Collecting WW2 Gallantry and Campaign Medals Hints and Tips

Any recommendations on where to look, websites etc that sell them.

There must also be quite a few pitfalls, so any tips?

What to look for, what's good and what's bad. How much would you expect to pay for a group with a specific gallantry medal?

 

Andy,

I investigated this a while ago but decided against collecting medals.

I concluded that there are two levels of collecting. If you want a collection of medals from wars and campaigns that interest you then reasonably priced examples can be found in antique shops and fairs, or on ebay etc.

You mention groups with gallantry medals. This a whole different scene with many pitfalls. They are expensive to buy at the moment. Forgeries are a problem. Price varies with not only the rarity but with the person to whom they were awarded. Best advice is to buy from a reputable dealer or auction house but this is not much fun to my mind and will be expensive.

I stuck with badges.

Mike.

 

Hi

Ebay if you want campaign medals, if you can get them with a box, great, something to research, if not then just a group of medals.
As for what to pay for gallantry, it depends if someone else wants it too!
regard

Robert

 

I suggest joining the British Medals Forum. There are lots of articles on there about fake stars etc. There is also a list of online medal dealers. Many dealers actually frequent the forum and answer questions/offer advice.

Unfortunately, the WWII campaign stars aren't that interesting as they weren't officially named (unlike WWI medals). Also, quite often groups are put together by unscrupulous sellers. So, if you see an Arnhem group for example on ebay, you can't be sure it is genuine even if it appears to have supporting paperwork.

Gallantry medals are expensive.

Shaun

 

I have all but given up medal collecting - it has never been a cheap hobby, but the greater availability of information has made prices skyrocket. Even WW2 Stars are racking up. £200+ for an Air Crew Europe Star is a hesitancy inducing price for a casual interest. WW2 gallantry awards are very expensive - in the low thousands as a start.

 

This is very true. Recently I have seen information from my own website used to enhance prices on Chindit related groups.

 

Shaun, that is sound advice, especially about joining the BMF.

 

Andy,

Here's one to begin the collection:

http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/laidlaw-auctioneers-and-valuers/catalogue-id-2912991/lot-23522822

 

He'd have to sell his family for that one, nice though!

 

BEF not Signals matey - I wonder if the Corps Museum is aware.

In an ideal world (after I've won the lottery) I'd like a couple of BEF groups with gallantry medals to mount on my wall.

 

I'll keep an eye out.

Just for brow sings sake, here are three medal dealer sites which might have something for you in the future. There are many more and as the other guys have said, with dealers you can be positive on authenticity, but will pay for that privilege.

Cheers

Steve

http://www.london-medals.co.uk

http://www.themedalcentre.co.uk

http://www.jcollinsmedals.co.uk/pages/

 

Haha I have just bid on a group

 

Let us know how you get on.

 

I don't expect to win - more a case of dipping my toe in the water really.

 

A very slippery slope indeed. Good luck.

 

Andy, Here is a nice one that roughly fits your criteria:

http://www.london-medals.co.uk/a-fine-second-world-war-france-1940-retreat-to-dunkirk-stretcher-bearer-s-military-medal-and-north-africa-prisoner-of-war-s-long-service-group-awarded-to-corporal-j-r-needham-5th-battalion-prince-of-wales-own-yorkshire-regiment-the-green-howards-who-on-30


Description: A fine Second World War France 1940 retreat to Dunkirk stretcher bearer's Military Medal and North Africa Prisoner of War's long service group awarded to Corporal J.R. Needham, 5th Battalion, Prince of Wales Own Yorkshire Regiment - the Green Howards, who on 30th May 1940 volunteered to go to a forward Company which was at the time under heavy mortar fire to evacuate casualties, and was later taken prisoner in North Africa and incarcerated at Lamsdorf. Group of 5: Military Medal, GVI 1st type; (4389350 PTE. J.R. NEEDHAM. GREEN HOWARDS); 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; War Medal; Efficiency Medal, GVI 1st type, Territorial suspension; (4389350 CPL. J.R. NEEDHAM. M.M. GREEN HOWARDS.), mounted loose style as worn. Condition: Good Very Fine. John Richard Needham was born in Middlesborough, Yorkshire in 1908, and was a pre war member of the Territorial Army, being mobilised on the outbreak of the Second World War, he was posted as a Private (No.4389350) to the 5th Battalion, Prince of Wales Own Yorkshire Regiment - the Green Howards. Needham saw active service in France during 1940 and during the retreat to Dunkirk, and it was when serving as a stretcher bearer during the fighting in front of Dunkirk that he performed the act of bravery which went on to gain him the Military Medal. The recommendation reads as follows: 'At Houthen (?) on 30th May 1940, Pte Needham a stretcher bearer with the Reserve Company, volunteered to go to a forward Company which was at the time under heavy mortar fire to evacuate casualties. This was successfully achieved and is attributed to the very fine example of courage coolness and devotion to duty which Private Needham displayed. His conduct on this occasion and throughout the operations had been remarked on by the officers, N.C.O.'s and men who witnessed his work.' Needham's award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette for 11th July 1940. He later saw service in North Africa where he was taken prisoner of war, and was then incarcerated at Lamsdorf POW Camp in Germany. Needham died at Scarborough in 1988. This group has come directly from the family, it is the first time it has been on the market

 

Now that is right up my street, I bet he gets a mention in the diary or history too, dam - Those medals I bid on and didn't think I'd win.......Well I won them, so that me not bidding on any more for a while

 

I hope you enjoy your winnings.

 

Well that was a learning curve

 

Everything ok Andy?