Recent 5th Anniversary podcast brought up pieces that could be originals or copiof metals, insignia and the like. Being a former military man I fully get Stolen Valor is a problem and should be discouraged and called out when found loudly. Miniature of a award isn't or don't think is saying you won said award. Not that having say a original medal in a collection is fine its how it's shown is the touchy part. I wouldn't think in our said period anyone couldn't win a award from Waterloo for example. I don't have anything original, so it's all a matter of opinion.
top of page

bottom of page
Oh, our own little emperor Napoleon I. thought it fine to take F II. his sword from his grave and take it to Paris to display it there as a tropy.
A miserable act in my view.
Alfred
Having served 21 years in the U.S. Army I have some very strong thoughts on stolen valor. To me there is a difference between collecting a medal and displaying it (such as a Waterloo Medal) and wearing a medal or ribbon you have not earned. . . regardless if was awarded for valor or is a "I was there medal". It is the same as stealing and it reflects poorly on the individual who knowingly does it. The individual is pathetic and should be publicly shunned. That being said, I have no problem with someone who is a re-enactor and the medal is part of his uniform or persona. Occasionally, mistakes are made and are not necessarily a reflection of the individual. . . about 30 years ago a very senior U.S. Navy officer was found wearing a very minor award that he was not authorized. (It was a Navy Commendation Medal with a V for valor device.) Most likely an honest mistake. . .because he was authorized the medal, but without the V. He ended up committing suicide over it.
https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1996/rt9605/960517/05170071.htm