Across Britain and beyond, anti-war activism has developed a strong visual language — often worn, pinned, and displayed in the form of badges and postcards. Among the most influential organisations are Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), Stop the War Coalition (StWC) and War Resisters’ International (WRI).
Though each has its own history, they share a common mission — resisting war, militarism, and the global arms trade.
Badges and postcards from these groups act as wearable and shareable dissent — combining striking design with uncompromising messages. Whether worn at protests, sent in solidarity, or passed out at meetings, they reflect grassroots organising, moral opposition to violence, and the enduring belief that another world is possible.
Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT) began in the 1970s and focuses on the economic machinery behind conflict — especially the UK’s role in selling arms to authoritarian regimes. Their badges reflect a fusion of data-driven critique and emotive protest.
Early CAAT badges (1970s–1990s) are typically tin or enamel on metal, often around 25–30mm in diameter. Later items may be cheaper plastic shells with paper inserts. Key design cues include block typography, direct anti-arms slogans, and occasional references to specific events such as arms fairs (DSEi) or manufacturer names like BAE. Provenanced examples linked to CAAT’s 5 Cally Road office are of special interest.
CAAT postcards were often lobbying tools encouraging supporters to write to MPs. Many used bold graphics and blunt slogans such as “Stop the Arms Trade.” While not always produced in large numbers, postcards distributed at DSEi protests or special campaigns have higher collector value. Cards preserved with campaign flyers or signed messages further enhance provenance.
Formed in 2001 in response to the ‘War on Terror’, Stop the War Coalition became one of the largest protest movements in UK history. Their badges have captured the spirit of mass resistance, most famously during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Stop the War badges span enamel pins, printed button badges, and larger campaign buttons. Official stock items, sold through the coalition’s stalls or webshop, usually feature consistent logos and clear printing, and sometimes a campaign year printed on the reverse. Collectors especially value enamel badges connected to the historic 15 February 2003 Iraq War protest, now found in museum collections such as the Imperial War Museums.
StWC postcards often combined protest art with lobbying prompts. Many were distributed free at demonstrations, carrying slogans like “Troops Out” or “Don’t Attack Iran.” Cards printed for the Iraq War protests are particularly sought after, especially when preserved with photos or tickets from the 2003 marches.
War Resisters’ International (WRI) was founded in 1921, uniting pacifists and conscientious objectors across the globe. Its slogans — particularly “War is a crime against humanity” — have been worn on badges, armbands, and leaflets through a century of anti-war work.
WRI badges frequently use the broken-rifle motif. Full-metal broken-rifle lapel pins are a hallmark and are still sold via the WRI shop. Earlier items are usually enamel with soldered metal pin backs; later ones may use plastic fittings. Collectors should look for manufacturer marks or WRI shop references.
WRI postcards carried pacifist messages and were often used in solidarity campaigns, for example sending cards to conscientious objectors in prison. Cards printed in multiple languages are rarer and reflect WRI’s internationalist scope. Items with postmarks, handwritten solidarity notes, or connections to specific campaigns carry the highest provenance value.
Despite different styles, these groups share a common palette of black, white, red and blue, and frequent use of doves, broken weapons, or the CND peace symbol. Their badges and postcards are meant to be portable signs of protest, turning everyday clothing and correspondence into silent picket lines.
They also uphold a strong tradition of DIY and low-cost production — designed to be worn or sent by anyone, anywhere, not just those inside political parties or institutions. Many badges and postcards were distributed cheaply or free, bundled with zines, newspapers, or protest kits.
From the Cold War to drone warfare, from Vietnam to Gaza, these designs map a timeline of resistance through imagery. They remind us that war is not inevitable — and that every badge worn or postcard sent in opposition to it is a small act of courage and community.
Whether declaring “No More War,” “Stop the Arms Trade,” or simply “Peace,” these campaigns continue to inspire and equip the next generation of activists. On lapels, backpacks, and postcards, their messages endure.
Look for simple block typography, explicit anti-arms slogans, and event-specific references. Items connected to CAAT’s 5 Cally Road office, or with reverse-printing details, hold extra value.
Cards distributed at arms fair protests or campaign launches are especially sought after. Postcards preserved with flyers or notes carry higher provenance value.
Museum and campaign examples from major protests (e.g. 2003) tend to be enamel with metal pin backs. Multiple slogan variants exist, with Palestine and anti-invasion designs often sold at demonstrations.
Cards linked to the 2003 Iraq War protests or later anti-intervention campaigns are the most collectible, especially when tied to personal or event documentation.
Broken-rifle lapel pins, metal with soldered backs, are classic WRI items. Look for official WRI shop references or multilingual campaign badges.
Solidarity cards sent to conscientious objectors, especially with handwritten notes and postmarks, are highly valued. Multilingual editions reflect WRI’s international reach and are rarer finds.
☮️ Organisation:CAAT, StW & WRI
🕰️ Age: 1920s onwards
💎 Rarity: [3-10/10]
🪙️ Material: Various
📏 Size: Various
🎨 Variations: Various
💰 Price Guide: £5 - £10 for common badges, but can go much higher for older & rarer badges
📌 Top Tip: Out of the three organisations WRI is the most collectible, mostly due to its global influence
Look for simple block typography, explicit anti-arms slogans, and event-specific references. Items connected to CAAT’s 5 Cally Road office, or with reverse-printing details, hold extra value.
Cards distributed at arms fair protests or campaign launches are especially sought after. Postcards preserved with flyers or notes carry higher provenance value.
Museum and campaign examples from major protests (e.g. 2003) tend to be enamel with metal pin backs. Multiple slogan variants exist, with Palestine and anti-invasion designs often sold at demonstrations.
Cards linked to the 2003 Iraq War protests or later anti-intervention campaigns are the most collectible, especially when tied to personal or event documentation.
Broken-rifle lapel pins, metal with soldered backs, are classic WRI items. Look for official WRI shop references or multilingual campaign badges.
Solidarity cards sent to conscientious objectors, especially with handwritten notes and postmarks, are highly valued. Multilingual editions reflect WRI’s international reach and are rarer finds.
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