https://medalsandbadges.blog/Guides to identifying military medals, badges, patches, uniforms and gear from the Civil War to WWII, with tips on spotting fakes and replicas.enhttps://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/military-decorations-and-medals/https://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/military-decorations-and-medals/A collector's guide to US military decorations and medals: how they are grouped and worn, how to identify and authenticate them, and how to care for them.Medals and DecorationsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/british-military-medals-list/https://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/british-military-medals-list/A guide to British military medals, from the Victoria Cross and George Cross to the WWII campaign stars and service medals, with identification tips.Medals and DecorationsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/vietnam-war-medals-identification/https://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/vietnam-war-medals-identification/How to identify US and South Vietnamese medals from the Vietnam War, including the Vietnam Service Medal, campaign ribbons, and common unit awards.Medals and DecorationsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/how-to-tell-if-a-military-medal-is/https://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/how-to-tell-if-a-military-medal-is/How to tell whether a military medal is original, a replica, or altered, using documents, construction, ribbons, naming, and maker marks. Use several checks.Medals and DecorationsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/is-there-an-army-service-ribbon-medal/https://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/is-there-an-army-service-ribbon-medal/The Army Service Ribbon is a ribbon-only award, not a medal. Here is who earns it for finishing initial entry training, and how to recognize one.Medals and DecorationsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/military-medal-values-what-affects-the-price-of/https://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/military-medal-values-what-affects-the-price-of/What makes a military medal worth more or less? Naming, documentation, rarity, condition, and demand all affect price. Here is what to weigh when valuing one.Medals and DecorationsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/purple-heart-medal-identification-and-values/https://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/purple-heart-medal-identification-and-values/How to identify a Purple Heart medal by its design, ribbon, and marks, and what affects its value, from unnamed examples to documented, named awards.Medals and DecorationsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/us-ww2-campaign-medals-ribbons/https://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/us-ww2-campaign-medals-ribbons/Guide to US WWII campaign medals and ribbons, including the Asiatic-Pacific and American Campaign awards, service stars, and how to tell the ribbons apart.Medals and DecorationsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/what-are-the-military-medals-in-order/https://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/what-are-the-military-medals-in-order/Military medals and ribbons are worn in a fixed order of precedence. Here is how the US Army order works, with the top awards and where to find the full list.Medals and DecorationsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/what-is-the-most-rare-military-medal/https://medalsandbadges.blog/medals-decorations/what-is-the-most-rare-military-medal/There is no single answer to which military medal is the rarest. Here is how collectors measure rarity, and which awards are usually cited as the rarest.Medals and DecorationsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/ww2-german-military-badges/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/ww2-german-military-badges/Guide to WWII German military badges: the main types, how to spot genuine pieces, what to check before buying, and how to preserve them safely.German Badges and AwardsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/does-germany-still-use-the-eagle-symbol/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/does-germany-still-use-the-eagle-symbol/Yes, Germany still uses an eagle as its national emblem, the Bundesadler. Here is where it appears today and how it differs from the Nazi-era eagle.German Badges and AwardsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/how-to-identify-a-real-wwii-iron-cross/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/how-to-identify-a-real-wwii-iron-cross/How to tell a genuine 1939 Iron Cross from a fake: construction, magnet tests, paint, maker marks, patina, ribbon and documentation, and where each check misleads.German Badges and AwardsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/german-army-edelweiss-badge/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/german-army-edelweiss-badge/The German Army edelweiss badge worn by mountain troops: what the flower stood for, the main badge types, and how to check a piece before you buy.German Badges and AwardsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/knights-cross-war-merit-cross/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/knights-cross-war-merit-cross/The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and the Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross: what each was for, and which counts as Germany's highest WWII award.German Badges and AwardsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/ww2-german-eagle-badge/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/ww2-german-eagle-badge/The