Medal Court Mounting: Tips and Techniques

Medal Court Mounting: Tips and Techniques

Learn the essential tips and techniques for medal court mounting to display and preserve your awards with professional elegance and care.

Medal court mounting is an art that preserves the elegance and historical value of medals while ensuring they are presented attractively and professionally.

Whether you’re displaying military awards, sporting medals, or personal achievements, proper mounting enhances the overall appearance and longevity of these precious items. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential tips and techniques of medal court mounting.

What is Medal Court Mounting?

Medal court mounting refers to the process of professionally mounting medals onto a ribbon bar for display purposes. Unlike simple mounting, which might involve just attaching the medal to a ribbon, court mounting offers a more refined and formal presentation.

Often used for military or ceremonial events. This process involves several steps to ensure the medal is securely mounted, displayed neatly, and remains in excellent condition for years to come.

The term “court mounting” is often associated with prestigious events, especially in military and royal contexts. It typically involves adding a polished, rigid backing that adds structure and stability to the medal display. The process is meticulous, ensuring that each element is arranged according to specific guidelines.

Why is Court Mounting Important?

Court mounting plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity and appearance of your medals. Medals, particularly those of historical significance, require careful attention to ensure they maintain their aesthetic value and structural integrity. Proper mounting protects the medal from physical damage such as bending, tarnishing, or deterioration due to exposure to environmental factors.

The importance of court mounting lies in its ability to display the medals in a professional, respectful manner. This process is commonly used for important awards like military decorations, service medals, and even personal recognition awards.

Court mounting also ensures that the medals are displayed securely, preventing loss or misplacement during transportation or while being worn.

Steps Involved in Medal Court Mounting

The court mounting process typically involves several precise steps to ensure the medal is presented beautifully. First, the medal is cleaned and inspected for any damage or signs of wear. Once the condition is assessed, a suitable ribbon is chosen for the mounting.

The ribbon is then cut to the appropriate size and sewn to the medal, often with the use of specialist techniques to ensure its durability.

Next, a rigid backing, often made of a high-quality material such as wood or plastic, is attached to the ribbon. This step helps ensure that the medal remains upright and securely in place. After that, the entire assembly is finished with a protective cover or frame, enhancing the overall presentation.

Tools and Materials for Medal Court Mounting

To achieve professional results in medal court mounting, you will need several tools and materials. These include a high-quality needle and thread, specialized adhesive, a ruler, and a pair of scissors for trimming ribbons. Depending on the specific medal and ribbon, you may also need backing materials like card or plastic for additional support.

Other tools you might use include a soldering iron for attaching the medal to the ribbon, as well as protective coatings like lacquer for preserving the medal’s finish. It’s essential to use materials that are durable and non-reactive to ensure the longevity of the medal display.

Choosing the Right Ribbon for Court Mounting

Selecting the right ribbon is one of the most important decisions in the medal court mounting process. The ribbon should not only match the design of the medal but also reflect the significance of the award. Military medals, for example, may require specific colors or patterns that correspond with the country, branch of service, or type of award.

Court Medal Mounting

Ribbons come in various materials such as satin or grosgrain, each offering different textures and appearances. While satin ribbons give a smooth, shiny finish, grosgrain ribbons offer a more textured and durable option. Choosing the correct ribbon ensures that the medal remains visually striking and historically accurate.

How to Properly Clean a Medal Before Mounting

Before court mounting a medal, it’s essential to clean and prepare it. Cleaning your medals ensures they remain free from dirt, oils, and tarnish that could affect their presentation. However, cleaning must be done carefully to avoid damaging the medal’s surface or altering its finish.

Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution to wipe away any debris. For tougher tarnish, a specialist metal polish may be required, but only use products that are safe for the material of the medal. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause any discoloration or damage.

The Importance of Accurate Ribbon Length

One of the keys to achieving an elegant court mount is ensuring the ribbon is the right length. Too long, and the medal will hang awkwardly; too short, and the medal may not be visible or well-displayed. Proper ribbon length varies depending on the size of the medal and the specific style of the court mount.

