Orders & decorations: we buy by photo
Orders, decorations and badges are often the first things heirs find in an estate. We look at single pieces as well as complete groups with certificates.
What we buy
- Orders and decorations
- Badges and medals
- Medal bars, ribbon bars and miniatures
- Award certificates and documents
- Cases and issue packets
- Groups belonging to one person
Photos that help with the appraisal
- Front and reverse, each separately and filling the frame
- Maker marks, hallmarks or numbers in close-up
- The pin or fixing from the side
- The ribbon, even if it is faded
- The case inside and out
- Related certificates and documents
What determines the value
- Originality
- Original or later copy?
- Maker
- Maker marks and material
- Condition
- Enamel, gilding, patina, pin
- Completeness
- Case, ribbon, certificate
- Context
- Do several pieces demonstrably belong to one person?
Legal review
Before we buy an item, we check whether it bears symbols covered by § 86 or § 86a of the German Criminal Code (StGB) and how a legally compliant purchase is possible. You do not need to assess this yourself. More on the legal situation
Questions about Orders & decorations
Should I clean decorations?
Please do not. Cleaning or polishing can destroy patina, enamel and value. Photograph the pieces as they are.
Does the certificate belong with the decoration?
Yes, if possible. Certificates prove the award and can increase the value considerably. Please do not separate them.
How can I tell a later copy?
It is difficult without experience: material, weight, maker marks and details of the strike give clues. Send us sharp photos of front and reverse and we will tell you what we see.
Other categories
Do you have something we should look at?
Simply send us photos. The first appraisal is free, and you decide afterwards in your own time.