Authenticating WWII Service Medals: Detecting Fakes in Canadian & Commonwealth Awards

Protecting History: Essential Authentication Techniques for WWII Service Medals

In my thirty years examining military decorations, I’ve never seen such a heartbreaking surge in sophisticated fakes. The medals we’re discussing today – the Canadian Voluntary Service Medal, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, and War Medal 1939-1945 – have become prime targets for forgers due to their historical significance and thriving collector market. Let me share the authentication secrets I’ve learned that separate genuine pieces of history from convincing replicas.

The Living Legacy of WWII Campaign Medals

Each grouping like Corporal Norman Jerry’s service quartet echoes the journeys of over a million Canadians who answered the call. The CVSM holds special numismatic value as Thomas Shingles’ masterpiece – the same Royal Canadian Mint engraver who gave us iconic coin designs. When examining these medals, you’re not just handling metal; you’re preserving tangible courage.

“Authentic WWII medals have a certain presence,” observes historian Dr. Eleanor Cross. “The sharpness of strike, the authentic patina developed over decades – these pieces speak to us through their craftsmanship. Shingles’ engraving work alone makes the CVSM a study in numismatic artistry.”

The Collector’s Toolkit: Key Authentication Markers

1. The Weight of History

Original WWII medals feel right in your hand thanks to strict quality control. Collectors should memorize these weight tolerances like their ABCs:

• Canadian Voluntary Service Medal: 34.5g ±0.5g (bronze)
• France and Germany Star: 17.3g ±0.3g (copper-zinc)
• Defence Medal: 31.5g ±0.5g (cupronickel)
• War Medal 1939-1945: 32.6g ±0.4g (copper-zinc)

I’ve seen counterfeits betray themselves by 2+ grams – often using cheaper alloys that ruin the medal’s natural balance. A $20 digital scale could save you from a $2,000 mistake!

2. Magnetic Personality Test

Here’s a quick field test every collector should perform:

• Authentic Pieces: Zero magnetic response (period alloys contain no ferrous metals)
• Warning Sign: Even slight attraction to a rare-earth magnet indicates modern composition

Fun fact: Real WWII medals won’t develop rust spots either – that distinctive patina forms differently!

3. The Devil’s in the Details

Shingles’ engraving genius reveals itself through microscopic tells:

• Crisp “CANADA” lettering with perfect kerning
• Signature tool marks between maple leaves at 3 o’clock
• Minuscule RCM mint marks in flowing script

Under 10x magnification, check for:

• Unbroken edges on “VOLUNTARY SERVICE/1939-1945” lettering
• Radial striations from original die strikes on Stars
• Hair details on King George’s portrait – fakes often soften these

Spotting Imposters: Three Common Fake Types

The Cast Pretenders

• Grainy surfaces with “orange peel” texture
• Mushy high points (lion’s mane on Defence Medal lacks definition)
• Wrong ribbon suspension style – always compare to verified examples

The Struck Fakes

• Improper alloys that affect weight and eye appeal
• Slightly undersized (check with calipers!)
• Edge lettering inconsistencies on War Medals

Altered Originals

• Added engraving with modern tool marks
• Suspiciously uniform “aged” toning
• New clasps with bright, unpatinated metal

The Authentication Triathlon: A Collector’s Playbook

Stage 1: Paper Trail Check

• Cross-reference service numbers with Archives Canada
• Verify naming conventions match period practice
• Study original documents – the forum user’s photos show ideal provenance

Stage 2: Hands-On Examination

1. Measure thickness – fakes often skimp on metal
2. Test weight and specific gravity
3. Magnetic response check
4. Surface inspection under magnification

Stage 3: Lab-Grade Verification

• XRF analysis for exact alloy match
• SEM comparison of die striations
• Side-by-side review with certified specimens

Preserving Legacy: Display With Respect

The forum’s shadowbox exemplifies perfect conservation:

• UV-blocking glass (prevents ribbon fading)
• Acid-free backings (no harmful toning)
• Stable environment (avoid humidity swings)

“When we preserve medals properly, we honor both the artifact and the veteran,” says conservator Maria Vasquez. “The archival approach shown here maintains historical integrity while showcasing eye appeal – a win for collectors and historians alike.”

Understanding Market Value & Collectibility

Current trends show strong demand for authenticated groups:

• CVSM with Papers: $150-$400 (higher for mint condition)
• Complete Campaign Group: $600-$1,200
• Named Groups with Provenance: $2,000+ (premium for photo-matched sets like this forum example)

Shingles-engraved medals command 30-50% premiums – their numismatic value growing as collectors recognize his artistry.

Why Authentication Matters

When we verify a medal like Corporal Jerry’s, we do more than confirm metal composition – we safeguard personal courage etched in bronze. The techniques shared here (from simple weight checks to provenance research) protect both financial investment and historical truth. Remember: Every genuine medal preserved allows future generations to hold history in their hands – patina, pride, and all.

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