Recognizing Fake Military Medals and Uniforms
The market for military collectibles attracts fakers who profit from uninformed buyers. Knowing what to look for helps you avoid expensive mistakes.
Medal Authentication Basics
Original medals show period-correct construction methods. Die-struck pieces from WWII have sharp details and consistent depth. Modern copies often use casting, which produces softer edges and tiny air bubbles in the metal. Examine pieces under magnification.
Weight matters too. Original bronze and silver medals feel substantial. Cheap reproductions use lighter base metals with thin plating that wears quickly at high points.
Ribbon and Suspension Issues
Original ribbons show age-appropriate wear and fading. Suspensions used period hardware and construction methods. Modern copies often use incorrect ribbon widths, wrong weave patterns, or hardware that looks too new and perfect.
Compare suspensions to reference photos in specialized books. Small details like pin placement and ring style changed over time and differ between manufacturers.
Uniform Red Flags
Reproduction uniforms often fail on materials and construction. Original WWII wool has a different texture and weight than modern fabrics. Buttons, zippers, and hardware should match period specifications. Polyester threads did not exist until the 1950s.
Check labels and markings against known examples. Fakers sometimes invent contractor names or use incorrect date formats.
Documentation Helps
Provenance adds credibility. Medals that come with award documents, photographs, or service records are harder to fake convincingly. Original documents have period paper, printing methods, and ink characteristics that differ from modern reproductions.
When In Doubt
Join collector organizations where experienced members can help evaluate questionable pieces. The Orders and Medals Society of America and similar groups offer authentication assistance. Better to miss a deal than to pay authentic prices for a fake.