WWII German eagle badge: the state, party and branch eagles, where they were worn, how to check an original, and the legal limits on owning one.German Badges and AwardsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/what-does-the-teutonic-cross-mean/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/what-does-the-teutonic-cross-mean/The Teutonic cross is the black cross of the medieval Teutonic Order. Here is what it stood for, how it relates to the Iron Cross, and how to read it in context.German Badges and AwardsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/what-is-the-wwii-german-eagle-called/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/what-is-the-wwii-german-eagle-called/There is no single name for the WWII German eagle. Here are the terms collectors use, the official and heraldic names, and how to tell them apart.German Badges and AwardsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/wwii-german-infantry-and-panzer-assault-badges-how/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/wwii-german-infantry-and-panzer-assault-badges-how/How to identify WWII German assault badges, from the silver and bronze Infantry Assault Badge to the Panzer, General and Close Combat Clasp.German Badges and AwardsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/wwii-german-wound-badge-gold-silver-and-black/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-badges-awards/wwii-german-wound-badge-gold-silver-and-black/The WWII German Wound Badge came in black, silver and gold grades based on the number of wounds. Here is how the grades worked and how to check a badge.German Badges and AwardsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/military-patches-and-insignia/https://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/military-patches-and-insignia/A practical guide to military patches, badges and insignia: the main categories, an identification routine, reproductions and how to preserve them.Patches and InsigniaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/epaulettes-shoulder-boards/https://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/epaulettes-shoulder-boards/Learn what epaulettes, shoulder boards, shoulder straps and aiguillettes are, how they differ, and how to identify the shoulder pieces on military uniforms.Patches and InsigniaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/how-do-morale-patches-work/https://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/how-do-morale-patches-work/Learn how morale patches work, why they are unofficial, where they may be worn, how they attach, and how collectors judge a vintage morale patch.Patches and InsigniaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/how-to-date-a-military-patch-by-its/https://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/how-to-date-a-military-patch-by-its/Learn how to date a military patch from its backing, stitching, edge finish, materials and wear, and which clues on reproductions can mislead you.Patches and InsigniaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/how-to-get-marksmanship-badge-in-the-army/https://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/how-to-get-marksmanship-badge-in-the-army/Find out how soldiers earn the Army marksmanship badge, what the Marksman, Sharpshooter and Expert levels mean, and how re-qualification works.Patches and InsigniaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/military-lapel-pin-identification/https://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/military-lapel-pin-identification/Learn how to identify a military lapel pin from its design, back, maker's marks and construction, plus where it is worn and how to store it safely.Patches and InsigniaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/us-army-chevrons-what-each-enlisted-rank-insignia/https://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/us-army-chevrons-what-each-enlisted-rank-insignia/Learn how US Army chevrons show enlisted rank, how to read a sleeve insignia on a uniform, and how the system changed from WWII to later eras.Patches and InsigniaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/us-marksmanship-obsolete-badges/https://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/us-marksmanship-obsolete-badges/Learn how US Army and Marine Corps marksmanship badges work, what their clasps mean, and how to tell obsolete badges from today's designs.Patches and InsigniaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/what-are-different-types-of-patches/https://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/what-are-different-types-of-patches/Learn the main types of patches, including embroidered, woven, PVC, printed and bullion, and how their backings show a patch's use and period.Patches and InsigniaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/wwii-us-army-division-patches-shoulder-sleeve-insignia/https://medalsandbadges.blog/patches-insignia/wwii-us-army-division-patches-shoulder-sleeve-insignia/Learn what WWII US Army division patches, or shoulder sleeve insignia, mean, how they were worn, and how to read their numerals, symbols and nicknames.Patches and InsigniaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/us-ww2-standard-issue-equipment/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/us-ww2-standard-issue-equipment/A guide to the standard-issue uniforms, helmets, boots, gaiters and web gear of the US Army in WWII, with how to tell originals and reproductions apart.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/american-ww2-pilot-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/american-ww2-pilot-uniforms/The flight clothing American WWII pilots wore, from A-2 and B-10 jackets to oxygen masks, goggles, life preservers and parachute rigs, with identification tips.