Meet the Collector: Peter
For Peter, ACF stands for Australian Comfort Fund (not the Australian Conservation Foundation, as presumed). The Comfort Fund sent comfort parcels to Australian troops during first and second World Wars, either serving overseas or on domestic postings. They organized film screenings and other activities. Working with the Salvation Army, Red Cross or other aid agencies non perishable items such as tins of nuts, talcum powder and packs of cards were distributed. Some things were specially produced, or packaged with an ACF label such as Capstan cigarettes. Peter is naturally most interested in ‘branded’ or identifiably linked items from those times.
Political funny money dates from the 1850s in Australia. American and other ‘denominations’ were frequently associated with an election, that is, non-negotiable ‘bank’ notes were distributed to promote or denigrate a candidate or party, often through satire. Funny money was also handed out to advertise films and sporting events, for example, a J.C. Williamson production of The Dollar Princess. Some ‘money’ acquired a quasi currency value; collect four and earn a free dance at the Green Mill.
Peter uses part of his collection to mount displays at New South Wales gun shows. He has eleven different themes such as ‘Horsing Around’ featuring Cobb & Co coaching. Others include SMS Emden, a First World War German light–cruiser which operated in the Indian Ocean, sank 23 allied merchant ships, a French destroyer, Russian cruiser and raided Madras and Penang. The Emden was finally run aground near the Cocos Islands and many officers were sent to Berrima P.O.W camp.
David H interviewed Peter. If you would like to contact Peter please use the comments section and we will pass the message on.