Militaria and Medal Auctions

Buying at our militaria auctions

Our military auctions cover objects from different periods of conflict and service, with lots for established collectors and those buying their first piece. Browse the available catalogues to see what is being offered, then read each description and its condition information before bidding.

Check the wording about age, origin and any attribution carefully. If a detail is unclear, ask the team before placing a bid. Photographs show part of the story; labels, markings, associated papers and the condition report may provide more context.

Viewing dates and locations are listed on the relevant sale page. Our buying guide explains registration and bidding. Allow for the buyer’s premium, VAT, any platform charges and collection or delivery when setting your budget.

Military antiques and memorabilia

Medals and medal groups

We welcome enquiries about individual military medals and groups, including those retained within a family. Tell us whether you have award documents, service papers, photographs or other related material. Keep these together for the initial assessment rather than splitting the group into separate enquiries.

Uniforms, helmets and badges

Uniforms, headgear, cap badges, buttons and insignia all form part of the department’s field. Include a view of the whole item as well as close-ups of labels, stamps and fittings. For a collection, tell us roughly how much there is and how it was assembled.

Antique arms and armour

The department also handles enquiries about swords, edged weapons, antique firearms and armour. Contact the specialist before arranging delivery so the item’s suitability and any sale requirements can be checked. Include its description and any existing documentation in your first enquiry.

Service records and personal collections

Military memorabilia can include journals, letters, photographs and objects kept from service. These may provide context for other items in a collection. Explain which pieces belong together and distinguish documented facts from family accounts that have not been checked.

Selling militaria at auction

You do not need to know the age or value of an item before contacting us. Start with clear photographs and a brief outline of what you have. If the items were inherited, share what is known about the person who served and how the collection came to you.

We will assess suitability for auction and discuss a possible estimate and sale route. For a substantial collection, let us know its location, approximate size and any deadline before you arrange transport.

An auction estimate is a guide to a possible sale result, rather than a fixed offer or a guaranteed price. Before consigning, ask about reserve options, commission and other agreed costs. Our selling guide sets out current terms and valuation options.

Militaria and medal valuations

Identity, age and originality

An assessment considers what an object is, when it was made and the evidence of its origin. A mark, badge or label is a useful starting point, but needs to be considered alongside the whole piece. Please share any previous description or opinion and tell us where it came from.

Recipient, unit and service history

For named medals and personal effects, include the recipient’s details where known. Clear photographs of names, numbers and inscriptions can help with research. Award papers, service records and related photographs may help connect an item to its history.

Condition and completeness

Tell us about damage, repairs, replaced parts or missing pieces. Show these in photographs as well as the most attractive details. For groups and sets, explain what is included and whether items have been added or separated over time.

The estimate also considers the market for comparable objects. Age, a family connection or a previous purchase price alone will not establish what an item may achieve at auction.

What to send for an assessment

Photograph the whole item in good light, followed by the back and any visible marks, inscriptions or labels. Add close-ups of damage or repairs. For medals, show both sides and any naming or inscription you can photograph without taking the group apart.

Include dimensions where useful, the location of the items and a short account of their history. For a collection, an overall photograph and a list of its main contents help us understand the scope before looking at individual pieces.

There is no need to polish medals, clean metalwork or repair fabric for the first enquiry. Keep boxes, ribbons, documents and loose parts with the items they relate to. Ask for advice before making changes or paying for restoration.

Your militaria specialist

The department is led by Paul Walsham, Bishop & Miller’s Military & Militaria Specialist. Paul served in the Royal Marines for 11 years and has a long-standing interest in military history, including collecting pre-First World War dress uniforms.

Paul researches, catalogues and curates the military auctions. If you are unsure what you have or how a collection might be offered, you can contact him to discuss the next step.

Email Paul Walsham or call 01449 673088.

Inherited medals and collections

You may be deciding what to keep and what to sell after inheriting medals or military memorabilia. There is no need to make that decision before asking for an assessment. Explain which items the family wishes to retain so the discussion reflects your plans.

If the enquiry is part of an estate and you need a formal probate valuation, please make that clear. Our probate and insurance valuation service deals with those formal needs. A free auction estimate serves a different purpose.

Collections sometimes include books, maps, pictures or other antiques alongside militaria. You can submit one enquiry about the group. Our Books, Maps & Manuscripts and Paintings, Pictures & Prints departments provide related expertise where needed.

Questions about military auctions

Can I sell a single medal?

Yes, you can ask about one medal as well as a group or collection. Send photographs of both sides, any inscription and the related records you hold.

What if I do not have service records?

You can still enquire. Share what you know and photographs of the items and their marks. We can then discuss whether further research or an inspection is needed.

Where can I see the next militaria sale?

Use our auction calendar to check published sales and available catalogues. If a relevant sale is not listed, contact the department for advice on buying or consigning.