Militaria & Historical Collectibles We Buy

At a Glance

Orders & Medals

We consider selected orders, decorations, medals, medal groups and presentation awards from different historical periods and countries.

Identification may depend on the country of issue, award type, class, period, recipient, maker, inscriptions, suspension, ribbon, box and accompanying documentation.

A medal group connected to a known recipient can sometimes be more historically meaningful when the original documents, photographs or service records survive with it.

Badges & Insignia

We also consider selected military badges, unit insignia, cap badges, qualification badges, pins, emblems and related insignia.

Small details can be important. The construction method, metal, enamel, reverse fittings, maker’s marks, stamps and wear may help distinguish period examples from later replacements or reproductions.

The reverse of a badge can sometimes be as informative as the front, so photograph both sides clearly.

Uniforms & Military Clothing

We consider selected historical uniforms and military clothing, including tunics, jackets, coats, trousers, caps, helmets, belts and related uniform items.

Useful clues may include rank insignia, unit badges, labels, tailor names, stamps, buttons, lining details, dates and evidence of later alterations.

Completeness can also matter. A uniform retaining original insignia, buttons and associated accessories may be easier to identify than an incomplete or heavily altered example.

Military Memorabilia

Military history survives through far more than medals and uniforms. We also consider selected personal equipment, field objects, presentation pieces, souvenirs, commemorative objects, photographs, correspondence and other historical memorabilia.

An apparently ordinary object can become much more interesting when it is connected to a named person, regiment, campaign, location or documented historical event.

For this reason, inscriptions, names, service numbers, unit markings, dates, labels and accompanying family records should be photographed and preserved.

Historical Documents & Military Archives

We consider selected service documents, award certificates, identity papers, letters, diaries, military photographs, postcards, maps and personal archives.

Documents may preserve information that is no longer visible on the objects themselves. Names, dates, signatures, stamps, units and locations can help reconstruct the history of a medal group, uniform or personal collection.

A group of related documents is often more meaningful when kept together rather than separated into individual sheets.

Marks, Names & Identification

Correct identification of historical militaria may involve several different types of evidence. Depending on the object, useful clues can include:

• maker’s marks and manufacturer stamps;
• recipient names or initials;
• service or identification numbers;
• unit and regiment markings;
• rank insignia;
• dates and award inscriptions;
• official stamps and seals;
• construction techniques and materials;
• original labels and packaging;
• associated documents and photographs.

A single mark should not automatically be treated as proof of authenticity. It should be considered together with the object’s construction, materials, wear and historical context.

Originals, Later Replacements & Reproductions

Militaria is a field in which reproductions, replacement components, later badges and assembled objects are frequently encountered.

The presence of an old-looking surface or familiar symbol does not by itself establish authenticity. Construction, materials, manufacturing methods, fittings, marks and appropriate wear must be considered together.

In some cases, an original historical object may also contain later replacement parts. This does not automatically make it worthless, but the distinction should be understood and disclosed.

Condition & Originality

Condition can influence collector interest, but an old military object does not need to look new. Appropriate wear, patina and signs of use may be consistent with its age and history.

More significant issues may include missing parts, replaced insignia, modern repainting, excessive polishing, corrosion, moth damage, inappropriate repairs, altered uniforms or incomplete medal groups.

Originality and historical integrity are often more important than cosmetic perfection.

Military Collections & Historical Archives

We consider individual objects as well as militaria collections, medal collections, badge collections, family military archives and mixed historical groups.

Collections may be organised around a particular country, regiment, conflict, award type, family history or historical period.

If the collection is already organised in display cases, albums, envelopes, boxes or labelled groups, it is usually best to preserve that organisation until the material has been reviewed.

Inherited Militaria & Family Collections

Military collections are often inherited together with family documents and photographs. If you are unfamiliar with the material, there is no need to identify every object yourself before contacting us.

Begin with photographs showing the collection as a whole, followed by closer images of the most distinctive items, marks, inscriptions and accompanying documentation.

Do not discard apparently unrelated papers or photographs until the collection has been reviewed. They may help establish who owned or received the objects.

What Should You Photograph?

What Information Should You Send?

You do not need to research the collection yourself. If available, include:

• country or historical period, if known;
• names of recipients or previous owners;
• unit, regiment or organisation;
• clear photographs of all markings and inscriptions;
• approximate dimensions;
• known damage, restoration or missing components;
• boxes, cases, ribbons or accessories;
• documents, photographs or service records;
• any reliable family history connected with the objects.