Historical information

Tin Hat Day was established in 1922 after the end of WWI. It raised funds to benefit returned soldiers who had fallen on hard times after the war and during the Great Depression. It continued on during WW2 and into the 1950s. This badge is c1940.
The tin hat badge was modelled on the British steel combat helmet known as the Brodie helmet, designed and patented in London in 1915 by John Leopold Brodie. Colloquially, it had many names including the shrapnel helmet, battle bowler, Tommy helmet, tin hat, dishpan hat, tin pan hat, washbasin, and in the United States the doughboy helmet. The German Army called it the Salatschüssel (salad bowl).

Significance

Tin Hat Day was a significant annual event over several decades. Badges such as are not rare; they were sold in large numbers but as ephemeral items relatively few of those sold were retained.

Physical description

A round metal badge with a domed centre, mimicking a stylised tin hat. Red with black inscription. It has a tab on the upper centre edge. This would have enabled it to be pinned through a buttonhole or similar.

Inscriptions & markings

Centre: MY / TRIBUTE / TO THE/ FIGHTING / FORCES
Around the rim: TIN HAT APPEAL / RSL WAR SERVICE FUND