Anti Nazi League badges

The Anti-Nazi League (ANL), formed in 1977, produced some of the most recognisable anti-fascist badges in modern British history — small emblems that carried political force and cultural meaning.

Stamping out the fascists ✊

With backing from trade unions, leftist groups, and the punk and reggae music scene, the ANL didn’t just fight hate — it branded its resistance. One of its most enduring symbols was the badge: a tiny but powerful political statement worn by thousands. The original ANL badge was red, black, and yellow, often featuring a striking arrow motif borrowed from the 1930s German Antifaschistische Aktion.

Cultural significance 🎶

ANL badges weren’t just political — they became part of fashion and identity, worn by young people, musicians, and activists. Bands like The Clash, Steel Pulse, and The Specials often wore or promoted ANL symbols, helping to spread their imagery worldwide. The badges represented solidarity not just against fascism, but in support of anti-racism, multiculturalism and unity.

Campaigns 📅

1977: Formation and first campaigns

The ANL launched in late 1977 with a primary goal of confronting the National Front’s street presence. Early badges were simple and striking — red circle-and-slash motifs over swastikas, bold sans-serif type and metal D-pin backs. Slogans such as “Smash the National Front” and “No Nazis” reflected the movement’s uncompromising stance and were widely distributed at rallies and street stalls.

1978–1979: Rock Against Racism and elections

In 1978 the ANL forged a close partnership with Rock Against Racism. Large carnivals and concerts brought together music and protest, and badges from this period often adopted multicoloured, punk- and reggae-inspired aesthetics. By 1979 — as the National Front stood in elections — the ANL produced “Don’t Vote Nazi” material, distributing badges, leaflets and posters at gigs, marches and on estates.

1980s: Decline but continued influence

Although the ANL formally wound down in 1981 as the National Front fragmented, its symbols continued to circulate. Badges persisted in youth subcultures, on football terraces and in local campaigns. Designs diversified, brighter colours became common and cheaper production methods (plastic shells with paper inserts and mylar coating) supplanted many of the earlier enamel pins.

1990s: Relaunch against the BNP

Reacting to the rise of the British National Party, the ANL relaunched in the early 1990s. Badges from this era used graffiti-style fonts, vivid palettes and updated slogans — “Smash the BNP”, “Refugees Welcome”, and “Love Music Hate Racism”. Some retained the old arrow motif; others embraced contemporary graphic trends. Reverse printing sometimes included web addresses or campaign contact details as campaigning moved into the digital age.

2000s: Love Music Hate Racism and beyond

Into the 2000s the ANL’s badge culture folded into newer movements such as Love Music Hate Racism. Older designs were reissued alongside fresh artwork promoting multicultural solidarity. Throughout, badges remained wearable statements of resistance and reminders of the ANL’s long-running presence in anti-racist campaigning.

Collectors' guide 🔍

☮️ Organisation: Anti-Nazi League (ANL)

🕰️ Age: 1970s onwards

💎 Rarity: [2 - 8/10] Common to Very rare

🪙️ Material: Tin

📏 Size: 4.2 - 5 cm diameter approx.

🎨 Variations: Various

💰 Price Guide: £7.50 upwards

📌 Top Tip: Some don't realise how valuable some ANL badges are. Be on the lookout for a bargain.

For collectors, ANL badges have clear signals that help with identification and dating.

Early enamel pins (1977–78): heaviest and most durable; metal D-pin backs and enamel faces are typical of first-wave issues. These are the rarest and most sought after.
Paper-insert and mylar badges (late 1970s–1980s): lighter, often produced cheaply for mass distribution; yellowing paper and worn mylar indicate age.
Design cues: 1970s badges favour bold sans-serif type and the arrow/swastika breaker; 1990s badges show graffiti fonts, brighter palettes and sometimes website text on the reverse.
Backs and fixings: metal D-pins point to older production; plastic shells and safety-pin backs are usually later issues or reproductions.
Rarity and provenance: mass campaign slogans (e.g. “Smash the NF”, “Love Music Hate Racism”) are common; local-issue or one-off designs are much scarcer. Badges kept with leaflets, photos or event ephemera are far more valuable to researchers and collectors.
Spotting reproductions: check weight and finish — reproductions often feel lighter and have cruder pin fittings; lettering that looks ‘soft’ or incorrectly kerned can also be a clue.

Preserving any related paper ephemera (flyers, programmes, membership slips) alongside badges greatly strengthens provenance and research value. For badger4peace readers who collect politically charged ephemera, ANL badges are compact histories — small objects that carry stories of culture, mobilisation and resistance.