Object Details
- Description (Brief)
- Round Liberty Loan pin with metal pin-back. The pin is blue with a white “V” in the center. White text reads “Liberty Loan.” A red, white, and blue plastic ribbon is attached to the pin. Blue text on the white portion reads “Volunteer.”
- Liberty Loans were part of the U.S. government’s effort to sell war bonds (also known as Liberty Bonds) during World War I to defray the expense of war. These bonds were issued by the U.S. Treasury. The First Liberty Bond Act was passed by Congress on April 24, 1917, and the bonds began issuance shortly thereafter.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- Treasury Department, Liberty Loan Acts (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1921). books.google.com/books?id=4qFAAAAAYAAJ.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- American Art Works
- date made
- 1917
- Physical Description
- cellulose nitrate (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 1.8 cm x 5 cm; 11/16 in x 1 15/16 in
- overall: 2 in x 1 3/16 in x 1/8 in; 5.08 cm x 3.01625 cm x .3175 cm
- Object Name
- button
- Celluloid Pin
