How to Properly Display and Preserve War Medals

War medals hold significant historical value, representing the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who served in times of conflict. For military personnel and their families, these medals are cherished symbols of honour. Properly displaying and preserving these medals not only ensures their longevity but also allows them to be admired and appreciated for generations to come. In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for displaying war medals, preserving them in pristine condition, and tips for showcasing war memorabilia.

Why Proper Display and Preservation Are Important

Preserving military medals is essential for maintaining their condition and historical integrity. Over time, exposure to elements such as moisture, light, and dust can cause deterioration, tarnishing, or fading of the medal’s details. Displaying war medals in the right way helps protect them from environmental damage while keeping them in excellent condition. Moreover, a well-maintained display serves as a testament to the service and bravery of those who earned these prestigious awards.

In addition to their preservation, displaying war medals correctly can enhance their aesthetic appeal, allowing them to be part of a carefully curated collection or displayed as focal points in a home or museum. Whether you are preserving your family’s heritage or curating a collection, the right display ensures that the legacy of those who served is honoured and showcased in the best possible light.

Medal Preservation Techniques

1. Store in a Controlled Environment

One of the most important steps in preserving military medals is keeping them in an environment that is not too hot, cold, or humid. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause damage, particularly to the metals or delicate ribbons. Ideally, your medals should be stored in a climate-controlled space where temperature and humidity levels are stable.

2. Use Acid-Free Materials

Acidic materials such as certain types of cardboard and paper can cause medals to tarnish or discolour over time. For this reason, it is crucial to use acid-free materials when storing your medals. Opt for acid-free tissue paper, holders, or display frames that help protect the medals from chemical reactions.

3. Clean with Care

Cleaning war medals should be approached with extreme caution. Overzealous cleaning can scratch or damage the medal’s surface. If cleaning is necessary, use a soft, lint-free cloth and avoid abrasive materials. For medals with tarnish or buildup, consider seeking professional advice or using specific cleaning solutions designed for metals like brass or bronze.

4. Avoid Handling

Minimise physical contact with the medals as oils from your fingers can tarnish the surface. Always handle medals with gloves or by their edges to prevent smudges, fingerprints, and scratches. If possible, limit direct handling and display them in secure cases.

Displaying War Medals: Top Tips

1. Use Display Cases for Protection

The best way to preserve and showcase your medals is by displaying them in a protective case. War medal display cases protect your medals from dust, moisture, and light, while keeping them secure. Display cases should have glass or acrylic fronts, which provide visibility while offering protection from the elements. Choose display cases made of high-quality materials such as wood, glass, or acrylic, which allow your medals to be viewed in their full glory without risking damage.

Types of Display Cases:

• Shadow boxes: These are deep frames that provide enough space for medals, ribbons, and other memorabilia such as photographs or documents.
• Tabletop display cases: Smaller cases for personal collections that can sit on a desk or shelf.
• Wall-mounted frames: A great option if you want to create a larger display that includes multiple medals or commemorative items.

2. Consider Custom Frames and Wooden Boxes

For a personal touch, consider opting for personalised display frames that include space for medals, photos, service numbers, and even service-related documents. Wooden boxes allow you to create a tailored layout that fits the unique significance of each medal. This approach not only preserves but also showcases each medal's history and meaning.

3. Avoid Direct Sunlight

When displaying war medals, it's important to protect them from direct sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) light can cause fading of ribbons and degrade the metal. To prevent damage, choose display cases with UV-filtering glass or place them in areas where direct sunlight does not reach.

4. Positioning and Arrangement

Consider the order of medals in your display. Many choose to arrange them chronologically or by type of award (bravery, service, campaign). The most prestigious medal is often placed at the top or centre of the display. This arrangement honours the significance of the medals and ensures the most important awards stand out.

5. Display War Memorabilia Alongside Medals

For those with an extensive collection, displaying war memorabilia alongside medals creates a more complete and engaging story. This can include photographs, uniform items, letters, and insignia that provide context to the medals. Displaying these items together allows the history and significance behind each medal to come to life.

Properly displaying and preserving your military medals is an important way to honour and protect your family’s history. By following the medal preservation techniques outlined in this article and investing in high-quality war medal display cases, you can ensure that your medals remain in excellent condition for future generations to admire.

For those looking to preserve their war memorabilia in a safe and stylish way, Military Shop offers a variety of display cases and personalised frames to suit every need. From Jarrah medal display cases to customisable display frames, these options help protect your valuable collections while elegantly showcasing them. To keep your original medals safe, consider replica medals, and metal mounting services for a secure and polished presentation.

Beyond medals, Military Shop also carries a wide range of military collectables, and more. Explore the range today and give your treasured items the protection and recognition they deserve.