Lot 884

Description

Volunteered cross, WWI, in gilt and enamel (24x34mm), with suspension loop, reverse inscribed, 'A.E.Kaye'. Good very fine and scarce.

These crosses were offered for sale by the Victorian based, Australian Patriot's League, at two shillings each. Any accepted, discharged, or rejected volunteer, for the navy, army, or nursing services, could apply for the badge upon provision of a signed declaration that they had volunteered to serve and the badges were named to the individual on the reverse. The government was opposed to these badges so in 1918, after the introduction of its own badges for volunteers, returned veterans, medically unfit and those required for home service, the Department of Recruiting declared the wearing of the Australian Patriot's League's Volunteer badge to be unlawful.