Commentary
A. About eMedals
I am a collector myself.
My interest in military memorabilia began in 1980 while attending local gun shows with a friend. In the beginning, my interests were varied, but I eventually decided to collect medals and badges of the Third Reich. Later, I became interested in European orders, and at the present time my collecting focus is on World War I aviation, in particular medal groups and flying badges: Austrian, British, Canadian, and German. Several years ago, to dispose of surplus items from my collection (and to help finance my new collection), I started selling on eBay, and eventually decided to establish my own on-line business -- eMedals. As I do not have a computer background it was not an easy undertaking. But thankfully I had a dear friend, Jonesy (my Persian cat) spending countless hours next to me at the computer. Together, after many hours of trial and error, "we" managed to get things going. This is why Jonesy is on the front page of eMedals.
B. eMedals Philosophy
From the very beginning I made a commitment to myself to sell only original material, well photographed, and to offer the best guarantee to collectors. If a collector is not satisfied with anything purchased from eMedals, the item(s) can be returned for a full refund, no questions asked. Because this is both a hobby and a business, in my view there is no other way to treat fellow collectors.
I have a very diverse client base, collectors who are "beginners" and others who are "advanced"--from all over the world. All have different needs and wants, and most have become repeat, satisfied clients and friends. To obtain new items for eMedals, I travel regularly to Europe, attend shows in the United States, Germany and Canada, and buy worldwide from leading auction houses for my clients. I also buy individual pieces and entire collections from individuals. I seek to help both "beginning" and "experienced" collectors achieve whatever goal(s) they may have. I do not have a “want list” policy per se, but my knowledge of individual collectors' interests helps me locate important pieces for them when they become available on the market.
C. Successful Collecting
Collecting should be fun, as well as a rewarding learning experience. Usually, a collection begins with the acquisition of a single piece. It may be a medal or decoration purchased at a militaria or coin show, from another collector, or from a dealer. That initial purchase could be a Great War Victory Medal, an Iron Cross, or an Order that dazzles you with its beauty. Very often, beginning collectors focus on the first or second World Wars, named British campaign medals, or other medals and decorations that relate to events or places they are familiar with.
After the first purchase the beginning collector must decide “Where do I go from here?” The best answer to that question, which all collectors must answer, is through research and study. What was the medal or decoration you purchased awarded for? When was it awarded? Did other countries award similar medals or decorations? Are they something you wish to begin collecting? Or do you want to concentrate, at first, on a single country, and period? Having a clear focus is important to successfully 'build' a collection. This will give you a good sense of what you should be looking for as additions to your collection. A solid knowledge of the collecting field will enable you to make informed decisions about how to proceed. All collectors have an interest in history, and want to know as much as possible about the medals and decorations they are collecting.
D. Getting to know your collecting field
The best way to get to know the collecting field of interest to you is through reading and research. There are many very good reference works in English, as well as in other languages, which provide an overview of the medals and decorations of various countries, and periods. There are also many “Collector’s Forums” on-line, which provide valuable information.
Get to know other collectors who have interests similar to your own. The best way to become knowledgeable about medals and decorations is to see them and, if possible, to examine them. Once you see and feel the “real thing” you will never be fooled by a reproduction!
Professional associations such as the Canadian C.S.M.M.I., the British Orders and Medals Research Society (OMRS) and the Orders and Medals Research Society of America (OMSA) in the United States, all welcome new members and publish Journals. They also provide online services which offer valuable information about what other collectors are studying. These associations are also an important way to meet others with similar collecting interests, and to learn. As a general rule, experienced collectors are more than willing to share their knowledge and experiences with new collectors, and can be the source of valuable advice.
E. The Role of the dealer
Experienced collectors of antiques or fine art, as well as museums, have always relied on the expertise and advice of a respected dealer. Very often, they recommend and are asked to make important acquisitions for their clients, at auctions and through private sales, based on their expertise in their particular field.
A dealer is often a collector with broad experience in various areas. He or she frequently has access to fine pieces from private collections and leading auction houses worldwide. The dealer typically offers advice and valuable information and insight to both beginning and experienced collectors. The reputation of the dealer, and his or her guarantee of the authenticity of a particular piece, is all important.
