Since the early Middle Ages, the royal families of Europe have rewarded loyal service with a wide range of Orders of Knighthood and Chivalry. Although many ancient Orders have fallen into disuse over time, many European states continue to award Orders for distinguished service and the exquisite badges and decorative objects are studied and collected widely. Expert medal collector Peter Duckers describes the range of European Orders conferred before 1945, some of which stretch back hundreds of years. A brief introduction to a fascinating subject, this is an ideal reference book for anyone interested in collecting these rare and valuable objects.