(WCG) Women’s Co-Operative Guild - logo badge (post-1945)

The Women’s Co-Operative Guild (WCG) was founded in 1883 as an auxiliary movement within the Co-Operative Wholesale Society (CWS) to promote and advocate for women’s social issues. It also provided educational and social activities for its members, as such the Guild quickly developed a wide support base. WCG campaigned on issues as maternity benefit, fairer wages, divorce reforms, peace movements as well involvement in politics. The Guild’s activities and membership reached a peak during the 1930’s with over 72,000 members across 1,513 branches throughout the British Isles. The Scottish Women’s Co-Operative Guild was established in 1892 and the first Irish branch in 1906.

 

The guild is still active today as the Co-Operative Women’s Guild but does not hold the same prominence as it used to. The WCG changed to their current name in 1963.

 

Can anyone please give an indication as to the age of this badge and whether it represents the Co-Operative Women's Guild or the Women's Co-Operative Guild?

 

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References:

 

www.coopwomensguild.co.uk/ (Co-Operative Women’s Guild website).

 

www.hull.ac.uk/arc/downloads/DCWcatalogue.pdf (Hull University Archives - includes a detailed early history of the CWG including their numerous campaigns and achievements). Also at archiveshub.ac.uk/features/hullhistory-womenscooperativeg...

 

ourhistory-hayes.blogspot.com/search/label/Women%27s%20Co...

 

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Enamels: 1 (blue).

Finish: Gilt.

Material: Brass.

Fixer: Pin.

Size: 1” in diameter (about 25mm)

Process: Die stamped.

Maker: No maker’s name or mark just the lettering CWS (Co-Operative Wholesale Society).

 

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Thank you for reading.

Stuart.

Done