Quote Originally Posted by bob10
First of all, genuine service medals have the name & official no. of the serviceman inscribed on them, usually on the edge. Any medals without that are copies, and should not be worn. They are good for display only.
That's true of the full size medals but not miniatures. The originals and copies are all pretty much the same. And as far as not wearing any copies is concerned, each to their own. I wear copies as I'd rather not ever run the risk of losing the originals noting the fact that it's no simple matter to replace them. And like some here you don't have the originals for whatever reason but you would like to wear something to honour the one who earns them then fill your boots. The only time I take exception is when someone who isn't entitled to a medal buys a replica and passes it off as their own.