Question Aligning medals in straight lines

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Natalya Murphy

Natalya Murphy

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Nov 4, 2006
Posts
478
Loc
Nebraska
When you have a bunch of medals to mount, how do you make sure they all end up in straight lines/columns and are all evenly spaced? Each medal is a little different with the pins on the back, so what methods do you use to make sure the final product has them all perfectly spaced?

Our latest project includes 12 medals to be aligned in 3 rows of 4. We've got all the medals laid out on a temporary board for now so we can figure out alignment, but how do I transfer that layout and spacing to the final mounting board (which, to add a bit of complexity, is going to be fabric-wrapped)?
 
Natalya:

The principle is the same as in a variable size multi-opening mat. I cut a mat / template, lay it on top of the backing and attach away.

I was faced with a 100+ small medals and pins just recently and that worked great.
 
I use mylar strips to anchor the medals (military medals). So I work from the back of the mat and draw a guide line for each row where the pin is anchored. From the back, cut a notch slightly wider than the pin for the mylar to slip through along the line. When you pull the mylar tight the pin should be on the line, thus the medals should be aligned. The mylar should be as wide as the pin.

For the columns draw a center line for each column and measure half the slot length on either side of the center line.

Clear:confused:
 
Are they military medals? and are they going to be grouped as worn or just a random order? They make bars to attach the medals to if needed. When I use the bars I then stick the pin through and use the damit to hold it in place, I have not had any fall off using this method.
 
ArmyFramer said:
Are they military medals? and are they going to be grouped as worn or just a random order? They make bars to attach the medals to if needed. When I use the bars I then stick the pin through and use the damit to hold it in place, I have not had any fall off using this method.
Click to expand...

Yes, they are military medals (Army, in fact). When you talk about attaching the medals to bars, are you talking bars other than the ones that come on the back of the medal? I'm familiar with ribbon bars, but this sounds like something different.

Oh, and these are the standard-size medals, not the smaller ones that you'd wear on the mess dress. Please, tell me more about these attachment bars and where I can get them.
 
Natalya
I usually turn the mat over and draw the layout on the back side. Then cut a small slit where each pin will be. Using a piece of framers tape, wrap it around the pin, then slide it through the slit taping it to the back. (sorta like you'd do an "s" hinge" for a float mount) The pins should all be in the same relative location on each medal, so the will automaticallly line up on the front. To keep the medals straight on the front, we will often sew an inconspicuous loop somewhere near the metal part of the award. Keeps all the "dangles" organized. We've also been known to just put a very small dab of silcone adhesive on the back of the metal piece to keep it in place. The silicone comes off it you need to reverse it.
 
Natalya Murphy said:
When you talk about attaching the medals to bars, are you talking bars other than the ones that come on the back of the medal? I'm familiar with ribbon bars, but this sounds like something different.
Click to expand...

Ribbon bars are the correct name. Depending on how old the ribbons are the pin on the back will slide off and the ribon can then be slide onto the bar. If they are older, WWII type, they will have to be mounted individually. The ribbon bars come in 3 or 4 to a row. This will give you the correct spacing and make it easier to align, one vs four. My shop is located right next door to a military surplus if you need them. I can put them in the mail tonight for you. Just let me know how many you need and here to send.
 
CMC works wonderful here...

hangupsgallery said:
....Using a piece of framers tape, wrap it around the pin, then slide it through the slit taping it to the back. (sorta like you'd do an "s" hinge" for a float mount) The pins should all be in the same relative location on each medal, so the will automaticallly line up on the front....
Click to expand...

Steve,

As others have posted, we'd opt for mylar or linen tape over framers tape to create the wrapped loop. But to create those slits....

This is where a CMC is fantastic. Once you do the math, layout the slits as small openings in a multiple opening mat - Let the CMC cut out this array in perfect alignment for you. It's wonderful! :thumbsup:

John
 
I have found that sometimes the bars are not attached perfectlly straight, and so lining them up doesn't always work.

So what I do is rub a bit ot chalk on the hinge and clasp of each medal and then push the medal down exactly where I want it. This transfers the chalk marks to exactly the beginning and end of the bar. THEN I make the slit and slide the mylar loop to anchor. But I also enlarge the area where the hinge and clasp are, so that they are sunk in. This makes the medal lie absolutely flat against the mount board.

And I take a stitch loop around the medal, not only to keep it from swinging, but to take the weight of the medal off of the ribbon. Otherwise, over time the ribbon will stretch. Don't ask how I know.
 
ArmyFramer said:
Ribbon bars are the correct name. Depending on how old the ribbons are the pin on the back will slide off and the ribon can then be slide onto the bar. If they are older, WWII type, they will have to be mounted individually. The ribbon bars come in 3 or 4 to a row. This will give you the correct spacing and make it easier to align, one vs four. My shop is located right next door to a military surplus if you need them. I can put them in the mail tonight for you. Just let me know how many you need and here to send.
Click to expand...

Army, appreciate the offer, but we've got an Air Force base here in town and hubby's out there pretty regularly for his Reserves duty. I'll have him stop by clothing sales and pick up some bars. I never thought to use them on the full-size medals. Thanks!

P.S. A picture of the frame that prompted the question is in the Design forum: http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=32964
 
Natalya Murphy said:
P.S. A picture of the frame that prompted the question is in the Design forum: http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=32964
Click to expand...

Natalya

The bars will work but you will obligated to put medals right next to each other. (which is how they are worn on the uniform) Some of the wider metal parts may even tend to overlap each other. In your display, however, they are spaced out like the patches and other memorabilia which tends to show them off a little better, each one standing on their own merit. Seems easier to study each one individually. I personally prefer that approach. Just a thought.
 
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