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/how-to-identify-an-m1941-field-jacket/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/how-to-identify-an-m1941-field-jacket/How to identify an M1941 field jacket by its shell, lining, zipper, buttons, shoulder loops and labels, with the PQD 20 to 20B changes explained.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/the-m1942-tanker-jacket-identification-and-values/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/the-m1942-tanker-jacket-identification-and-values/How to identify a WWII M1942 tanker jacket by its shell, wool blanket lining, zipper and labels, how it differs from the A-2, and what affects value.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/us-navy-wwii-uniforms-and-insignia/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/us-navy-wwii-uniforms-and-insignia/A guide to US Navy uniforms and insignia in WWII, from blues and whites to rating badges, officer stripes and cap devices, with tips for identifying originals.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/usmc-ww2-uniforms-web-gear/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/usmc-ww2-uniforms-web-gear/Guide to US Marine Corps uniforms and web gear in WWII: utility and service uniforms, frogskin camouflage, the EGA emblem, and how to identify original pieces.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/what-branch-lost-the-most-men-in-wwii/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/what-branch-lost-the-most-men-in-wwii/The US Army, including the Army Air Forces, lost the most men in WWII, followed by the Navy and Marine Corps. Here are the rough numbers and sources.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/what-helmets-did-americans-use-in-wwii/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/what-helmets-did-americans-use-in-wwii/The M1 steel helmet was the main US helmet in WWII. Learn about its liners, covers, paratrooper and flak-helmet variants, and how to identify them.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/what-helmets-did-they-wear-in-wwii/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/what-helmets-did-they-wear-in-wwii/A quick guide to the main helmets worn in WWII by the US, Britain, Germany, the Soviet Union, France and Japan, with dates and how to recognize them.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/what-was-the-standard-issue-russian-rifle-in/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/what-was-the-standard-issue-russian-rifle-in/The Mosin-Nagant M1891/30 was the standard Soviet infantry rifle in WWII. Learn how the SVT-40 and PPSh-41 fit in, and where the AK-47 came later.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/world-war-2-military-helmets/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/world-war-2-military-helmets/Identify the main World War 2 military helmets, from the US M1 and German Stahlhelm to British, Soviet and Japanese models, and what affects value.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/ww2-military-dog-tags/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/ww2-military-dog-tags/How WWII dog tags were stamped and worn, how to tell Army tags from Navy tags, what the markings mean, and what affects the value of originals and replicas.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/wwii-us-paratrooper-jump-boots-identification-and-markings/https://medalsandbadges.blog/us-ww2-uniforms-gear/wwii-us-paratrooper-jump-boots-identification-and-markings/How to identify WWII US paratrooper jump boots: the leather design, maker marks and stamps, common reproduction signs, and how to care for them.US WWII Uniforms and GearSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-insignia/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-insignia/Identify Civil War rank and branch insignia on Union and Confederate uniforms, from officer straps to enlisted chevrons, and spot common reproductions.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-canteens-and-haversacks-a-collector-s/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-canteens-and-haversacks-a-collector-s/A collector's guide to Civil War canteens and haversacks, covering Union and Confederate types, materials, maker marks, reproductions and careful storage.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-kepis-identification-and-makers-marks/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-kepis-identification-and-makers-marks/How to identify Civil War kepis and forage caps, covering Union and Confederate styles, insignia, sweatbands, maker labels and later reproductions.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-military-medals/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-military-medals/A guide to Civil War military medals, from the Army and Navy Medal of Honor to later veterans' badges, with tips on documentation and replicas.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-militia-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-militia-uniforms/How Civil War militia and early volunteer uniforms varied, from Zouave-style dress to homespun grey and butternut, compared with regulation issue.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-sabers-and-swords-how-to-identify/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-sabers-and-swords-how-to-identify/How to identify Civil War sabers and swords by model, blade markings, grip and scabbard, plus signs of reproductions and tips on preserving an original blade.