eMedals history

eMedals Inc. was established in 1981 with the objective of connecting collectors on a global scale and providing a sense of integrity to dealership.

The company began as a one-man operation but soon expanded. In 1999, the first version of our eCommerce website was launched, followed by the opening of a storefront in Burlington, Ontario in 2008 to better serve our growing international clientele.


Today, we ship items safely around the world with speed and integrity, continually improving every aspect of our operations—from the range of items offered to the quality of the online auction experience.

These ongoing developments, together with our core principles, have helped us emerge as the largest militaria dealer in North America.

As part of our continued growth, we are also strengthening our presence in Europe through our Vienna location, allowing us to better support European collectors and consignors while improving accessibility and service across the region.

Mission Statement

To lead the industry in historical militaria by combining expert knowledge, trusted services, and modern technology. We aim to provide a seamless online platform where history can be preserved, shared, and collected with confidence.

Leadership & Operations

Guiding the vision, growth, and integrity of eMedals, this area of responsibility ensures that all operations uphold the highest standards of service and professionalism. Alongside day-to-day operational oversight, it coordinates and implements key projects, aligning internal processes across departments to support consistency, efficiency, and continued improvement throughout the company.

Barry

Owner

Barry’s education consists of a degree from McMaster University in Political Science. His interest in militaria developed from a love of coin collecting as a child. He began a personal collection of militaria in the late 1970’s which soon turned from a hobby into a passion. Through his time as a collector he saw a need for a global dealer; he filled this gap with the creation of eMedals Inc. in 1981.


Since then, his passion has only grown, and he has become an expert in European Orders and Decorations. He has a large personal collection as well, consisting primarily of First and Second War aviation groups. Barry has been attending shows and exhibitions throughout Europe and North America for over 40 years and is a member of OMSA, OMRS, CSMMI and MCCC.

Michael has a career background in eCommerce business development and strategy.  His education consists of an undergraduate degree in Military History and Commerce at Queen's University as well as an MBA in International Business at The University of London, UK.


Michael has led the eMedals Inc team to build a globally recognized brand serving the collecting community and historical institutions alike. Founded in his undergraduate studies and his work with Veterans Affairs Canada, Michael’s interests pertain largely to Canadian and British involvement in the First World War.


Michael is currently on leave.

Michael

Managing Director

Kelsey

Projects Manager & Historical Researcher

Kelsey completed her bachelor’s degree in History and Museum Studies at the University of Guelph, prior to acquiring her master’s degree in Public History from Western University in 2017. Afterwards, she spent a year in Tasmania, Australia researching convict history at Port Arthur Historic Site. In 2018, she joined eMedals as a commonwealth and world researcher and has since shifted to a strategic role in overall business development.

Consignment & Collection Services

We accept consignments and provide a structured, transparent process, working directly with collectors worldwide from initial consultation through final sale. Each collection is carefully reviewed and guided through the most suitable method of sale—whether Buy Now or Auction—ensuring clarity, efficiency, and value at every stage. Supported by eMedals’ advanced auction platform and competitive commission structure, this service enables consignors to navigate the market with confidence while reaching a global audience.

Sell

Research & Specialists

Our specialists combine years of professional experience with a strong academic background in history to provide thorough authentication, cataloging, and historical research for every item. They bring expertise across different regions, periods, and types of militaria, working meticulously to ensure each piece is presented accurately and with full historical context. With knowledge of multiple languages, our researchers can identify items from international sources and communicate effectively with consignors and collectors worldwide, supporting a truly global clientele.

William

Lead Historical Researcher

From Hamilton, Ontario, William obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Modern European History from Brock University, before pursuing a master’s degree in Political Science. William joined eMedals Inc. in 2018 as a researcher and writer with a focus on Third Reich and Imperial European materials.

Client Care, Shipping & Logistics

Every order and request is handled personally, with care and attention to detail. We ensure that items are securely packaged and delivered safely and on time, managing each step of the process individually to meet the needs of consignors and collectors. Our multilingual Team ensures smooth communication with clients worldwide.

Juan

Head Administrator & Shipper

Juan José is a lifelong collector of historical orders, decorations, and medals, having begun collecting at the age of nine. He studied history at university and is a former President of the Canadian Society of Military Medals and Insignia (CSMMI). His interests centre on European and Latin American awards, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, historical integrity, and careful documentation.

Accounting & Finance

Accounting & Finance ensures smooth financial operations and accurate record-keeping across the company. Responsibilities include in-house accounting, account reconciliations, bookkeeping, and managing vendor relationships. Their work provides reliability and integrity to all financial processes, supporting the broader operations of eMedals.

