Hello All. After collecting TR for quite a while then starting on US named groupings I've decided to start on British medals. I enjoy the history and quality of British medals plus all of them are named which is great as compared to US which is usually only for KIAs. Also the field is vast as to what you can buy. I'll be down at Wilmington at the OVMS show in a few weeks so could anyone recomend a good reference book or two on medals? I must say it's pretty confusing looking at all the different units on these medals, I know some are rarer than others but jeez how many different Kings Own this or Queens Own that are there? Meaning nor disrespect. Did every town raise a unit like US militia units ? I know i have a lot of reading to do but it looks a bit daunting still I'm looking forward to it. Are Canadian or Scottish or Irish pricier than the English medals? Thanks Mike
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Your first purchase should be the latest edition of the Medals Yearbook. From there purchase more specialist books relating to your particular field of interest. You can collect by Regiment, Battalion, campaign or even medals with your surname.
Since medals are high value it is also going to be worth your while to read up on forgeries and fakes. You need to be familiar with the correct naming styles on the medals you are collecting, just like your familiar with the correct engraving styles on the US Purple Heart.
When you have decided what your collecting field will be be make the first few initial purchases with well a respected medal dealer. -
Hi and thank you for the input it sounds like a vast field. Were units given honorary titles for certain battles? I didn't realize collecting by your name was one way to collect. My last name is Drake so I imagine there may be a few out there. In your opinion are British medals faked as bad as say TR? I'm guessing maybe WW1 and up aren't too much? Thanks MikeComment
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You will find reproductions of EVERY British medal right up to Iraq. However most are easier to see than TR items.Comment
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You could collect to Drake Battalion Royal Naval Division! Their WW1 medals are cheap enough. They fought at Gallipoli and in France.
Anyway, dont let me make your mind up for you, let the width of your wallet dictate what you buy. But as with any area of militaria collecting always buy the best you can afford.Comment
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As stated earlier, you will want the latest issue of "Medals Yearbook" to identify medals and get an idea of prices.
I would also recommend "British Battles and Medals", which is invaluable regarding units and numbers present at specific battles.
Also, visit the various dealer websites; my favorite is Dixon's Medals, also Jonathan Collins Medals, Neate Medals & Militaria, Liverpool Medals, Phillip Burman Medals, Q & C Militaria, all in the UK.
IMHO, it's a great hobby, but the prices just continue to go up and up!
Bob ShoafComment
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I know the 2011 version of the medals yearbook just started to ship so hold out for that instead of paying full pop for the 2010 version if you can help it.Comment
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All British Army regiments or corps were awarded Battle Honours to denote their participation in various battles or campaigns going back over 350 years.Originally posted by 1Perazzi View Post
Some are very well known, such as Waterloo; others are from relatively forgotten colonial campaigns, or now obscure European battles.
For myself, I collect medals only to the Foot Guards, primarily the Grenadier Guards, and to regular cavalry regiments. I must admit that regiments of the old Indian Army, especially cavalry regiments appeal to me as well. Those medals are typically less expensive than British units.
Since the vast majority of WWII medals were not named, they can often be had for a modest sum. If you are fortunate, a pre-war, or post-war campaign medal, or a Long Service Good Conduct Medal may be part of a group, thus identifying the recipient.
I'm rambling on, but I would also suggest checking out the various auction houses like Dix, Noonan, & Webb, etc. The few medals I bought at auction were much less than what a dealer would charge.
Bob ShoafComment
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All British Army regiments or corps were awarded Battle Honours to denote their participation in various battles or campaigns going back over 350 years.Originally posted by 1Perazzi View Post
Some are very well known, such as Waterloo; others are from relatively forgotten colonial campaigns, or now obscure European battles.
For myself, I collect medals only to the Foot Guards, primarily the Grenadier Guards, and to regular cavalry regiments. I must admit that regiments of the old Indian Army, especially cavalry regiments appeal to me as well. Those medals are typically less expensive than British units.
Since the vast majority of WWII medals were not named, they can often be had for a modest sum. If you are fortunate, a pre-war, or post-war campaign medal, or a Long Service Good Conduct Medal may be part of a group, thus identifying the recipient.
I'm rambling on, but I would also suggest checking out the various auction houses like Dix, Noonan, & Webb, etc. The few medals I bought at auction were much less than what a dealer would charge.
Bob ShoafComment
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Mike,
You have recieved some very good advice on this post. Two publications that are a minimum must have as previously stated is a Medals Year Book and the latest version of British, Battles and Medals 7th edition by Spink of London 2006.
British medal collecting is a very enjoyable hobby. Good Luck.
GarthComment
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Hi after buying the medal yearbook join this forum every question you have will find an answer there. http://www.britishmedalforum.com/ RMRComment
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Thank You for all of your help guys. Next week I'll pick up both books and will be joining that sight. Looks really good Again Thanks MikeComment
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