I have a few World War I and II medals in my possession and I was wondering if collectors follow the same train of thought as coin collectors with regards to cleaning/perserving? I have a couple that are made of silver and almost black, but I don't want to do anything stupid. I know that these medals were probably polished to shine each and every time they were worn, but what is the present day train of thought on this? Anyone collectors care to comment? Thanks!
What type of medals? Does it hang from a ribbon and have a backing to it so that you can pin it to the chest like this http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/USCGGCM.gif? Now are you sure there is silver? Now I know when I polish my medals (which has been ages) that the metal used was a brass which turns a dark color if not polished regularly. without pictures it's hard to tell you but if you are referring to what i linked then I think it would have more sentimental value then anything else...either way I dont plan on ever getting rid of mine..
Actually, there is a very large community of people who collect modern and older military medals. I don't know that much about the community, but I know they have an awesome forum that I've used for medal references before. http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ I hope this helps.
There are several important factors in valuing war medals. Medals for heroism command a higher price (not a consideration with the one you showed). Medals with their ribbon are worth more (no ribbon on yours). Medals with the recipient's name stamped along the edge are much more desirable. How do I know? My great uncle flew for the RAF in WWI and I have his three medals (none for heroism). Fairly ordinary medals. I've already had an offer of $100 for the three.
Hi Kanga, I got this particular medal at melt value with the original intention of melting it down, but after holding it in my hands, that just doesn't seem right. This was given to someone for defending his country during times of war (heroically or not) and that's something worth remembering and holding onto. No, it doesn't have a ribbon and I'll never know the man whom this medal was given to, but I would like to restore it to it's former glory as best I can without damaging it. It's monetary value is secondary. I can't even imagine flying one of those early airplanes, let alone fighting in one. Did you ever get a chance to talk to your great uncle about the Great War? He must have had some interesting stories...
I only vaguely remember meeting him. I was very young. But I have his flight log and through my mother I got somemore of the story. He flew a DH-9 (or DH-9a) for only about 1½ months before he was shot down, over France I think. Lost a thumb and (probably to his great embarrassment) got a butt-load of buckshot. Aircraft weapons technology wasn't all that great at that time. I've got a lot of other stuff (photos, etc.) that I ought to scan. Maybe I can flesh out more of his story.
