Choosing the Right Medal Identification Book for Family History
Finding the right reference material depends entirely on the geographical scope and time period of the medals in your collection. A generalist volume works well for beginners, but you’ll eventually need specialized catalogs if your family history involves specific campaigns or foreign decorations. Prices for these references vary widely, though most standard identification texts cost between $30 and $70.
At a glance
| Reference Type | Best For | Typical Scope |
|---|---|---|
| General Catalogs | Beginners | Broad historical eras |
| Campaign Texts | Specific wars | Single conflict focus |
| Online Databases | Quick verification | Serial number checks |
How can a researcher determine the country of origin for an unidentified military medal?
Start by examining the national symbols, monarchical portraits, or heraldic devices depicted on the obverse. If the text is in a foreign script, cross-reference the alphabet against linguistic charts to narrow down the region. Many researchers assume that the presence of a crown automatically signifies a British medal, but this is a common error as numerous European and Commonwealth nations incorporate crowns into their military insignia. Always look for the specific style of the crown, as the design often points to a particular country's historical era or specific governing body.
What are the most reliable digital databases for verifying historical award records?
The National Archives in the United Kingdom provides the most authoritative digital portal for verifying service records, particularly through their digitized Medal Index Cards. These records are the primary source for confirming whether a specific individual was entitled to a particular campaign medal, as they link the recipient’s name directly to the official roll. When you find a match, the card often lists the exact clasp or bar entitlement, which acts as a secondary confirmation for the physical item in your possession.
However, keep in mind that these databases are not exhaustive for every conflict. For instance, many records for the late 19th-century colonial campaigns remain in physical ledgers that have not yet been digitized. In these cases, you must rely on published regimental histories or specialized phaleristic databases like the London Gazette to track the official notification of awards.
Which features of a medal are most important to document when consulting an identification guide?
Documenting the physical characteristics is essential for narrowing down the specific issue of a medal when using reference guides.
- Obverse design: Note the specific portrait of the reigning monarch or the national emblem, as slight variations in the profile often indicate different production years.
- Reverse inscription: Transcribe every word exactly as it appears, including any decorative motifs or dates, since these details distinguish official awards from private-purchase commemorative pieces.
- Suspension style: Describe how the ribbon attaches to the disc, such as a claw, a ring, or a scroll, because manufacturers changed these fittings frequently.
- Metal composition: Identify whether the medal is made of bronze, silver, or a base metal alloy, which often signals the recipient's rank or the medal's scarcity.
How do you distinguish between an original service medal and a modern commemorative reproduction?
Distinguishing between an original issue and a modern reproduction requires a close inspection of the manufacturing quality and the physical wear patterns.
- Striking detail: Original medals exhibit sharp, crisp relief on the imagery, whereas reproductions often appear soft or blurred due to casting processes.
- Weight consistency: Use a precision scale to compare your item against the weight listed in a standard catalog; replicas are frequently underweight.
- Edge thickness: Authentic pieces usually have a uniform edge thickness, while casts often show a seam or line where the two halves of the mold met.
- Patina depth: Natural oxidation occurs over decades, so look for uneven, deep-seated toning rather than the uniform, artificial chemical finish found on modern copies.
Are there specialized guides dedicated to identifying civilian or non-military honors?
Yes, specialized guides like the Orders, Decorations and Medals of the World cover thousands of civilian honors. These texts often include sections on state-issued life-saving medals and long-service awards that fall outside traditional military categories, providing details on over 5,000 distinct civilian decorations issued globally.
How can archival service records be used to corroborate findings from a medal identification guide?
Yes, archival records such as the WO 372 series at the National Archives allow you to verify if a soldier was officially entitled to the medal you possess. These records contain over 5 million index cards that confirm the specific entitlement and date of issue for campaign medals.
What people often get wrong
- Assuming all medals are rare. Most service medals were issued in the thousands, so check common production numbers before assuming an item is a unique family heirloom.
- Ignoring the ribbon. Beginners often focus solely on the metal disc, but the ribbon pattern is often the fastest way to identify the specific award.
- Trusting online auctions. Sellers frequently misidentify items, so always verify descriptions against a reputable printed catalog before drawing conclusions.
What are the primary differences between general reference books and specialized catalogs for specific conflict eras?
General reference books provide a broad overview, making them ideal for identifying common awards or quickly checking the ribbon colors of major campaigns. These volumes serve as a starting point for most family researchers because they cover the most frequently encountered medals from the last two centuries. They are excellent for identifying the basic category of an item, such as whether it is a long-service or campaign decoration, without requiring deep expertise in a specific conflict.
Conversely, specialized catalogs focus on a single war, such as the Boer War or the First World War, offering granular data that general books omit. These texts often include lists of specific ship or regiment rolls, which are helpful for confirming if a medal was issued to a specific unit. A nuance to remember is that general books are often updated more frequently, while specialized catalogs may go years between editions, potentially missing recent research on rare manufacturing variants.
Refining Your Medal Research Process
Start your search by identifying the primary conflict associated with your family member to make sure you choose the most relevant reference text. Cross-reference any findings with official service records to confirm the history behind the physical object.