Preserving Your Family’s Medal Collection

Family medal collection is more than just tangible objects, they are powerful symbols of courage, sacrifice, and service. Passed down through generations, these medals tell stories that connect families to significant moments in history. Preserving them isn’t just about safeguarding the medals themselves but also about honouring the legacy they represent. If you’re lucky enough to have inherited or own a medal collection, here’s how you can ensure it remains in pristine condition for generations to come.

Why Preserving Medals Matters

Medals often carry personal and historical significance, representing the achievements of individuals who served their country. Exposure to improper storage conditions, moisture, and handling can lead to tarnishing, scratches, or corrosion, diminishing their value and beauty. Proper preservation not only protects their physical state but also preserves their sentimental and historical worth.

Tips for Preserving Medals

1. Handle with Care

Always handle medals with clean, dry hands or use cotton gloves. The natural oils from your skin can cause tarnishing over time. Avoid touching the medal’s surface directly, especially if it has inscriptions or engravings.

2. Clean Gently

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning medals. A soft, lint-free cloth is often enough to remove dust. If the medal requires deeper cleaning, consult a professional conservator to avoid accidental damage.

3. Protect Against Moisture and Light

Store medals in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and humidity. Exposure to these elements can accelerate fading, tarnishing, or rusting. Use silica gel packets in storage areas to absorb excess moisture.

4. Invest in Display and Storage Solutions

Proper display and storage are essential to protect your medals. Use cases and frames designed specifically for medals to keep them secure while showcasing their beauty. Choose acid-free materials to prevent chemical reactions that could damage the medal over time.

5. Document Their History

Accompany your medal collection with written or digital documentation, including the recipient’s name, rank, service number, and any relevant stories or photographs. This context enhances the collection’s value and helps future generations understand its significance.

Safeguarding Your Medal Collection

To ensure your medal collection remains safe and beautifully presented, Military Shop offers premium products tailored for medal preservation:

Crafted from high-quality Jarrah wood, these display cases and boxes provide a timeless and elegant way to store and showcase your medals. The durable construction ensures long-term protection, while the rich wood finish adds a sophisticated touch to your collection.

For a truly bespoke preservation option, Military Shop offers personalised display frames. These frames can be customised with the recipient’s name, service number, and even a photo, allowing you to create a tribute that reflects both personal and historical significance. Ideal for displaying medals individually or as part of a group, these frames combine practicality with a heartfelt touch.

Honour the Legacy

Preserving a family medal collection is about more than just maintenance, it’s about cherishing the stories behind those medals and passing them on to future generations. By following these preservation tips and investing in high-quality storage and display solutions, you can ensure that your family’s legacy remains intact.

Explore Military Shop’s range of medal storage options to keep your collection safe and beautifully displayed for years to come. Safeguard history while honouring the courage it represents.