In recent weeks I've had an increased number of questions asked of me about how to apply for official replacement or where to purchase copy medals. Also, my blog statistics show many more web searches about this topic.
I've update the post on Duplicate, Replacement, Replica and Copy medals to make the photos a bit clearer by highlighting the 'REPLICA' markings. I've also added a photos to show an example of a copy medal.
I run Lost Medals Australia so that medals which have been found, stolen or for some reason are not with the veteran or their family, can be returned. If you come across medals and you would like me to conduct the research to return the medals, please contact me via email or social media.
Showing posts with label replica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label replica. Show all posts
08 January 2008
Duplicate, Replacement and Replica or Copy Medals
One of the most common questions I am asked is how to obtain replacement medals.
The first thing to understand is the terminology that is being used. Duplicate medals are those which are officially provided by the Government when originals have been lost. These are also know as Replacement medals. The duplicate/replacement medal is named like the original but there is a 'D' stamped on the medal to indicate that it is an official duplicate. Some times an 'R' may be stamped on the medal. I've added a couple of photos below as an example.
The first thing to understand is the terminology that is being used. Duplicate medals are those which are officially provided by the Government when originals have been lost. These are also know as Replacement medals. The duplicate/replacement medal is named like the original but there is a 'D' stamped on the medal to indicate that it is an official duplicate. Some times an 'R' may be stamped on the medal. I've added a couple of photos below as an example.
In most circumstances only the serviceman can apply for official duplicate medals. Once the serviceman has died it is usually the policy that medals will not be replaced. However, there is some flexibility being applied at the moment after many medals were lost in recent natural disasters in Australia. The policy and the application process for replacement of lost medals can be found on the Defence Honours and Awards web site.
That being said, there are replica (or reproduction or copy) medals available for purchase. I don't endorse any particular company but examples of replica medals can be seen here. Replica medals should be marked somewhere with the word 'replica' or 'copy'. There are some photos below to illustrate what I mean.
When medals have been lost for a couple of generations and it is unlikely that the originals will ever be found the acquisition of replica medals for display purposes is popular.
These photos are of replicas of the Australian Defence Medal and the Australian Active Service Medal. The photos were updated on 17 Jul 11 with the REPLICA mark highlighted.
This is a photo of a medals marked COPY. They have also been engraved with the soldiers service details.
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