WW2 Era Home Front Lifebuoy soap Clean Hands Campaign Lapel Badge on original card

Lifebuoy started with William Lever's goal to stop Cholera in Victorian England by selling germ protection soap and bringing better health and hygiene to millions. With the outbreak of the Second World War, Lifebuoy provided emergency washing facilities for those in dire need.

Lever Brothers launched their Clean Hands campaign in 1926 to educate the public about the importance of hand washing to defend against disease and poor hygiene. The ‘hand washing’ campaign extended into school activities and promotional clubs. The use of badges and Certificate of Merit were strong promotional incentives too. They increased their efforts in schools this regard with the outbreak of war in 1939.

The badge depicts a stylized lifebuoy and the wording PRO VALETUDINE ( For Health ). These badges were issued with both buttonhole studs and brooch-style pins. Scarce to find on its original card of issue.

Again it has a particular relevance to the plight we find ourselves in today with Covid -19.

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Code: 61533