Fourth Liberty Loan Pin

Round Fourth Liberty Loan pin with metal pin-back. The pin is blue with white print that reads “Fourth Liberty Loan.” The image of a red, white, and blue flag is in the center of the pin. A red, white, and blue plastic ribbon is attached to the pin. Blue text on the white portion reads “Volunteer.”

The Fourth Liberty Loan was part of the larger effort by the U.S. government 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 Fourth Liberty Bond Act was passed by Congress on July 9, 1918, and the bonds began issuance in September 1918.

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.

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