A vast field, covering many eras and countries. Specialist reference books on every period and country can be found. One book - Price Guide: Orders and Decorations, Germany 1871-1945 by Detlev Niemann (2004) - is highly recommended (I have several in stock at £50 each plus postage).

This was awarded to women for bearing eight or more children.The series of awards in bronze, silver and gold were designed by the architect Franz Berberich. Only the gold example was issued in a leatherette box. It is one of a handful of awards bearing Hitler's signature in facsimile.

This medal (F. Phillips of Aldershot is on the inside of the case lid and also in raised lettering on the reverse of the medal itself) was created in the early 1920s for athletics and crosscountry running. It shows Icarus having his wings strapped on by a bearded assistant. The reverse is marked 'Team Championships 1924 Open Tug-of-War Winners'.

This belonged to Gen. Lord Geoffrey Kemp Bourne, born 1902, educated Rugby School and RMA Woolwich, commissioned 1923 2nd Lt. RA, served on General Staff throughout WW2 in Burma 1945-46 with 5th Indian Division, landing on a recce mission behind enemy lines in Holland during 'Operation Varsity' in March 1944. He later commanded in Malaya 1954-56.

Note the lack of maker's initials on the shoulder of the emperor's bust - this mark was always found on official issue medals. However, there would appear to be a maker's mark on the reverse ('S.G.A.'). Typically this would have been worn on the tunic, while the original would have been treasured in its box.

This medal was introduced by King Frederick William III of Prussia (1797-1840) to award other ranks and NCOs for military galantry. However, it could also be awarded to the civil service for meritorious conduct. The difference between civil and military was apparently in the colours of the ribbon (missing here).

This medal commemorates the retirement of William Gladstone from the House of Commons in 1894. He had been Prime Minister four times and, along with Disraeli, he created the modern Conservative party. There is a 50-line inscription on the reverse, listing the MPs of 1894. It is by Messrs L.C. Lauer and it was struck by J. Rochelle Thomas.

This is the sterling silver version issued in 1945 to Canadian troops for service overseas in World War 2. The British version was struck in nickel silver, but for some reason the Canadians were lucky enough to have theirs issued in somewhat finer metal. It carried the normal ribbon for the British example, sadly missing.

Men and women who served for at least two years in any official voluntary organisation in South Africa or overseas qualified for this medal so long as the service was both voluntary and unpaid. Those who already had the Africa Service Medal were ineligible, but exceptions exist. 17,500 of these were issued in sterling silver in 1946.

This was given to the good and great in 1935 to commemorate the Jubilee of George V and Queen Mary. The men received it on a conventional loose ribbon with pin suspension; the women received it in this fashion with a bow.

The Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) was first formed in August 1916 to send comforts to the troops. The ACF also ran a residential and recreational club for troops on leave in London called the AIF and War Chest Club. The ACF officially closed in April 1920, only to reopen for WW2.