For most medals, the ribbon should be long enough to allow the medal to rest just above the wearer’s chest when worn. When displaying medals on a bar, the ribbon should be neatly aligned to avoid any unsightly overlaps. Accurate ribbon length enhances the overall appearance of the medal display.

Correct Placement of the Medal on the Ribbon

Correct placement of the medal on the ribbon is vital for a balanced and professional look. The medal should be centered on the ribbon bar, and the medal’s orientation should be aligned correctly. For example, military medals often have specific guidelines about how the medal should hang relative to the ribbon.

In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the medal’s placement slightly to ensure it hangs properly. A slight tilt or off-center alignment could result in a display that looks less polished. Accurate placement ensures the medal is the focal point of the ribbon bar.

Mounting Multiple Medals on One Bar

When mounting multiple medals, it’s important to arrange them in a way that maintains balance and visual appeal. The typical arrangement is to place the largest medal in the center, followed by progressively smaller medals on either side. Proper spacing is key to achieving an aesthetically pleasing display.

Each medal should be securely mounted, with the ribbons aligned evenly. If the medals are awarded in different stages or for different types of service, it’s common practice to order them according to the significance or date of issuance. For military ribbons, it’s important to adhere to specific protocols for the order of precedence.

Securing the Medal with the Right Technique

Securing the medal to the ribbon is one of the most critical steps in court mounting. The method used will vary depending on the type of medal and its intended use. For instance, military medals often require special soldering techniques to attach the medal securely to the ribbon.

Some methods use pins, while others rely on adhesive backing for a strong hold. It's essential to choose a technique that will provide a firm attachment without causing any damage to the medal or the ribbon. Each method should ensure that the medal stays in place, even during movement or wear.

Protective Coating for Medal Preservation

To enhance the longevity of your mounted medal, it’s a good idea to apply a protective coating. Many medals are made of metals like bronze or silver, which are susceptible to tarnishing over time. A clear protective coating can help prevent oxidation, keeping the medal looking new.

Before applying any protective coating, make sure the medal is clean and free of any dirt or oil. A lacquer or clear coating specifically designed for metals is often the best choice. Be cautious when applying a coating, as some substances may affect the appearance of the medal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Medal Court Mounting

While court mounting is a precise and detailed process, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially if you're not experienced. One common error is using the wrong type of ribbon or mounting material. If the materials are not suitable for the type of medal, it can lead to problems with durability and presentation.

Another common mistake is improper alignment or uneven spacing when mounting multiple medals. Always double-check the alignment and ensure that each medal hangs correctly. Additionally, avoid over-tightening the ribbons, as this could cause them to warp or distort over time.

How to Display Mounted Medals

Once your medals and Beanie Hat are properly mounted, you’ll want to display them in a way that enhances their visual appeal and protects them from damage. The best way to display mounted medals is in a shadow box or display case. These cases provide both protection and visibility, allowing you to showcase your medals while keeping them safe from dust, moisture, and physical damage.

Ensure that the display case is made from materials that won’t cause any damage to the medals. It’s also important to choose a display that highlights the medals without overcrowding or obstructing the view. Proper lighting can also help highlight the medals and add a sense of grandeur to the display.

The Role of Professional Court Mounting Services

While many people attempt to mount their own medals, professional court mounting services offer a higher level of craftsmanship and expertise. Professionals have the experience to mount medals securely and ensure that the display adheres to any specific guidelines or protocols.

Professional services are especially valuable for high-value or historically significant medals, as they use specialized tools and techniques to preserve the medal's integrity. If you're uncertain about doing it yourself, seeking a professional can provide peace of mind that your medals are in good hands.

Conclusion

Medal court mounting is an intricate and rewarding process that combines precision, craftsmanship, and respect for the history behind the awards. By following the right steps, using high-quality materials, and paying attention to detail, you can ensure your medals are mounted and displayed most professionally and elegantly.

Whether you are displaying personal achievements or military honors, court mounting is the best way to preserve and show off your collection.

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