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/confederate-uniforms-how-to-tell-them-apart-from/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/confederate-uniforms-how-to-tell-them-apart-from/How to tell Confederate uniforms from Union issue, covering cloth and dye, cut, buttons, insignia, inspection marks, and captured or altered uniforms.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-uniform-buttons/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/civil-war-uniform-buttons/How to identify Civil War uniform buttons by design, backmark, size and material, with notes on Union and Confederate patterns, reproductions and value.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/spanish-american-war-army-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/spanish-american-war-army-uniforms/Spanish-American War US Army uniforms of 1898, from blue wool to the new khaki field dress, with branch colors, insignia and authenticity tips for collectors.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/what-does-the-us-army-call-their-uniform/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/what-does-the-us-army-call-their-uniform/The US Army has no single name for its uniform; it uses named uniforms by purpose, and this guide explains the main ones and how historical uniforms differ.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/what-is-the-insignia-shape-of-major-in/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/what-is-the-insignia-shape-of-major-in/A major's insignia is a gold oak leaf, in both Civil War Union service and the modern Army. Here's how it compares with other officer ranks and where it's worn.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/where-can-i-buy-civil-war-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/where-can-i-buy-civil-war-uniforms/Where to buy Civil War uniforms, from reproduction sutlers and auctions to dealers and online sellers, plus tips on provenance and return policies.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/who-was-the-meanest-general-in-the-civil/https://medalsandbadges.blog/civil-war-era-militaria/who-was-the-meanest-general-in-the-civil/No official ranking names a meanest Civil War general. Here are the names most often raised, and why 'meanest' and 'worst' mean different things.Civil War Era MilitariaSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/ww2-german-uniforms-equipment/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/ww2-german-uniforms-equipment/Guide to German WWII uniforms and equipment for collectors: Wehrmacht, Waffen-SS, Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine, plus tips on identification and care.German UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/evolution-of-german-army-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/evolution-of-german-army-uniforms/How German army uniforms changed from Prussian kit around 1870 through the Imperial army and the Wehrmacht to the Cold War, with dating clues for collectors.German UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/kriegsmarine-ww2-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/kriegsmarine-ww2-uniforms/A guide to Kriegsmarine uniforms from 1935 to 1945: navy blue sailor and officer dress, rank insignia, caps, U-boat clothing and what collectors should check.German UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/the-german-m43-field-cap-identification-and-markings/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/the-german-m43-field-cap-identification-and-markings/How to identify a German M43 field cap: shape, branch piping, eagle and cockade, maker markings and common reproduction signs for collectors.German UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/waffen-ss-uniforms-and-insignia-a-collector-s/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/waffen-ss-uniforms-and-insignia-a-collector-s/Identify Waffen-SS uniforms and insignia: collar runes, Totenkopf and cuff titles, how they differ from Heer kit, common fakes and the legal limits on display.German UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/what-color-did-german-soldiers-wear/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/what-color-did-german-soldiers-wear/What color did German soldiers wear? Field gray for the army, dark navy for the navy, blue-gray for the Luftwaffe, and black for Panzer crews.German UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/what-is-the-rarest-rank-in-the-us/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/what-is-the-rarest-rank-in-the-us/The rarest rank in the US Army is General of the Armies, held by only two people. Here is how it compares with five-star General of the Army.German UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/what-were-the-typical-military-uniforms-worn-during/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/what-were-the-typical-military-uniforms-worn-during/Typical military uniforms of World War II: field dress, helmets and insignia across the major armies, with German examples and collector notes.German UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/ww2-german-grenadier-nco-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/ww2-german-grenadier-nco-uniforms/What the grenadier and NCO uniforms of the German army wore in WWII, including infantry kit, NCO rank insignia and common mix-ups for collectors to avoid.German UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/wwii-german-panzer-crew-uniforms-the-black-jacket/https://medalsandbadges.blog/german-uniforms/wwii-german-panzer-crew-uniforms-the-black-jacket/German WWII Panzer crew black jacket: cut, collar tabs and branch piping, black trousers and overalls, and pointers for spotting reproductions.German UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/british-commonwealth-militaria/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/british-commonwealth-militaria/A practical guide to British and Commonwealth militaria: what to collect, how to identify and authenticate items, how to value them, and how to preserve them.