Dumb David's Tale of the Naval Seals

[Dave]

I usually can fix the dumb mistakes I make, but this one is causing me trouble...

I was in the process of framing two US Navy certificates with 2" diameter gold seals with a ribbon underneath. The certificates, even though they were weighted flat overnight, refused to stop curling up making them extremely difficult to work with and hinge. I had a number of pieces to dry mount so I flipped on the press and put the certificates in the press with very light pressure intending to leave them there only about a minute while the press warmed up. I've done this many times and always have taken them out with no problems...well..

Phone rings...family crisis...forgot about certificates...press heats up...15-20 minutes go by...Dumb David realizes he may have a problem.

Sure 'nuff, certificates are fine, but the gold seals no longer show much of the embossed lettering and display a very distinct impression of the ribbons underneath the seals.

Does anyone know if these seals are re-orderable from some Naval office? Somewhere there has to be boxes of thousands of them. I'm trying to have it duplicated by an ad specialty company, but not having much luck.

Haven't confessed my stupidity to the customer yet, but realize the day of reckoning is approaching. My customer is probably my best resource to find out the availability of replacement seals, but I am embarassed at my own stupidity and hope public confession in this forum will cleanse my guilt.

Besides the fact that I should use a timer with bells, whistles and flashing lights whenever I put anything in the press...does any kind soul have a suggestion?

Do you think my congressman may be of assistance?

I need to tackle this head on Monday.

How do you handle boo-boo's? if you can't fix a problem?

Dave Makielski

 

[Ron Eggers]

Dave, if your congressman or senator has a constituent services office nearby (They all have the offices. I just don't know if it would be nearby.) they can help you.

I have a catalog at the shop with a source for ribbons, medals, etc from all branches of the armed services. I'll check it when I'm there later today. I got the catalog from my congressman's office, which is very nearby.

When I've HAD to put a certificate with a raised seal in my combo press*, I've had some success with putting a piece of the fome rubber material from Seal over the top. I think the material was made to be used while laminating, but I don't do any laminating.

* I can't remember the last time I HAD to do that. These days I have a little tiny Rebecca sitting on my shoulder saying, "Don't do it, Ron!"

She's very persuasive.

As far as what to do if you can't fix it - or even if you can, for that matter: Most people seem to respond well if I say something like, "I did something really stupid . . ." As soon as you start making excuses - even legitimate ones - they tune out. They've heard it too many times from too many people.

 

[Baer Charlton]

Originally posted by Ron Eggers:
As soon as you start making excuses - even legitimate ones - they tune out. They've heard it too many times from too many people.

especially from congress type people.

 

[Ron Eggers]

David,

I did something really stupid.

I packed that catalog last week, not realizing someone might need it this week.

I'm sure it'll turn up. It's in one of about 160 boxes we've hauled over to the new place. I'm just not sure which one.

 

[Dave]

Ron,

Appreciate your efforts. I think I will try to contact my congressman's office...and I'll call my customer too.

Thanks...I'll let you know the outcome.

Dave Makielski

 

[Kit]

Dave, there may be a Navy recruiting office near you. I've found them to be very helpful when I needed to know which way various medal go.

Warning: Those military types wear very shiny shoes. Don't look at their feet; you could go blind.

Kit