You can make new additions to your collection at militaria and coin shows, collecting forums, from other collectors, and increasingly, online. But unless you have a thorough knowledge of the field, and have had an opportunity to examine genuine examples of the medals and decorations you wish to collect, very often an online purchase can lead to a costly disappointment. Is the medal or decoration genuine? Has it been altered? Is the ribbon, or the inscription, original? If the piece is a particularly rare one, is the price right? These are difficult questions to answer when purchasing online.
A reputable dealer can help both the beginning and experienced collector to avoid such costly mistakes. And unlike the seller at the weekend show, or online, who may not know very much about what he or she is selling, an experienced dealer can offer a collector a guarantee of authenticity and quality, that others cannot.
More important, a dealer can help you expand your collection once he or she understands your interests and needs. Not all dealers maintain “Want Lists” because they are soon outdated. But most dealers will keep the needs of their clients in mind when unusual or rare pieces become available. And the dealer's knowledge and expertise in a particular field can be invaluable to the collector, whether beginning or experienced.
F. Common Errors of beginning collectors
Beginning collectors who do not become informed about their collecting field are likely to make serious errors. Knowledge of what you are collecting can help you avoid many of them. Understanding your collecting field also enables you to “focus” your collecting.
It is not possible to successfully collect without having a goal in mind. Trying to collect everything may seem appealing initially, but will lead to frustration and the question "Why am I doing this?"
If you are interested in the medals of the first or second World Wars, the British Empire, or the medals and decorations of 19th-early 20th Century Europe or Asia, you should carefully develop a collecting plan, and not stray from it, at least not initially. Again, you cannot successfully collect everything. Each piece, and area of collecting, requires serious study, which will make collecting rewarding. As your knowledge and expertise develops, other collecting areas will become of interest and allow you to expand scope of your collection, and your enjoyment and satisfaction.
G. Fakes and forgeries
A “fake” can be defined as a forgery, a counterfeit, or a copy of an original piece made solely with the intent of deceiving the collector.
As with any collecting field where monetary value is involved there are unscrupulous people who manufacture fakes, and sellers who knowingly and willing sell them. These people hurt collectors, honest dealers and collecting itself more then any other factor. Our hobby is unfortunately overwhelmed by forgeries and people who sell them knowingly, especially in the Third Reich collecting field.
Opinions vary, but at the average militaria show in the United States and elsewhere, perhaps 50-70% of Third Reich medals and badges offered for sale (especially the rarest and most expensive pieces) are not genuine. The situation at your local antique or coin store is probably worse. Consequently, unless you are an experienced collector, buying at these shows (or flea/antique markets) is likely a waste of money. The only way to combat this problem is to become informed, avoid dishonest dealers, and generally those dealers who are unwilling to offer money-back guarantee and written guarantee of authenticity. You should also check the reputation of the dealer before you buy. Take advantage of collector’s Forums to learn about various dealers and see what collectors have to say about them. Again, only buy from dealers who offer a written money-back guarantee. Also ask for a reasonable inspection period, perhaps 2-3 weeks. Do not be pressured into buying anything. For very expensive items, ask for a certificate of authenticity, with a photo; this will be useful in case of any dispute. Always ask for a life-time guarantee of authenticity.
Attending and buying at militaria shows can be a very exciting and rewarding experience. You can examine and study individual pieces first hand, learn, get to know various dealers, and meet other collectors. But never be pressured to buy something quickly (there will always be another show, and another opportunity to buy). When attending shows keep in mind that if you are offered a medal or decoration which is priced at 20-40% less than similar pieces at the show, it probably is not genuine. If you plan to buy an expensive item, be sure it comes with a written guarantee, unless you have an experienced collector or dealer by your side who can confirm that the piece is, in fact, an original.
H. Guarantee of Authenticity (GOA)
A number of dealers today offer a Guarantee of Authenticity (GOA). This document usually comes with a short description and photo of the item, guaranteeing authenticity. The GOA document itself does not guarantee that an item is in fact original. The GOA is only as good as the reputation of the dealer who offers it. But it is a “must” for any inexperienced collector. Just as you would ask your local jeweler for a written guarantee and receipt when buying an expensive watch, or diamond engagement ring, you should also ask for a written guarantee when buying a valuable addition to your collection. If the piece turns out to be a fake or reproduction eight months later, what proof do you have that you bought it from the dealer (or collector)? With a written GOA you have a better chance of getting a full refund for your purchase, and if the seller refuses a refund, of seeking a legal remedy.
