United Kingdom. A Wings for Victory National Savings Campaign Commemorative Plaque, 1943

An ivory-coloured, moulded bakelite, large rectangular plaque inscribed PER ARDUA AD ASTRA at the top, displaying a naked warrior armed with a sword about to slay a three-headed monster, and the text WAR SAVINGS CAMPAIGN 1943 PRESENTED BY THE AIR MINISTRY IN RECOGNITION OF SUCCESSFUL ACHIEVEMENT IN WINGS FOR VICTORY WEEK below, and an RAF crowned wing at the bottom. The reverse is plain, with vertical boning-like ridges to support the weight, and a wire hanger at the top. The plaque measures 35.5 cm (w) x 59 cm (h) x 2 cm (d), and is marked De La Rue Plastics on the reverse. Exhibiting small cracks and ships around the outside, the plaque was likely adorning a government office, remains in very fine condition. 

Footnote: Towns and cities that reached their financial targets while raising money to buy new aircrafts for the RAF were awarded with special plaques. 

Wings for Victory Weeks combined music, dances, parades, and exhibitions to encourage public participation. Communities nationwide were set ambitious fundraising goals, and citizens contributed by purchasing war bonds with their savings and by supporting local fundraising activities. These bonds functioned as short-term government loans and offered a 5 per cent interest rate.

Over the course of the war, Wings for Victory campaigns raised almost £616 million. Comparable initiatives existed for the other services, with the British Army running “Salute the Soldier” weeks and the Royal Navy organising “Warship Week.”