The comprehensive guide to orders & medals

[Tal Inbar]

The classic book by Paul McDaniel and Paul Schmitt, published in 1997. The "bible' of collectors. Superb information, excellent photograps, extensive research on fakes. Many updates exist since it was published. A MUST have to any collector! (Historical Research LLC, 1997. 407 Pages, HB).

[Art]

Right Tal, and for any beginning collector out there that may be reading..if you want to buy one book that is THE one..this is it. Collectors always refer to the book and the man, Paul McDaniel who also authenticates awards. When you see another collector indicating an award was authenticated by McDaniel, this means the collector has sent the award to McDaniel, and for a fee, he will physically examine an award and if it looks authentic to him, he will issue a certificate with a front and back picture of the award, and other information. I'm oversimpifying the process alot. You can see what service he performs by visiting his website, which is in the links section of this website.

[Tal Inbar]

There is an updates list on the web site of McDaniel. the big problem is that it wasn't updated almost a year. So, anyone??? Please help update this book (I hope that in the future there will be "part 2" of the book!

[Art]

Tal,

I know..I hope he does in the future have an updated version. You know everyone who owns the first is going to get the updated copy..

Art

[Frieza]

Is the book even still in print? I havnt found one in any book stores near me.

[Art]

Frieza,

You can go directly to McDaniels website and buy it from him. Excellent book and worth the price. At the time, he was autographing them. Price for the book is $95, without shipping.

This is definitely required reading for anyone who is serious. I just can't imagine not having it. In fact, I've got it open next to me right now :) Sure wish he'd do a second edition though..unfortunately with world events the way they are I don't think we'll be seeing anything from him in a long time.

Art

[scook17]

Art,

Why do you think there would be no second edition? There are plenty more medals/orders/badges not covered by this book. Things have moved on somwhat with the existing medals/orders, especially with the fakes, so a second edition would be well received.

Kind Regards,
Shane Cook.

[Nota Bene]

Art,

I am also interested. Have you heard anything from Paul?

Alexei

[charlet]

hi all comrades,

I hope i don't bring back an old debate; in France we're a few knowing and using Paul's book. We didn't have any discussion about this book (we're three!). My question?
are there any small defaults on this book? (apart from corrections published by Paul on his website). Globaly it is an excellent and reliable book. I think it is not complete for small things (diplomas); details lacks are normal after such a huge work. I complete the variations with the excellent russian site mondvor.narod.ru, and the fakes with Alexei's job. But there are rumors, in the sense fellow collectors find one or two concerns, but I'm not aware of.
yours advices gentlemen, to complete a good book?

(PS thanks for the opinions of Doug about the Webster and Nelson. The book gained in quality with the comlplement brought by Doug. I'm naive...Doug Drabik is known in France (for the websurfers)and did not realize "Doug D" was him when we exchanged mails...the celibrity! :p

[ericlida]

It took me a while to make a decision to purchase the book (because of the price). However, as a new collector, I cannot imagine my collecting today without this book. It's great.