I. eMedals Guarantee
My guarantee is twofold. First, as it is hard to judge an item looking at the computer screen, if you are not satisfied with an item (condition, quality, etc.) you can return it for a full refund. You need not offer me any explanation or apology, just tell me “not exactly as I was hoping for, would like to return it”. That’s it, no questions asked. Your money will be refunded as soon as I receive the item. This offer is valid 30 days after you have received an item.
Secondly, if after any length of time, a year (or five, ten, or more) and if item turn out to be a reproduction, I will give you full refund and cover the shipping cost. It is that simple.
J. Your Collection as an Investment
While collecting orders, decorations, and medals is a rewarding hobby, it is also an investment. Over the past three decades, prices have increased dramatically as a result of a decreasing supply of fine pieces and an increasing demand for them by both beginning and advanced collectors. During this period, a collector's “return on investment” has often far exceeded returns on other types of investments, and collectors who offer some of their “surplus” pieces for sale to dealers or other collectors are frequently surprised at the offers they receive.
Few collectors form a collection just to make a long-term profit. But all collectors should view their collection as an asset, which has real monetary value in today's global market. As the supply of orders, decorations, and medals continues to decrease, the strong demand for them from collectors all over the world will inevitably lead to further increases in value.
Although prices for almost everything in our collecting field have increased significantly over the past twenty or thirty years--indeed, even over the past five years--the greatest increases have been for the finest and rarest pieces because they are most sought-after by collectors. And as the number of these pieces is steadily decreasing, their value has increased because of high demand.
Why is this important to you? Whether you are an experienced collector, or new to the field, you should always consider “value” when making a purchase. “Value” is determined by rarity and condition. Condition is all important. A piece which is in relatively poor condition, or in some way altered from its original form, will be worth considerably less than a piece in very fine or exceptionally fine condition. It will cost less to buy, and will probably not significantly appreciate in value over the long term. Therefore, you should always seek the best pieces for your collection, or upgrade to a better piece when one becomes available.
Very often it is impossible to find the rarest and finest pieces in “very fine” or “exceptionally fine” condition. After all, these orders, medals, and decorations were almost always worn, and will have some imperfections. If the piece you wish to purchase is very scarce, or very rare, you must make a decision about “value”. Is the asking price reasonable for the piece? Is it possible to fine another in near-perfect condition? These are questions which a reputable dealer can help answer. In the end, you will have to decide whether the rarity of the piece justifies the asking price.
Obviously, fakes and reproductions will not increase in value, and for the serious collector have no value. Remember, when making an addition to your collection, always obtain a guarantee of the authenticity of the piece from the seller. A reputable dealer will not hesitate to provide one for you. If no guarantee is available, avoid possible disappointment and do not make the purchase.
Increasing values for orders, decorations, and medals have led to higher prices. But the value of your collection has also increased, often significantly as a result. Always collect the best you can afford, and seek the assistance of a reputable dealer who can help
you obtain only the finest pieces for your collection. You will be rewarded by the knowledge and satisfaction you receive as a collector, whatever you decide to collect, and ultimately by the increase in value of your collection.
K. In Conclusion
I think it is fair to say most of us are to enjoy this hobby which is truly rewarding. To best of my knowledge great majority of dealers are also collectors. Let’s be honest and respectable to fellow collectors and honest and reputable dealers alike. Keep in mind even most honest and very knowledgeable dealers can make an occasional mistake – no need to ridicule them on the Forums, as we all make mistakes. (Selling forgeries, either collector or a dealer, knowingly, that is another matter already discussed).
In the past several years of the internet has opened many possibilities to bring this hobby into a entirely new level. Collectors of German medals in China can now effortlessly converse with a dealer in Finland or Brazil, sending pictures, or share this same pictures and knowledge with fellow collectors on the Forum based in the United States. That is opening many opportunities and we can take advantage of this technology. Let’s work together sharing knowledge and experience and bring this very rewarding hobby to a new, higher level!
Barry Turk
