framing medals

[Rosalyn]

I know mounting medals has been discussed but I think my customer has one that hasn't been covered. She has a HUGE amount of military medals that she wants mounted in a frame. She wants the medals hanging free with a mirror in the back so the backs of the medals can be seen in the mirror. I wonder if she realizes the medals will read backwards if we do accomplish this?

Any ideas? Some of the medals have the separate bar and ribbon with medal that will have to somehow be 'hanging' with the bar directly above the ribbon/medal.

I see a huge tangled mess of monofilament not unlike a tangled wind chime . . . enclosed in a shadow box. . . not a pretty picture.

I've read about 'mylar' straps or something but I can't seem to find them when doing a search on the net. Was wondering if I could use them some how to hold the medals more steady . . .

I'm nearly lost on this one . . .

Also, I still need input on the my last topic of framing the silver place setting . . . .

Of course everything needs to be done by Christmas!

I love all the information I can get here. I'm glad I found it!

Thanks every one

[Dancinbaer]

I would see if the customer would be willing to purchase duplicate medals then mount them in pairs showing both sides next to each other.

If these are military medals, here is a place to start http://www.usmedals.com/. Do a search for military medals and you should find several good sites. Maybe there is a store in your area that handles military ensignias.

[John Richards]

At a customer last year I saw this same application (but with AAU track medals) and yes they do read backwards. The framer bought Acrylic mirror. They found acrylic hollow rod and cut it the length of the pin. They then used 3M CA-50 gel to attach the rods in place on the mirror. Then they attached the medals. Let the mirror/rod air for a while because the glue is strong!

[Framerguy]

I wonder if your customer knows that those "bars" with ribbons on them are used only for Class A uniforms and aren't usually displayed with the full medal that accompanies them??

Denny gave a good site for all your military medal needs. Talk to either Ray Martinat or Angie Hicks and they will steer you in the right direction. They may even have an idea as to how to mount that large a quantity of medals. They have a "kit" for mounting medals in some of their remembrance cases but I don't know if it will help you on a mirrored surface.

They also have flag cases, challenge coin cases, and medal display cases all of which are very well made and reasonably priced.

Framerguy

[Rosalyn]

Thanks for all your help. Where do you find the hollow acrylic rods?

Also, anything on the mylar straps I've heard about? Or are they a figment of my imagination?

[JPete]

I think the mylar strips are just cut from Mylar. You want Dupont and United sells it.

I would probably think about mounting the medals with the top pin bar and cut circular openings larger than the medal part and space all of it so the medals could be seen in the mirror behind.

Now if you have ever tried to keep squirrels away from the bird feeder you would be quite adept at coming up with a way to suspend those medals so you don't have a tangled mess. Sorry about that side bar.

I've done a lot of them and put in what they ask but unless given specific directions (and I know they all have some order) I arrange them in an attractive pattern according to frame size and price range.

I always insist on using a fabric mat. A double rabbet frame with a narrow mat to hold the glass works nicely.

[Rosalyn]

How would you suggest attatching the mylar to the top of the frame ... staple gun? glue?(what kind) ????

[smitten]

a series of openings in two identical mats mounted back to back with the medals hanging into the window then placed with spacers between two pieces of glass and framed. Write if you'd like more details....

[John Richards]

I believe the customer found them at a hobby store that sells models and radio controlled cars. If you have a plastics distributor in the area like GE you may be able to find them there also.