Object Details
maker
George Borgfeldt & Company
Description (Brief)
Lapel pin in the shape of Uncle Sam’s top hat. The red and white striped portion of the hat says “United,” and the blue band says “We Stand” in white.
James Montgomery Flagg popularized the image of Uncle Sam during World War I with his famous “I Want You For U.S. Army” poster.
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:
“The Most Famous Poster,” American Treasures of the Library of Congress, loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm015.html.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917-1918
ID Number
2006.0098.0314
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0314
Object Name
button
Physical Description
cellulose nitrate (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm; 9/16 in x 9/16 in
overall: 5/16 in x 5/8 in x 1/8 in; .79375 cm x 1.5875 cm x .3175 cm
place made
United States: New York, New York City
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Chemistry
Clothing & Accessories
Military
Advertising
World War I Pins & Buttons
Data Source
National Museum of American History
related event
World War I
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1317535
