medal bar restoration - help!

[Valter Gorenc]

I got this old and VERY salty 19th century bar of bavarian veteran. There should be Prussian 1870-71 medal, Bavarian 1866 cross and Prussian 1897 Centenary medal. I already have these, but I don't really have the idea how to stitch them properly.

As you can see, the ribbons on the bar are very fragile and disintegrating. The metal loop (clip) for bavarian cross is stitched to black tape, which is loose on top end , and for the other two medals there are no loops anymore. For 1870-71 medal there's a black tape, and for Centenary medal nothing, but there is a trace the loop/clip was soldered to the bar plate.

I would like to keep the bar as untouched as possible, so I won't change any ribbons etc, and I'd let the backing as it is (partly loose, but that's not a real problem). I would like just stitch / attach the proper medals/cross to the bar so they would stay in place. I won't try to resolder replacement clip.

What kind of thread should I use (AOAP - as old as possible, I know) - black, white, cream, or some other color? Different color for every medal? Cotton or silk, thick or thin?

And what needles would be the best for that work? Maybe some curved ones?

Thanks alot for any suggestions!

Valter

[Valter Gorenc]

additional pictures...

[Paul R.]

Valter… From what I see here you are correct in your assessment is correct of the medal bar. The ribbons appear to be in fragile condition. From a conservators point of view on this topic I would not risk sewing anything on or into the actual ribbons. Metals are heavy and can put more stress on the ribbons. If not store correctly metals can rust and bleed of rust on to the ribbon. Keep in mind even though sewing and mending the medal bar ribbon one would like to think that you may be stabilizing it. When it can actually compromising the ribbon further. By sewing it you are placing additional holes from the needles into time worn ribbon. <O</O
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I know that this type of stabilizing of this piece. May not be actually what you want to hear, but I would leave it as is and mount the ribbon bar and medals to a nice fleece covered corrugated plastic core mounting board. By using a simple similar type of mounting in the posted thread mounting and casing medals. I would mount the bar then sew down the actual medals beneath the respected ribbon through the fleece covered courraged mounting board or ethafoam covered with fleece.

Of course these are your medals to do with as you see fit. Just offering some suggestion from a conservator’s point of view.

[Valter Gorenc]

Paul, thank you very much for your input. You're an expert and professional. I think your idea is a good one and I'll rethink my decision to repair the bar in situ.

But in general, what tipes of needles/threads you suggest for repairing old medal/ribbons bars (those who are sound enough to survive the operation? )
Regards, Valter

[Paul R.]

I would use nothing but 100% pure silk. Idealy you should match the thread to the ribbon color so it's not glaring out replacement thread.
You may have to go to a larger specialty sewing store to purchase a thin width silk thread. Use the smallest needle eye to match the needle. Use a new needle to pierce a clean hole. Old worn out needles at times can have roughened tips to the point. My advice is to take your time when tackling this type of work. I would use very tiny holes making it as non noticable as possible. If possible practice on an old piece of fabric first to get the feel and trying the small stiches.

[Valter Gorenc]

Paul, thank you very much for your help. I have another bar (better preserved) which will need some repair and I'll follow your advice.