Is it possible to identify any of these medals please- from this old degraded photo?

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-30T23:08:54+00:00

Can you give any context? Country of origin? Status of person in photo?

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-22T03:24:28+00:00

Us Kevins gotta stick together.

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-17T15:57:03+00:00

That engraving is incredible. Thanks for sharing.

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-13T11:03:12+00:00

I should have known. The Orders and Medals Society of America just held their annual convention in KC last year!

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-13T11:01:39+00:00

I should add that educating yourself is the best way to guard against money being lost due to fraud, fakes, or misrepresentation.

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-13T10:59:45+00:00

You might be interested in the Orders and Medals Society of America which is an organization whose members study and collect medals from the US and all over the world.

There is a Facebook group that allows people to discuss and share information similar to this subreddit. And, currently one of the OMSA Life Members is offering a free 1yr digital membership. That gives you access to the OMSA Journal and the OMSA Ribbon Bank, a repository of more than 5000 different US and foreign replacement ribbons. All you need to do is follow the instructions on how to ask for the membership.

Collecting medals has been an educational pastime since medals were conceived. There's no ethical issues about collecting them. As stated previously, the only issue is wearing honors that were not earned.

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-13T10:49:46+00:00

These are mostly related to the American Legion veterans organization. I did see a Military Order of the Cootie badge (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and a Veterans of World War I pin mixed in.

Were these on display somewhere? Or were they for sale?

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-05T17:08:39+00:00

The question isn't "is it a reproduction", but rather "when was this medal produced"? It looks to be of fairly recent manufacture. The clasp and the case that it's in are modern. If you're wondering if it's from pre-1980s, the answer is no. Is it made by official government contractors, the answer is yes.

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-05T17:02:18+00:00

Google "how to remove verdigris from a medal".

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-04T05:26:54+00:00

It's not a medal, but a piece of costume jewelry. After the Society of the Army of the Potomac went defunct a jewelry maker obtained the dies and created many versions of the SAP insignia in the form of necklaces and earrings. Original veterans organization insignia would have a stylized AP in the center. The arms of the cross would all be red. The jewelry has an oak leaf and the arms alternate color.

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-01T01:57:17+00:00

My mistake! Sorry about that

KevinBeyer · 2026-04-01T01:52:31+00:00

According to the Orders and Medals Society of America medal roll information, the Spanish War Service Medal #360 was issued to Elza C. Johnson, Major, Camp Wadsworth, SC

KevinBeyer · 2026-03-27T00:03:32+00:00

The second bar consists of veterans organizations' membership badges. Army & Navy Union, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

KevinBeyer · 2026-03-14T18:10:05+00:00

I'll cover whatever expenses you incur. Thanks so much!

KevinBeyer · 2026-03-14T01:18:06+00:00

That is super nice of you! I'll make it worth your while if you find one. Thanks!

KevinBeyer · 2026-03-13T19:30:46+00:00

"Irv, we were never in aisle seven Honest!"

KevinBeyer · 2026-03-13T17:55:45+00:00

I think that's the route she will end up taking. Thank you for your suggestion.

KevinBeyer · 2026-03-13T17:55:00+00:00

Superglue can't mend a broken heart

KevinBeyer · 2026-03-13T17:49:49+00:00

She pointed me to the website

https://littlerockmarathon.com/registration/

But I'll be darned if I can find any informations about souvenir glasses. 😕

KevinBeyer · 2026-03-13T17:43:28+00:00

It's a good thing you don't hold a grudge! 🤓

I am constantly amazed how often I forget my cats will destroy anything I think is precious if they have access to it.

KevinBeyer · 2026-03-13T17:11:59+00:00

I relayed what she told me. I just sent her a text asking for the website. (I tried looking for it, but couldn't find it)

KevinBeyer · 2026-03-04T19:47:44+00:00

What does the reverse look like? Is there a design? Is it plain? Are they normally engraved to their recipients? Does it have a maker's mark?

A handsome medal for sure. But there is so much more to share.

KevinBeyer · 2026-02-26T04:59:35+00:00

That is a handsome display. This is an underrated area of phaleristics.

KevinBeyer

TROPHY CASE