How to display? suggestions please?

[Eric Gaumann]

I'd like to display some of my Imperial medals and I need some help please.

I want to display them in a case on the wall (vertically).

I'd like to display the ribbon (if the medal has a ribbon) behind it as in the attached example.

The way I'm thinking now is I'd like to mount the ribbons not neccessarily permanently but solidly to the backing while the medals I'd like to be removeable (for inspection).

So my first two questions would be:
1. Any suggestions to mounting the ribbons to a cloth backing? Most ribbons are repros.
2. How to mount a medal so it can be easily removed? My only idea right now is a large, short pin or very small nail set at a slight angle.

Does anyone have any suggestions or comments?

Thanks so much in advance!

[Adam Lewis]

Hi Eric,
I like using shadow boxes for this. I've settled on 8x10 and 11x14 for most of my displays.

Get some 3/8" basswood strips and mitre cut them to length and 45 degrees. Then hammer them together with 'corner joiners' from the hardware store to make your rectangular frame. I use a roofing square to keep the strips at 90 deg while hammering. Stretch the fabric over the frame and staple or hot glue it to the wood. If made to the correct dimensions it will just fit inside the box.

I use 2 methods for attaching medals. If the ribbons are long enough I hang them with the medal. First glue the ends of the ribbon together (with medal already inside). This should consume about 1/4 inch. Then fold over a small piece (another 1/4") of ribbon and glue it to the cloth. I use a squeeze bottle of 'craft glue' from Michael's. Here's what that display looks like.

[Adam Lewis]

The second method uses sewing thread. Start with the shadow box frame and put cloth on it as above. Place the ribbon where you want it and tack it down at the 4 corners with a loop of thread. You can use one long piece of thread to do all 4 corners. I use a color that matches the ribbon. Place the medal in position and put a loop through the ring. You can turn the medals over for inspection of the back but if you remove it altogether at most you'll have to make a stitch to reassemble it. Here's my box.

Hope this helps,
Adam

[Paul McKee]

Hi Eric,
...First glue the ends of the ribbon together (with medal already inside). This should consume about 1/4 inch. Then fold over a small piece (another 1/4") of ribbon and glue it to the cloth. I use a squeeze bottle of 'craft glue' from Michael's...

I assume you are not advocating gluing together original ribbons, but repro ribbons as Eric states?

Paul

[Gene]

Adam,

Could I bother you to post closeups of your short range day fighter clasp in gold with pendant as well as your Italian badges? I'd love to see more pics of them.

Gene

[Eric Gaumann]

Hi Adam! Thanks for the info.
I *do* have some boxes in mind (from Michaels, no less!).
I don't want to do something so permanent or possibly harmful as glueing.
Sewing is a good option but I have quite a few to sew, one stitch at a time...
I'm considering using photo corner tabs but I'm not too sure those would either work or look yukky.

The quest continues...

PS> *Beautiful* Brit display!!!

[Adam Lewis]

I assume you are not advocating gluing together original ribbons, but repro ribbons as Eric states?

Paul

I have been blessed with good eye-hand coordination and can tack together the ends of a ribbon using less than 2 mm. In the case of the UK stars this actually helps a lot as the cut ends have a tendency to unravel thus shortening the length of the ribbon. I was looking for a way to keep the ribbons from coming apart and found this method to answer both problems... unravelling and displaying. However it may not be a good solution for everybody depending on skill level, length of ribbon and personal taste.

It's just something to consider if the solution fits the need.

Adam

[Adam Lewis]

Adam,

Could I bother you to post closeups of your short range day fighter clasp in gold with pendant as well as your Italian badges? I'd love to see more pics of them.

Gene

Gene,
I posted thie day fighter a while ago http://www.wehrmacht-awards.net/foru...ad.php?t=65435. It generally got negative reviews with a bit of lively discussion prompted Jos Le Conte. I removed the images but can send you something if you're interested.

As requested, here's a close up of the Italian proficiency badges.

Cheers!
Adam

[Gene]

Adam,

PM sent

Gene

[Eric Gaumann]

And here it is.....

I went and did the deed.
First shot is of the project just after start. I laid down a line of white thread to keep everything in line.
I won't say how I mounted the ribbons but the medals are held in place by a brass brad (or nail).

[Eric Gaumann]

and finally.....

three images of the finished product.
one:

[Eric Gaumann]

two:

[Eric Gaumann]

three:

I'm not sure that I like this display; it's not what I envisioned when I started.
I'll have to sleep on it before I tear it apart.

[all1knew]

yup

Hello,

Very tasteful display you have there. While I do not collect nor anything about Imperial military medals I will say that you have a great case!

William Kramer

[notned]

Hi Eric,

Good on you for getting on with it and doing something to display these nice decorations! it looks good that way...

If i may make a constructive criticism....
the ribbons, may look nicer if you folded the tatty edges away under
they would look tidier that way...dont you think?

Ohterwise a nice idea for display !

Cheers
Paul