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/british-canadian-ww2-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/british-canadian-ww2-uniforms/A guide to British and Canadian WWII uniforms: battledress, Canadian insignia, commando clothing and general officers' uniforms, with tips for identifying items.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/ww1-british-army-uniform-equipment/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/ww1-british-army-uniform-equipment/A guide to British Army uniform and equipment in World War I: service dress, 1908 Pattern webbing, Brodie helmets and boots, and how to check items for authenticity.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/british-ceremonial-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/british-ceremonial-uniforms/How British ceremonial uniforms grew from Peninsular War dress: red coats, shakos, rifle green, hussar braid, and the scarlet and bearskin survivals of today.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/british-desert-uniforms-of-the-western-desert-campaign/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/british-desert-uniforms-of-the-western-desert-campaign/British desert uniforms of the Western Desert campaign, 1940 to 1943: khaki drill, shorts, headgear, webbing and boots, with tips for identifying desert-issue items.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/can-civilians-wear-cadpat/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/can-civilians-wear-cadpat/Can civilians wear CADPAT? It depends on how it is worn. Here is general information on CADPAT, the rules that can apply, and where to check the current position.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/denison-smock-identifying-british-airborne-camouflage/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/denison-smock-identifying-british-airborne-camouflage/How to identify a Denison smock: its role in British airborne camouflage, the main patterns, the label and construction checks to make, and common reproductions.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/home-guard-uniforms-and-insignia-of-wwii-britain/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/home-guard-uniforms-and-insignia-of-wwii-britain/Home Guard uniforms and insignia of WWII Britain, from the early LDV armbands to issued clothing, with tips on checking original items and spotting later copies.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/raf-pilot-uniforms-ww2/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/raf-pilot-uniforms-ww2/RAF pilot uniforms of WWII: service dress, flying clothing such as the Sidcot suit, pilot's wings, and the officer and NCO ranks that pilots wore.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/victoria-cross-replicas-and-fakes-how-to-spot/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/victoria-cross-replicas-and-fakes-how-to-spot/How to spot a Victoria Cross replica or fake: what a genuine VC looks like, the warning signs to check, why documentation matters, and when to get a specialist opinion.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/were-fighter-pilots-in-wwii-officers/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/were-fighter-pilots-in-wwii-officers/Were fighter pilots in WWII officers? Many were, but many RAF fighter pilots were sergeant pilots. Here is how rank showed on the uniform and what it means for collectors.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/what-did-germans-think-of-canadians-in-wwii/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/what-did-germans-think-of-canadians-in-wwii/Did Germans respect Canadian soldiers in WWII? The evidence is mostly anecdotal, so here is what German sources, Dieppe and later battles show, and where to find them.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/what-is-britain-s-most-prestigious-military-decoration/https://medalsandbadges.blog/british-commonwealth-militaria/what-is-britain-s-most-prestigious-military-decoration/Britain's most prestigious military decoration is the Victoria Cross. Learn when it was created, who can receive it, and how it compares with the George Cross.British and CommonwealthSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-ww2-uniforms-insignia/https://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-ww2-uniforms-insignia/A guide to Red Army uniforms and insignia in World War II, from tunics and caps to shoulder boards and medals, with tips for checking original pieces.Soviet and RussianSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/how-big-was-the-soviet-army-in-wwii/https://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/how-big-was-the-soviet-army-in-wwii/How many people served in the Soviet Red Army in WWII, how large it was at its peak in 1945, and what those numbers mean for collectors today.Soviet and RussianSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/russian-military-patches-meaning/https://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/russian-military-patches-meaning/What the main types of Russian military patches are, how to read their symbols, what the blue-and-white striped vest means, and how to spot reproductions.Soviet and RussianSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-cold-war-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-cold-war-uniforms/How Soviet Army