Genealogy Chat

Hi all Have just been very lucky to inherit my Grandfathers medals, having lots of fun with my Mother-in-law identifying them! Was wondering if anyone can give me any useful tips on how to clean them? They are very precious to me and I want restore them to their former glory without damage and as a mark of respect to my Grandfather. Thanks Dave

How brilliant!! I wouldn't touch them let the pros. do it. Find a good second hand shop or antique place they sometimes have people who can do it or know where it can be done. What a great treasure, good luck, Jo

I was given my mum's grandfather's desk. It is rosewood (I think) and would be gorgeous if it was cleaned, but I've heard that cleaning reduces the value of some things, so I won't touch it, nor will I let anyone else. I have a mantle clock that was given to my parent's on their wedding day by my father's parents. The clock is actually fairly ugly (and doesn't work!), but it means the world to me because it's the only thing I have from my dad's side of the family. Medals, clocks -- odd what we consider to be important, eh? You're lucky to have things that once belonged to your grandfather and I'm sure he would be thrilled that someone inherited them who will treasure them.

Karen, my Nan has a few things of my Grandads and our family isn't as all as it should be. So when Nan brought them round and said I could have them, I could see warning flags flying. So instead I put them in the scanner and copied them! No one can complain now. I have them in my documents, on floppy on cd and printed them so hope they dont ever go away from me! Hope you get it sorted for yours, it should be for all to see. Sentimental values are more than winning the lottery. Good luck, Jo

Sorry, have to add my thoughts too, Karen as I know the feeling. When my mum's uncle passed away, another relative scrambled to get his belongings, including the family bible. Supposedly, the bible included names that went all the way back to Ireland. I wrote letters to her for years, asking only for the information so that I could fill in our tree. She never answered any of my letters. I'm sure she has passed away by now and I don't know her daughter's name. It is working out though. With "Paul's" help, on GC, we are slowly finding out information about my ancestor, John Ovens. Perhaps it was meant to be this way -- this way I'll truly appreciate my ancestor and his family if I ever find proof. Maybe I wouldn't have the same deep feeling about the Ovens' if I had been handed the information 25 years ago. Good luck with your family -- I'm hoping he will change his mind soon.

Hi all, I'm Dave's fiance just passing a message of thanks on for your advice. Dave's father passed away in December and left him his Grandfathers medals which makes them very sentimental. I will never get to see my late Grandfathers medals due to a family rift, karen I completely sympathize with you, why should relatives be so heartless and deny other loved ones from seeing things which should remain in the family and be able to help them for research.

I haven't seen my Grandfathers medals either - he died before I was born - my Dad claims to have them at home somewhere but had a quick look and couldn't find them - so has given up ! I'll have to go and turn their house upside down to find them myself sometime I expect, I don't think he realises quite how keen I am !

Where abouts do you live? There are places that offer professional cleaning, re-ribboning and mounting of medals. I may know somewhere near to you. If you want to clean them yourself then use a non abrasive silver cleaner making sure you do not get cleaner on the ribbons. Get some clean white paper folded to the width of the ribbon,place the paper through the gap between the ribbon and the medal, protecting the ribbon from the cleaner. Medals do not lose value when cleaned unless they are cleaned so often that they show signs of wear. they do look so much better for a clean. Malcolm

Hi, My mother is holding medals from my father's side. There are medals back to my Gr.Gr.Grandfather. ( a replica of my Gr.Gr.Grandfather's VC medal.) I know they will probably be passed onto one of my brothers, but I would dearly love the collection and was wondering if it is possible to get a copy of these medals. Zena

Hi Zena Yes you can get replica medals Try these websites remove brackets www.cjmedals(.)co(.)uk www.britishmilitarymedals(.)co(.)uk Malcolm

Hello David. I endorse all Malcolm has said. Don't whatever you do get any form of cleaner on the ribbons, especially if they are the original silk ribbons as these add to the value. A soft toothbrush and some jewellers rouge could bring up the medals. Zena. If you go the replica route you could be looking at £40 plus each. Who was your Great Great Grandfather and where did he win his VC? Regards. Keith

Hi David It may be worthwhile contacting the Museum at Aldershot. If you put this into your 'Google' search, it should come up with the relevant info. Take care and look after those lovely medals! Regards Sarah.

Karen Don't give yourself high blood pressure just because of bits of paper, you have the bible your have your memories. Feel sorry for them because in years to come they will be the ones to feel sorry for themselves. The more they think they are upsetting the more they are like that. So cool it, don't share what you have with them. Two can play at their games. Years ago when my nan died all I wanted was a picture of her and granddad, I got nothing, so I draw a line under that family. I think they now wish differently but its to late as far as I am concerned. I will share anything I have with my family but them. As someone said what goes round come round. Lets hope things do turn out right for you. Irene

Thanks Malcolm. I will have a look at these sites. I feel so proud that my gr.gr. grandfather received the VC and my other grandfather ancestors have gain medals in both the army and navy. Keith. My gr.gr.grandfather was John Taylor. He also had the following medals: Victoria Cross, Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (1st type), China War Medal 1842, India General Service Medal 1854 clasp Pegu, Crimea Medal clasps Inkermann and Sebastopol, Legion d'Honneur and Turkish Crimea Medal- a formidable group John Taylor received the VC in the Crimea War -18th June 1855, immediately after the assault of Sebastopol. With two others they rescued a wounded soldier in spite of heavy fire which was still continuing. Unfortunately, John died on 24th February 1857, age 35 years in Woolwich, he had just heard a few hours earlier that he had been gazetted for the Victoria Cross. So he never got to receive his medal or wear it and it was sent to his wife. These medals were sold unfortunately and are now held in the Sheesh Mahal Collection in Patiala, India.

Keep your medals safe - they are valuable and especially anything that is better than the norm.

I just found out at the weekend that my Gran who was a widow was basically harrassed into selling her house, then somehow the cheeky blighter got in and changed the locks before they had even exchanged. This was about 32 years ago, but she basically lost everything that was in the house, all my grandfathers medals, lots of family history stuff, jewellery, furniture. My dad and uncle did go back but my Gran for some reason just wanted it all left behind her. It makes me very sad to think that they probably just threw it all away!!

Karen, Have been reading your story with interest. Can't your sister do something about her husband. Surely she has some say in his behaviour and has access to your father's records? Crista

Note for Karen -- try my Grandmother's trick -- outlive the B**d, then you get the last laugh and clearance of his possesions. Diana - Melbourne

Hello Zena. Thanks for that info. Fascinating story. God knows what that little lot would be worth on the market today. See www(.)militaryresearchon(.)com and highlight the Collins part for medals etc. Aye Keith

Hi Keith You would not believe, but these medals other than John Taylor's were in a drawer of my father's, he had never talked about them and it wasnt until after he died my mother noticed a replica VC medal, so the hunt was on for who had received it as we had no idea. I got a book from the library on VC recipients and the only one who corresponded with our surnames was John Taylor - so the hunt was on to prove this. It's been a very exciting search for us and 140 years after the death of John Taylor. a headstone was placed on his unmarked grave to recognise this great hero. Zena