Phaleristics, from the Greek mythological heroPhalerus (Greek:Φάληρος,Phaleros) via the Latinphalera ('heroics'), sometimes spelledfaleristics, is anauxiliary science of history andnumismatics which studiesorders,fraternities, andaward items, such asmedals,ribbons, and other decorations.
The subject includesorders of chivalry (includingmilitary orders),orders of merit, andfraternal orders. These may all in turn be official, national, state entities, or civil, religious, or academic-related ones. The field of study also comprises comparativehonour systems, and thus in a broader sense alsohistory (art history),sociology, andanthropology.
In terms of objects, these include award items such as medals and their accessories,ribbon bars,badges,pins, award certificate documentation, etc., and phaleristics may also designate the field of collecting related items.[1] Although established as a scientific sub-discipline of history, phaleristics usually studies orders and decorations "detached from their bodies".[2]
KingGeorge VI loved the study of phaleristics, going to the extent of personally overseeing his uniform designs and ribbon placements. He is known to have designed a few Britishmilitary decorations for theRoyal Navy;[3] he also designed the ribbons of eachWWII campaign star and theDefence Medal.[4] The Russian phaleristJulius Iversen studied orders and medals in the 19th century.
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