cWW2-1950s Women's Institute (WI) For Home & Country Federation Lapel Badge

W.I. Federation enamel & brass badge by W. O. Lewis (Badges) Ltd of Birmingham. This maker is probably, the most commonest seen. Exact dates of production are unsure but, given the prevalence of this maker mark, it may be from the high water mark of WI membership in the mid-1950s. VGC.


The Women's Institute (WI) was originally formed in Canada in 1897 and according to the National Archives a badge featuring the WI letters monogram, the motto "For Home And Country" and two maple leaves was designed by Laura Rose. The first British WI meeting was held on 16 September, 1915. The "For Home & Country" badge dates from the 1920s and a few designs were made. The badge can be seen worn by W.I. members during the Second World War.

The oval-shaped badge is made of gilded brass with "W” and “I" letters in a voided centre. On the left a red enamel rose depicts the British organisation and on the right a maple leaf represents the original WI which began in Canada. The motto "For Home and Country" is inlaid with green enamel. The rear has a simple pin and catch.

Code: 1962