Why Authentication Matters
The militaria collecting market is rich with genuine history — and equally rich with reproductions, forgeries, and misrepresented pieces. This isn't always malicious; sometimes items have been re-issued, replacement ribbons have been fitted, or honest sellers simply don't know what they have. But the result is the same: collectors who don't know how to authenticate what they're buying frequently overpay for reproductions or miss genuinely significant pieces hiding in plain sight.
Authentication is both an art and a science. It draws on historical knowledge, material analysis, provenance research, and — increasingly — access to specialist communities and databases. This guide covers the foundational steps every collector should take.
Step 1: Know the Reference Material
Before you can spot a fake, you need to know exactly what a genuine example looks like. For every major medal, there are authoritative reference works that document:
- Exact dimensions and weight tolerances by issue date
- Manufacturer hallmarks and die variations
- Correct ribbon colors, widths, and weave patterns
- Known naming styles (engraved, impressed, or stamped recipient details)
- Suspension bar and ribbon buckle styles by era
Key references vary by country and period. For British medals, publications by the Medal Society of Great Britain are invaluable. For American decorations, the Institute of Heraldry maintains official specifications. For German Imperial and Third Reich decorations, there is an extensive body of specialist literature. Invest in reference books before you invest in medals.
Step 2: Examine the Metal and Construction
Most reproduction medals fail on material grounds when examined carefully:
- Weight: Original medals made from silver, bronze, or gilt have consistent, known weights. Many reproductions use lighter alloys or pot metal. A jeweler's scale is a worthwhile investment.
- Surface quality: Genuine medals struck from quality dies have sharp, crisp detail. Cast reproductions — the most common type — show slightly mushy or rounded detail, particularly in fine lettering and portrait features.
- Patina and wear: Genuine aged medals develop patina in recesses and wear on high points in a natural, consistent pattern. Artificially aged reproductions often show patina that doesn't correspond to where wear would logically occur.
- Seams and casting marks: Cast reproductions frequently show seam lines, porosity (small pits), or file marks where seams have been cleaned up.
Step 3: Examine the Ribbon
Ribbons are frequently replaced — sometimes legitimately, sometimes to deceive. Key checks:
- Are the colors correct for the specific award and issuing country?
- Is the weave consistent with the period? Modern synthetic ribbons on supposedly antique medals are a red flag.
- Does the ribbon show consistent and appropriate aging?
- For named medals, does the suspender style match the period of the naming?
Step 4: Research the Naming and Recipient
Many medals — particularly British campaign medals and American Civil War awards — were officially named to the recipient. This naming is one of the most important authentication tools available, and also the most frequently faked.
Authentic named medals should be verifiable against service records. For British medals, the National Archives holds medal rolls that list issue details. For American medals, the National Personnel Records Center holds service records, though many were damaged in a 1973 fire. Steps to take:
- Record the name, rank, and unit exactly as it appears on the medal
- Search available medal rolls and muster rolls for the relevant campaign or unit
- Cross-reference with casualty records, pension records, and census data
- Compare the naming style (letter form, spacing, depth) with confirmed genuine examples from the same issuing authority
Step 5: Consult Specialists and Communities
No single collector knows everything. The militaria community has extensive specialist knowledge distributed across societies, forums, and auction house experts:
- Major auction houses with dedicated militaria departments (Dix Noonan Webb, Hermann Historica, Rock Island Auction) can provide opinions on significant pieces
- Medal societies often have authentication services or knowledgeable members willing to advise
- Online forums dedicated to specific national decorations maintain extensive reference photo archives
A Final Caution on Price
If the price seems too good to be true, approach with caution — but don't assume that expensive automatically means genuine. Sophisticated fakes exist for high-value decorations, and the investment in identifying them can be substantial. For any piece above your own expertise level, independent authentication before purchase is simply good practice.