A Brief History of Badges: From Militaria to Pop Culture Flair
Badges have been around longer than you might think—long before we started using them to express our love for coffee, cats, or cult TV shows. From military insignia to the quirky enamel pins we collect today, badges have worn many hats (or should we say, lapels?). Here's a fun, slightly quirky dive into the fascinating world of badges, touching on their military roots, petroliana collectibles, and how they became an iconic part of pop culture in the UK and the US.
Militaria: When Badges Meant Business
Before badges were a fun way to say "I love tacos," they were serious symbols of honor and rank. Military badges have been used since ancient times, with Roman soldiers donning decorative emblems to display their unit and status. Fast forward a few centuries, and military badges became synonymous with valor and distinction—think the classic Purple Heart or the Victoria Cross. These weren't just items to show off—they were hard-earned and came with a heavy sense of duty.
Interestingly, some of these military patches and badges have become hot collectors' items. In 2016, a WWII Parachute Regiment Badge sold for a staggering £12,500 at auction, proving that even the smallest emblems can pack a big historical punch.
“Badges: Because medals don’t always go with casual Fridays.”
Petroliana: The Gas Station Badge Boom
Ever seen those classic enamel gas station badges? In the early to mid-20th century, petrol stations like Texaco, Mobil, and Shell handed out badges to attendants as part of their uniforms. These badges, now part of the beloved world of "Petroliana" collectibles, are highly sought after by nostalgia buffs. Some badges from the golden age of gas station memorabilia have sold for over $1,000—serious fuel for thought!
"From gas pumps to fashion pumps, petroliana proves that even gas station badges can be chic."
The 60s and 70s: When Pop Culture Got Pin-Worthy
Badges made their leap into pop culture in a big way during the 1960s and 70s. In the UK, bands like The Beatles and political movements such as CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) turned badges into symbols of rebellion and change. The rise of DIY culture also meant that people started using badges to share opinions, support causes, and declare allegiance to their favorite bands. From “Peace Not War” badges to “I Love Elvis,” you could say it with a pin—and people loved it.
In the US, badges took a slightly different but equally iconic route. By the time the 70s rolled around, enamel pins and embroidered patches were all over the biker scene. The now-famous Hells Angels death head patch became a symbol of freedom (and perhaps a little bit of fear) on American highways. Notably, in 2019, a rare vintage Hells Angels patch went for over $15,000 at auction, proving that biker culture’s badge game was not to be messed with.
“If you didn't put it on a badge, did it even happen in the 70s?”
Modern Pop Culture: Badges Gone Wild
Today, badges are not just collectibles—they're fashion statements, political tools, and expressions of pure, unadulterated geekiness. From Comic-Con swag to Taylor Swift's iconic merch, badges have become a massive part of pop culture. TV shows like Stranger Things and movies like Star Wars have released limited-edition patches and pins that sell out faster than you can say "Ewok." And let's not forget the iconic NASA "meatball" patch, which is so beloved it’s become both an astronaut’s badge of honor and a cool-kid must-have. In fact, a signed Apollo 11 patch once sold for $62,500, proving that some badges are truly out of this world.
Whether you're pinning your fandom to your denim jacket or adding to your ever-growing collector's board, badges today are a blend of style, nostalgia, and identity.
"From landing on the moon to landing on your favorite jacket—badges have truly come full circle."
The UK and US: Badge Cultures Unite!
In the UK, badges are still synonymous with both music and political movements. Think back to the 80s when punk rock was everywhere, and with it, a flood of safety pins, spiky hair, and bold badges. Bands like The Clash and The Sex Pistols had fans wearing their iconic logos proudly on jackets, backpacks, and hats. Meanwhile, in the US, badges became the ultimate form of self-expression in high school cliques—because how else were you supposed to show off your undying love for Dungeons & Dragons or Metallica?
Why We Love Them (And Why You Will Too)
Badges are collectible, fun, and always have a little story to tell. Whether you’re hunting down a rare patch from a classic rock tour or making your own custom design at BadgeWorkshop.com, badges are the perfect mix of history, humor, and style. They’ve evolved from symbols of rank and service to quirky fashion accessories that tell the world who you are, what you love, and where you’ve been.
So, slap one on your jacket, trade them with friends, or hang them on your wall—because “badges make life a little more fun, one pin at a time.”
At BadgeWorkshop.com, we celebrate the history of badges while embracing the endless creative possibilities they offer today. Whether you’re a petroliana collector, a pop culture enthusiast, or just want to express yourself in a small but powerful way, we’ve got the perfect badge for you!