uniforms changed from the late 1950s through the 1980s, including the M69 tunic, peaked caps, shoulder boards and Afghanistan-era field gear.Soviet and RussianSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-commissar-uniform-ww2/https://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-commissar-uniform-ww2/Who Soviet commissars were, how their WWII uniforms and insignia changed over time, and what to check before buying anything sold as a commissar uniform.Soviet and RussianSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-pilotka-field-caps-identification-guide/https://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-pilotka-field-caps-identification-guide/How to tell an original Soviet pilotka field cap from a reproduction, covering shape, cap badge, stitching, lining and why colour alone is unreliable.Soviet and RussianSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-ushankas-and-winter-headgear-of-wwii/https://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-ushankas-and-winter-headgear-of-wwii/A guide to Soviet ushankas and other winter headgear from WWII, covering earflaps, fur, star badges, linings and signs that an item may be a later copy.Soviet and RussianSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-wwii-medals-how-to-identify-them/https://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/soviet-wwii-medals-how-to-identify-them/How to identify Soviet WWII orders and medals using award type, reverse markings, serial numbers, construction and common signs of reproduction.Soviet and RussianSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/was-it-the-soviet-union-in-wwii/https://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/was-it-the-soviet-union-in-wwii/Yes, the Soviet Union was one of the main Allies from June 1941 until 1945. Here is a short timeline, plus how today's Russia relates to the USSR.Soviet and RussianSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/what-types-of-uniforms-did-soldiers-wear-during/https://medalsandbadges.blog/soviet-russian-militaria/what-types-of-uniforms-did-soldiers-wear-during/A plain answer to what soldiers wore in WWII, with a focus on Soviet tunics, breeches, caps, greatcoats, boots and winter gear, and how they varied.Soviet and RussianSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/french-ww2-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/french-ww2-uniforms/A collector's guide to French WWII uniforms, covering 1939–40 army service dress, Adrian helmets, Free French kit and Resistance clothing and symbols.Other European UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/belgian-ww2-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/belgian-ww2-uniforms/Belgian Army uniforms of the 1940 campaign: service dress, helmets, national cockades and identification tips, with notes on where documented evidence is thin.Other European UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/danish-swedish-ww2-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/danish-swedish-ww2-uniforms/Danish and Swedish WWII uniforms, covering Denmark's occupied army, Sweden's neutral mobilised forces and what sources do and do not document.Other European UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/finnish-ww2-uniforms/https://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/finnish-ww2-uniforms/Finnish WWII uniforms centred on the M/36 pattern: tunic, field cap and greatcoat, collar patches, buttons and the helmets and winter kit collectors see most.Other European UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/hungarian-wwii-uniforms-and-insignia/https://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/hungarian-wwii-uniforms-and-insignia/Hungarian WWII uniforms and insignia: Honvéd service dress, red-white-green cockades, steel helmets, hussar traditions and identification pitfalls.Other European UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/italian-wwii-uniforms-and-insignia/https://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/italian-wwii-uniforms-and-insignia/Identifying Italian WWII uniforms and insignia for collectors: M33 helmets, fiamme collar tabs, feathered hats, Blackshirt items and reproduction pitfalls.Other European UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/polish-army-uniforms-of-1939/https://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/polish-army-uniforms-of-1939/Polish Army uniforms of 1939: khaki tunics, rogatywka caps, French Adrian and wz.35 bowl helmets, cavalry pennants and identifying 1939 pieces.Other European UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/what-did-finnish-soldiers-wear-in-wwii/https://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/what-did-finnish-soldiers-wear-in-wwii/Finnish soldiers in WWII mainly wore the M/36 uniform, with M/39 summer and winter headgear, earlier M/22 and M/27 items in use, and imported helmets.Other European UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/what-type-of-clothing-do-they-wear-in/https://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/what-type-of-clothing-do-they-wear-in/Short answer on Belgian clothing in the Second World War: khaki wool service dress, steel helmets and national cockades, and where the record is thin.Other European UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/why-didn-t-belgium-let-germany-through/https://medalsandbadges.blog/european-ww2-uniforms/why-didn-t-belgium-let-germany-through/Belgium refused German demands for passage in 1914 because its neutrality was guaranteed by treaty, and Germany invaded anyway in both world wars.Other European UniformsSun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT