Object ID
2015.21.14
Object Name
Button
Date Created
1939 – 1945
Event
World War II
Measurements
2.8575 cm. W x 2.54 cm. Diameter, Item (Overall)
Material
Metal; Paper; Plastic
Object Entities
Object Description
A pin-back button. The button has a white background. The button contains the image of a gold-colored bald eagle. The eagle's wings are pointed downward, and it's head is facing toward the left side of the button. In front of the eagle's chest is a shield. The shield has a blue top containing two rows of seven stars, and the bottom is made up of vertical red and white stripes. Below the shield are two flags on gold-colored poles, a British flag on the left and a Greek flag on the right. At the bottom of the button is a gold banner with a blue border. Printed in blue letters on the banner are the words "United Democracies". On the bottom edge of the button, there is a union bug, as well as some kind of log that is too small and blurry to read. The back of the button is made of metal and has a non-fastening pin. The metal is rusted.
Origin
This button was donated by Jenny Boondas. It was part of a collection belonging to her brother-in-law, Constantine Brown, who died in 2014. This button is from World War II. It appears to have been made to support the allied war effort, particularly, Greece, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The button seems to suggest that the three countries were equal partners in World War II, representing liberty and democracy over the tyranny of the Axis powers. The eagle and shield design are taken from the Great Seal of the United States, although the shield on the seal does not have any stars.
Rights and Reproduction
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Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.

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Citation
Button, 1939 – 1945, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/10943. Accessed 03/28/24.