A Second World War group is worth far more than the metal it contains. The value lies in which campaign stars are present, whether the medals are named, the gallantry awards involved, and the paperwork that identifies the recipient. Our specialists research the group and value it properly — the way a collector would.
Free insured postage. Written valuation. Paid in 72 hours.
The short answer
Fair Vintage buys Second World War medals across the UK — campaign stars, the Defence and War Medals, gallantry awards, and named Commonwealth groups with their paperwork. A group is worth far more than its metal: value lies in which stars are present, whether the medals are named, the gallantry involved and the documented recipient. Our specialists identify each medal, research the recipient where records allow, and issue a written valuation. Postage is free and insured both ways, and payment is made within 72 hours of you accepting.
Second World War medals range from common, unnamed campaign-star sets to scarce gallantry awards with fully researched recipients. Identifying exactly what is in the group is the first step, because the difference in value between a common set and a named gallantry group is enormous.
The eight stars — including the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic, Air Crew Europe, Africa, Pacific, Burma, Italy and France and Germany Stars — were awarded for service in specific theatres and periods. Some are common, others genuinely scarce, and clasps add value where correctly attributed. We identify each star and clasp precisely.
The Defence Medal and the War Medal 1939-45 were issued very widely and, to British forces, unnamed. On their own they are common, but they are an important part of a complete group and help confirm the recipient's service alongside stars and paperwork.
The DSO, DFC, MC, MM, DCM, DFM and other awards are the most valuable WW2 medals, especially when named, researched and accompanied by the citation. Always assessed by specialists against current auction comparables — never by weight. Do not break up or clean a gallantry group.
While British WW2 campaign medals were generally unnamed, many Commonwealth issues (Australian, Canadian, South African, Indian and others) were officially named. A named group tied to a researchable recipient carries a significant premium over an anonymous set.
Long Service and Good Conduct medals, Territorial and Efficiency awards, and foreign or Commonwealth decorations often accompany a WW2 group. We identify and value each element rather than overlooking the less familiar pieces.
Boxes of issue, condolence and enclosure slips, service and pay books, log books, photographs and cap badges all add value by documenting the recipient. Keep everything together — provenance is central to WW2 medal collecting.
Never clean the medals or split the group. Polishing removes the original toning collectors prize and can permanently reduce value, and separating medals from their paperwork or from each other destroys the provenance that makes a group valuable. Send the medals, ribbons, box and every document exactly as you found them.
Our specialists identify each medal and clasp, and — where the group is named or accompanied by paperwork — research the recipient against medal rolls and service records to establish the group's significance. That research often uncovers value that a quick over-the-counter offer would miss entirely. Every figure is explained in a written valuation. For background on what medals are worth, see our guide to military medal values.
If you also have First World War medals, see our dedicated WW1 medals page. For helmets, badges, uniforms, edged weapons and other war memorabilia, see sell militaria. For a mixed lot of medals across conflicts, our general military medals page covers the whole picture.
Every medal and clasp identified. The recipient researched where records allow. Gallantry and named groups valued against current comparables. Free insured postage both ways. No obligation — we return the group free if you decline.
Request a free valuation →Are WW2 medals worth anything if they are not named?
Yes, though naming changes the picture. British WW2 campaign stars and the Defence and War Medals were generally issued unnamed, so an unnamed set is common and valued on the specific stars and condition. Much of the value in WW2 medals lies in gallantry awards, named Commonwealth groups, and complete groups with paperwork identifying the recipient.
Which WW2 campaign stars are the most sought after?
Some stars are far scarcer than others. The 1939-45 Star and France and Germany Star are relatively common; the Air Crew Europe Star is significantly scarcer and more valuable, particularly with correct clasps. Clasps add value where genuine and correctly attributed. We identify each star and clasp and value the group as a whole.
Do you buy WW2 gallantry medals such as the DFC, MM or DSO?
Yes. Gallantry and distinguished-service awards are the most valuable WW2 medals, particularly when named, researched and accompanied by the citation and service record. These are always assessed by specialists against current auction comparables, never by weight. If you have a gallantry group, do not clean it and do not break it up.
Should I keep the medals with the recipient's paperwork and badges?
Absolutely — keep everything together. The box of issue, condolence and enclosure slips, service and pay books, log books, photographs, cap badges and any documents tying the medals to a named individual can add substantially to value. Provenance and a researchable recipient are central to WW2 collecting.
Should I clean or polish WW2 medals before selling?
No. Never clean, polish or lacquer medals. Collectors value original, untouched surfaces and honest age; polishing removes natural toning and can permanently reduce value. Leave the ribbons and mounting as they are, keep the group intact, and let our specialists assess the medals in their original state.
How much are my WW2 medals worth in the UK?
It ranges from modest figures for common unnamed campaign-star sets to substantial sums for scarce stars, named Commonwealth groups and gallantry awards with documented recipients. We identify the medals, research the group where possible, and provide a written valuation explaining every element.
Can you trace who my medals belonged to?
Often, yes. Where a group is officially named — as many Commonwealth issues are — or comes with paperwork such as a service book, condolence slip or log book, we research the recipient against medal rolls and service records to establish who they were and what they did. That research frequently uncovers value a quick offer would miss. Unnamed British campaign stars usually cannot be attributed unless accompanying documents identify the owner.
Do you buy single WW2 medals or only complete groups?
Both. We buy complete groups, part groups and single medals — a lone campaign star, a solitary Defence Medal or an individual gallantry award. That said, we would always encourage you not to split a group that belongs together, because a complete named group with its paperwork is worth considerably more intact than its separated parts. If you have a single medal, email us a photograph and we will advise.
How do you tell genuine WW2 medals from copies or replicas?
Official replacements and collectors' copies exist, and gallantry awards in particular are sometimes faked, so authentication is part of every assessment. We examine the striking, the metal and finish, the naming style and impressment where present, and cross-check gallantry awards against the published rolls and citations. Where a piece is a later copy or a replacement rather than an original issue, we tell you clearly and explain what that means for value.
I inherited my father's or grandfather's medals — can you help me value them?
Yes, and this is one of the most common reasons people contact us. We provide a clear written valuation suitable for probate, family division or insurance, separately from any offer to buy, and there is no obligation to sell. Many families simply want to understand the history and worth of a group. If the medals form part of a wider estate with other militaria, we can assess everything together and research the recipient where records allow.
Will I have to pay tax when I sell WW2 medals?
For most private sellers, no. Medals and decorations awarded for valour or gallantry carry a specific Capital Gains Tax exemption in the UK provided the seller did not pay for them, and ordinary campaign medals are generally treated as personal chattels where CGT only becomes relevant on a substantial gain above the annual exempt amount. We are militaria specialists rather than tax advisers, so for a valuable group we suggest confirming with HMRC or an accountant. We can provide clear documentation of the sale for your records.
Also see: Sell WW1 medals · Sell military medals · Sell militaria · Military medal values
Also buying: What we buy · Selling inherited items · Estate clearance valuation