Collecting Military Medals: A Beginner's Guide By Colin Narbeth An expertly written introductory guide to collecting military medals, covering all the requisite background information, the aims to which a new collector should aspire, and the pitfalls to avoid. ISBN-13: 9780718890094 Specifications: 229x152mm, 108pp, Paperback Price: £17.50 • US$37.50 Publication: January 2002 Order this Title Now

About this Book

The background to collecting military medals is inseparable from a study of history. The earliest British medals, as befits a nation for so long reliant upon naval strength for its independence, were issued to the Navy, beginning with the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The first true campaign medals awarded to the Army followed the Battle of Waterloo, although many had been issued privately and unofficially before this. As one would expect for a country like Britain, with an outstanding imperial history dating to modern times, a vast field of military medals covering service in Africa, India, and China awaits the attention of the collector. There are, too, the collections relating to major wars, including the Crimean War, Boer War and the two World Wars.

Colin Narbeth describes the medals awarded, and the actions which gave rise to special bars, ribbons and stars. Orders and decorations, including the Victoria Cross and the George Cross, both awarded for extreme valour, are described as are the naming of medals and display. As well as this wealth of background information, the author also details the aims to which a new collector should aspire, and discusses the pitfalls to guard against, including the problem of identification of forgeries.

The volume is illustrated with numerous photographs selected by the author.

Contents

Introduction

1. Army Medals
2. Naval Medals
3. The Battle of Waterloo
4. Africa
5. India
6. China
7. Other Theatres of War
8. The Two World Wars
9. Orders and Decorations
10. Naming of Medals
11. Display

Appendices
I Bars Issued for the Naval General Service Medal 1793-1840
II Useful Books
III Glossary of Terms

Index

List of Illustrations

Frontispiece
Some well-known ribbons: a selection of British ribbons belonging to medals awarded for gallantry and campaign and general service medals

1. Long Service and Good Conduct Medal of King Edward VII
2. Waterloo Medal
3. Military General Service Medal
4. Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
5. Naval General Service Medal
6. Specialised collection of the Crimean War Medal
7. South Africa Medal 1834-53
8. Display of medals awarded to the Naval Brigade for the Zulu War
9. Queen's South Africa Medal, 1899-1902
10. Queen's South Africa Medal with bars (reverse)
11. King's South Africa Medal, 1901-02
12. Indian General Service Medal 1854-95
13. Indian General Service Medal 1936-39
14. Display collection of the China Medal 1900
15. British Crimea Medal 1854-56
16. Sultan of Turkey's Crimea Medal 1854-56
17. United Nations Service Medal 1950-
18. 1914 Star
19. British War Medal and the Allied Victory Medal
20. Territorial Force War Medal
21. Four Second World War Medals
22. Defence Medal 1939-45, War Medal 1939-45
23. German First and Second World War Medals with Crossed Swords
24. Military Medal, George V
25. Display collection of the East and West Africa Medal 1887-1900