Maggie

Bookkeeper & Accountant

Originally from China, Maggie’s education consists of bachelor’s degrees in accounting and mathematics for commerce. She joined eMedals Inc. in 2019 as a bookkeeper and is responsible for in-house accounting.

Marketing

Marketing connects consignors’ items with collectors worldwide, ensuring each piece reaches the right audience. Through strategic outreach, communications, and digital promotion, the department supports engagement with collectors across all regions, including our growing European base. Multilingual expertise allows the department to communicate effectively with international consignors and collectors, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and maximum visibility for every consignment.

Lisa

eCommerce Marketing Manager

From Bavaria, Germany, Lisa completed her bachelor’s degree in Creative Media / Graphic Design at London Metropolitan University and is a trained media and graphic designer with over 10 years of experience in design, print, and marketing. After working in advertising agencies and the printing industry, she joined eMedals in 2018 as a researcher and now serves as eCommerce Marketing Manager.


Studio Photography

Professional photography is essential to presenting every item accurately and clearly. Our Studio Department ensures that all items entering auction are carefully photographed and edited to highlight their unique features and authenticity. By combining attention to detail with a rigorous editing process, the images allow collectors to examine each piece with confidence and appreciate its historical significance.

Carlos

Photographer & Studio Lead

Born in Columbia, Carlos moved to Canada in 2018 and currently resides in Burlington, Ontario. Having worked as a successful product and portrait photographer, Carlos joined eMedals in 2021. Carlos is responsible for in-studio macro photography, capturing historical details and presenting accurate representations for online use.

Vienna Branch

Providing a convenient hub for European consignors and clients, this location handles drop-offs, pickups, and in-person support for greater accessibility. Please contact our main office (info@emedals.com) to set up an appointment.

Haryot

Operating Manager

Haryot studied Harp and Viola at the Viennese Conservatory, graduating with distinction. After 10 years in Dubai as a Concert Harpist and Marketing professional, she returned to Vienna in 2021 and continued working in marketing. She joined our Vienna office in April 2023 and now serves as Operating Manager.

News & Blog

An Order of the Imperial Dragon (Bao Xing Merit Medal), I Class Set, c.1875

NOTABLE SALES

13.02.2023

An Order of the Imperial Dragon (Bao Xing Merit Medal), I Class Set, c.1875

Sold in 2021 for $120,000 USD, the Bao Xing Merit Medals of Professor Heinrich Dubus of the Royal Naval College was an industry first. 

NOTABLE SALES

13.02.2023

An Order of the Imperial Dragon (Bao Xing Merit Medal), I Class Set, c.1875

Sold in 2021 for $120,000 USD, the Bao Xing Merit Medals of Professor Heinrich Dubus of the Royal Naval College was an industry first. 

An Order of the White Elephant in Gold with Diamonds, 1st Class Grand Cordon, c.1869

NOTABLE SALES

13.02.2023

An Order of the White Elephant in Gold with Diamonds, 1st Class Grand Cordon, c.1869

Likely bestowed by and personally presented by King Rama IV, this exquisite Order of the White Elephant in Gold with Diamonds showcases early Thai phaleristics as well as emerging Western...

NOTABLE SALES

13.02.2023

An Order of the White Elephant in Gold with Diamonds, 1st Class Grand Cordon, c.1869

Likely bestowed by and personally presented by King Rama IV, this exquisite Order of the White Elephant in Gold with Diamonds showcases early Thai phaleristics as well as emerging Western...

On Behalf of the Goodwin Estate, an early American Manufactured Order of the Cincinnati Eagle

NOTABLE SALES

13.02.2023

On Behalf of the Goodwin Estate, an early American Manufactured Order of the Cincinnati Eagle

The oldest hereditary society in the United States, the Order of the Cincinnati Eagle is widely sought after due to its early historical significance and American legacy. 

NOTABLE SALES

13.02.2023

On Behalf of the Goodwin Estate, an early American Manufactured Order of the Cincinnati Eagle

The oldest hereditary society in the United States, the Order of the Cincinnati Eagle is widely sought after due to its early historical significance and American legacy. 

By Order of Direct Descendant, the Guelphic Medal Group to George Kahrmann, King’s German Legion

NOTABLE SALES

15.02.2023

By Order of Direct Descendant, the Guelphic Medal Group to George Kahrmann, King’s German Legion

eMedals was pleased to present to market for the first time, the Napoleonic Wars medal group of Wachtmeister George Kahrmann, 1st Hussars, King's German Legion. 

NOTABLE SALES

15.02.2023

By Order of Direct Descendant, the Guelphic Medal Group to George Kahrmann, King’s German Legion

eMedals was pleased to present to market for the first time, the Napoleonic Wars medal group of Wachtmeister George Kahrmann, 1st Hussars, King's German Legion.