Sell Your Medals & Militaria
What we buy, what to look out for, and why provenance matters
Medals and militaria often carry deep personal and historical significance. Whether inherited, discovered during a house clearance, or passed down through generations, these items frequently come with stories — sometimes known, sometimes forgotten.
At the Antique Buying Collective, we buy a wide range of medals and militaria, valuing them not only as objects but as tangible links to history. Our expert-led approach reflects long-standing principles championed by respected antiques authorities such as Eric Knowles — that context, authenticity, and provenance are just as important as appearance.
Military Medals – Conflicts that commonly appear
We regularly assess medals relating to major British and international conflicts, many of which are still found in family collections today. First World War and Second World War medals are among the most commonly encountered, often grouped together and sometimes still accompanied by original paperwork, boxes, or photographs.
Earlier campaigns are also frequently seen. Victorian and Edwardian medals from conflicts such as the Crimean War, the Boer War, and various colonial campaigns can be particularly interesting, especially when naming and regiment details are clear.
Later 20th-century medals, including those connected to Korea, Malaya, Northern Ireland, and the Falklands conflict, also appear in collections and can carry strong historical interest depending on context and completeness.
International medals, allied awards, and campaign medals issued to Commonwealth forces are likewise assessed on their individual merits.
Civil Medals & Non-Combat Awards
Not all medals are military, and civil awards are an important part of what we buy. Long service medals, bravery awards, coronation and jubilee medals, police and fire service medals, and honours linked to public service or industry all fall under the wider category of militaria and historical awards.
These items are sometimes overlooked because they are not combat-related, yet they often hold strong collector interest, particularly when well-documented or linked to notable service.
Groups, Singles & Mixed Collections
We buy individual medals as well as complete medal groups. Groups awarded to a single individual — particularly when they remain intact — can be especially important, as they tell a fuller story of service.
That said, single medals, unnamed examples, and mixed collections are still very much of interest. We frequently assess boxes containing medals, cap badges, buttons, insignia, ribbons, sweetheart jewellery, photographs, and paperwork together, as associated items can significantly enhance overall value.
The importance of provenance
Provenance is one of the most crucial factors in valuing medals and militaria. Documentation such as service records, award certificates, discharge papers, photographs, letters, or even handwritten notes can dramatically increase historical and collector interest.
However, a lack of provenance does not mean an item has no value. Our specialists are experienced in researching medals, identifying regiments, and interpreting naming details to reconstruct service histories where possible.
As Eric Knowles has often emphasised throughout his career, objects with stories are always more powerful than objects alone — and medals are among the strongest examples of this principle.
Examples of medals & militaria we’ve bought before
We’ve bought First World War medal pairs and trios discovered in drawers, Victorian campaign medals found during probate clearances, and civil service medals passed down through families with little accompanying information.
We’ve also assessed collections where medals were mixed with militaria such as cap badges, trench art, uniform buttons, and original photographs — items that owners sometimes didn’t realise added important context and value.
What our experts look for when valuing medals
When assessing medals and militaria, our specialists consider authenticity, condition, naming, completeness, and historical context. We also look closely at whether medals form part of an original group, whether ribbons are present, and whether any supporting material survives.
Importantly, we never encourage cleaning or polishing medals before assessment, as this can reduce historical and collector value.
Ready to sell to us?
Get a Free Medals & Militaria Valuation
If you have medals, militaria, or historical awards you’re considering selling, the Antique Buying Collective offers a secure, expert-led valuation service.
If you have jewellery, antiques, or mixed items you’re considering selling, the Antique Buying Collective makes the process straightforward and transparent.
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0333 404 9531
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With an approach shaped by experience and insight associated with Eric Knowles, you can be confident your items will be assessed fairly — and never undervalued.