War medals have been round for many years. Since the early 19th century British war medals have been awarded to military personnel who took part in well known campaigns or showed exceptional bravery. Many of these a popular collector’s items today and demand is still high from collectors of military regalia.
War medals are typically given out for participation in a particular campaign. For instance the British troops which took part in the Second World War would have received the 1939-1945 Star. Other earlier examples include the Abyssinian War Medal, which was given to those who took part in the punitive 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia). More recently British war medals such as the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan have been awarded to those who are part of certain campaigns. As you can imagine over the years there has been no shortage of campaign-related war medals, some of which are rarer and more collectible than others.
However acts of gallantry are also marked by special war medals. The highest and most well known honour in the British military is the Victoria Cross, which is bestowed upon those who show valour ‘in the face of the enemy’. This is a highly prized decoration and individual pieces have sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds at auction. However there are lower order war medals which are more common and are more frequently sold such as the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and the Distinguished Service Order.
As you can imagine older and rarer war medals are the ones which are considered the most desirable by collectors. Ones from the two world wars are very popular and earlier models from the likes of the Crimean war occasionally come up for sale. Many people buy their war medals in groups. The original recipient would have been honoured with a few depending on their length of service and it is usually better to keep the original set together.
Buying war medals
If you are keen on purchasing war medals then you could do worse than check out Britmedals.co.uk. A specialist supplier of British war medals, the firm stocks an amazing collection of genuine decorations.
War Medals
available to buy and sell at britmedals.co.uk. We have an amazing collection of British War Medals available to buy online – Visit us today for more information!