Identification

Korean War UN Psychological Warfare Safe Conduct Pass Leaflet, c. 1950–1953

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is an original United Nations Command psychological warfare safe conduct pass ('Safe Conduct Certificate' / 安全條路) dropped by aircraft over Chinese People's Volunteer Army and North Korean positions.

Story

This leaflet was issued by the United Nations Command and the U. S. Psychological Warfare Division during the Korean War (c. 1950–1953). Millions of similar leaflets were dropped by aircraft or delivered via artillery shells over Chinese People's Volunteer Army and North Korean positions to encourage defection and surrender, making them a tangible artifact of early Cold War psychological operations.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

For paper ephemera, value is highly dependent on the physical state of the lightweight paper stock. Original fold creases are common and generally accepted by collectors, as these were often packed tightly into drop canisters.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for mid-century military ephemera, particularly psychological warfare leaflets, has a dedicated but niche collector base. While Korean War items generally trade at lower price points than their World War II equivalents, safe conduct passes remain popular entry-level pieces due to their visual appeal and direct historical narrative. These items move steadily on specialized militaria dealer sites and online auction platforms, with condition being the primary differentiator in price.

Value Drivers

▲ Authentic Korean War era UN psychological warfare ephemera with direct historical use

▲ Visually striking red-orange monochrome printing featuring recognizable UN and Eighth Army insignia

▲ Verified dealer comps strongly support a $45-$60 floor for examples in good condition

Concerns

▼ Unverified physical condition — severe staining, tears, or ink fading would drop the estimate toward the $20-$30 range

▼ High original production volume limits extreme scarcity premiums

Best Venue

List this item on a broad marketplace like eBay or a dedicated militaria forum. A Buy-It-Now price of $60 with offers accepted is a practical listing posture. Ensure the listing highlights the UN and Eighth Army insignia, and ship the item flat in a rigid top-loader to prevent any transit damage.

Upside Potential

If the pass is in pristine, unfolded 'mint' condition (which is exceptionally rare for air-dropped or shell-delivered leaflets), or if it is accompanied by documented provenance tying it to a specific veteran or drop mission, the value could push toward the $80-$100 collector premium range.

▾

Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

Burns Auction & Appraisal
Korean War United Nations Safe Conduct Pass Lot for Chinese & North Korean Soldiers
Link could not be verified.
$35