Chinese decorative pin, 1950 (c)

During the Korean War (1950-1953) soldiers collected items like these as souvenirs. Pins were used by the Chinese to attach porcelain doves of peace to bags of tea in an attempt to appeal to the British. They became a symbol of prowess rather than peace as United Nations soldiers wore them in their balaklava helmets to show that they had been out on patrol in the front line.