Medals and Decorations

Medals and decorations may be military, civil, royal, official or related to sport, associations and service. Inscription, reverse, ribbon, dimensions, material and provenance must be considered together.

Identification

Photograph both sides, edge and ribbon. Record size, weight, metal, wording, symbols, engraving, maker and fineness marks. Compare design and ribbon with documented examples.

Medal, order or badge

An order normally belongs to a formal system, while commemorative medals are not necessarily official awards. Qualification and association badges should use the correct object type.

Condition and provenance

Check edge knocks, corrosion, worn gilding, enamel and repairs. Do not aggressively polish. Disclose reproductions, replacement ribbons and later mountings. An engraved name alone does not establish provenance.