuring a gold-bordered art nouveau style heart within a green wreath, surmounted by a yellow seven-pointed star, all on a brown background. The words ‘Discharged Soldiers’ Fund For Our Returned Soldiers’ feature within the heart, on a buff background. A gold and white border encloses the whole design.first world war (1914-18), patriotic buttons, badges

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.A small white yellow and blue fundraising (sic) button with the initials or logo of ‘CE’ in the centre. It has been suggested that CE stands for Christian Endeavour. Christian Endeavour was run at most Churches of Christ in the early 20th century and perhaps comes from a member of the Kew East Church of Christ (1923-1993). CEchristian endeavour, religious badge, buttons

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.Round metal button with green background. The Belgian flag is shown in the centre with words printed in white above and below it. It is likely that this button was sold to raise funds to support the Australian army who went to Belgium’s aid in the First World War.For Belgium For Honorfirst world war (1914-18), patriotic buttons, badges

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.A round pressed metal button in red, white and blue. The pale border is designed to look like a belt. The button was initially sold on the 24 March 1916, the day set aside as ‘Button Day For Our Fighting Men’ to raise funds for the servicemen fighting overseas."For Our Fighting Men"patriotic buttons, first world war (1914-18), badges

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.World War I-era pressed tin fundraising button featuring a sprig of wattle on a dark brown background. In this ‘Wattle Day’ badge, the word copyright is emphasised on the rim of the button."For Our Own"patriotic buttons, first world war (1914-18)