Display Your Medals with Pride: Tips for Choosing the Right Mounting Option

As symbols of honour, bravery, and sacrifice, military medals hold immense emotional and historical value for the recipients, their families, and the generations that follow. Therefore, they should be properly stored, displayed, and worn, not only to showcase one’s achievements but also to preserve their legacy for years to come.

When it comes to medal mounting, there are several options at your disposal to suit different purposes and events. If you want to create a beautiful and meaningful display for yourself or someone special in your life, there are several important factors you need to consider.

Mounting Options

Nowadays, professionally mounted medals are the preferred choice for those who want to see to it that their military awards are displayed correctly and with the respect they deserve. There are two recognized techniques of mounting medals, including swing mount and court mount.

The former features a medal suspended from a ribbon, allowing the award to swing freely, hence the name. Although there is no strict rule, most medals from the Boer War up to WW2 are swing mounted.

The latter involves mounting the medal directly onto a backing board or material which offers a more uniform and compact appearance. Since court-mounted medals are more secure, they are a more favoured option for those who want to protect their awards from contact damage. Moreover, active military personnel of the Australian Defence Force is required to have their medals court mounted.

Another thing to consider is the size of your medals, and whether the service provider offers both full-size and miniature medals mounting to ensure they are properly displayed for daytime and black tie events, respectively.

What to Look for in a Professional Mounting Service?

When ordering your mounted medals it’s important to look into the quality of the materials used in the process and the level of craftsmanship. High-quality ribbons, backing materials, and bars are essential to provide adequate support and protection for the medals. Poor-quality materials can lead to damage, fading, and deterioration of your prized possessions, so it is vital to select your service provider wisely.

In addition, you should take into account the level of craftsmanship to ensure a professional and visually appealing display of the medals that complies with the required protocol or order of precedence. The awards should be correctly aligned, spaced, and levelled with no frayed ribbon edges or loose threads to detract from the individual’s achievements.

Finding a reliable medal mounting service may take a bit of research, involving asking for recommendations from fellow service members or military organisations, reading online reviews, checking credentials and so on and so forth. This will help you obtain valuable insights into the quality of the services for peace of mind and guaranteed satisfaction with the outcome.

Display Options

If you want to showcase your medals when you are not wearing them, there are several display options available including cases, frames, and wallets.

Medal cases provide an excellent way to store and display medals while protecting them from dust, dirt and other elements. These come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, all guaranteed to keep your awards safe and sound.

Frames allow for a more decorative display that can range from simple and understated to ornate. Similarly to cases, frames are available in various sizes and shapes to suit different needs and preferences. Frames offer a beautiful way to showcase your achievements, allowing you to highlight the importance and significance of each piece.

Wallets are well-suited to those who travel frequently and wish to carry their medals with them. Crafted from canvas or genuine leather, medal wallets also make wonderful gifts for the beloved serviceman or woman in your life.

Caring for Your Medals

Mounted or not, it is recommended to store your medals in a clean and dry area, away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and light. Moisture can cause your medals and other metal hardware to corrode, while excessive heat and light can make the ribbon fabric brittle and weak. If you have unmounted medals, consider having them individually wrapped in acid-free tissue paper or soft, undyed linen to prevent contact damage.

When cleaning your medals, use non-acidic cleaners or a damp cloth to polish the surface. Refrain from using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can scratch or damage the surface of the medal. If you are not certain how to properly clean your awards or you are dealing with a heavily tarnished medal, it is wise to seek professional advice or service.

Closing Thoughts

With all of this in mind, you can make certain that your medals are preserved for future generations to serve as a symbol of your service and sacrifice. Without further ado, you may now begin your search for reliable mounting service companies to professionally mount and display your military awards.