How To Display Sentimental Items

How to Display Sentimental Items: War Medals & Military Memorabilia

With ANZAC Day approaching on the 25th of April, it marks the time to reflect on our veterens and their bravery. Many veterans cherish their war memorabilia, such as medals, badges, patches, plaques and dog tags. These items hold sentimental value and serve as powerful symbols of their time in service. Therefore, maintaining their condition is crucial for ensuring that they can be retained and cherished for years to come.

This month's blog will discuss art of preserving memories, focusing on how the legacy of war medals in particular can be maintained with our custom framing solutions.

Whether you're a veteran, a history enthusiast, or someone looking to pay tribute to a loved one, this blog will provide creative ideas and expert advice to help you preserve and display your sentimental items in a meaningful way.

The significance of war medals and sentimental items

War medals and sentimental items hold a deep emotional significance for individuals and families. These cherished mementos not only represent the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans but also serve as a tangible connection to our history and heritage. 

Whether it's a family heirloom passed down through generations or a personal token earned in service, these items carry immense sentimental value and deserve to be preserved and displayed with the utmost respect and honour.

The emotional significance of war memorabilia 

For veterans and their families, war medals symbolise courage, resilience, and a mark of service to one's country. These medals often evoke a sense of pride, honour, and gratitude, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the challenges overcome. Each medal tells a unique story of bravery and commitment, making it a deeply personal and emotional keepsake.

The historical significance of war memorabilia 

Beyond their personal significance, war medals and sentimental items also carry historical importance. They provide a tangible link to the past, offering insights into the events, campaigns, and battles that have shaped our nation's history. These items serve as tangible reminders of the sacrifices made by previous generations and the enduring legacy of our veterans.

The importance of preserving and displaying war mementos

Preserving war medals and sentimental items is essential for honouring the legacy of our veterans and ensuring that their stories are not forgotten. By carefully maintaining and displaying these mementos, we pay tribute to the individuals who have served and sacrificed for our country.

How to preserve the longevity of sentimental items

War memorabilia is often incredibly fragile and delicate, largely due to its age. Therefore, before determining the most suitable method of display, it is essential to handle and prepare these items properly to ensure the best possible display options.

Proper storage and handling of war medals

Proper storage is crucial for preserving the condition of war medals. Acid-free boxes and archival-quality materials should be used to protect these items from environmental factors such as light, moisture, and fluctuations in temperature. Additionally, handling war medals with clean hands and storing them in a secure, dry place can help prevent tarnishing and damage.

Cleaning and maintaining sentimental items

Regular maintenance is important for ensuring the longevity of war medals and sentimental items. Gentle cleaning with a soft, dry microfibre cloth can help remove dust and debris, while avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials is essential to prevent any damage to the items.

Custom framing solutions for war medals and sentimental items

In addition to storing and cleaning your war medals and sentimental items properly, preservation methods like encapsulation box displays andcustom framing can offer added protection. 

Encapsulation boxes seal the items in a protective enclosure, while custom framing provides both protection and an elegant display solution.

How to choose the right custom frame for war medals

When framing war medals, selecting the right frame is crucial. A box frame with wood and metallic accents can add depth and sophistication to the presentation, while also providing a protective barrier against dust and handling.

Incorporating personalised touches in the framing process

Custom framing allows for personalised touches that can enhance the sentimental value of war medals. From including inscriptions or photographs to choosing specific matting and mounting colours to match the memorabillia itself, these customisations can add a personal and meaningful touch to the display.

To read more:How To Display Your Military Medals

How to tastefully display war memorabilia in your home

In relation to items of deep personal value such as war memorabilia, comes the age old question of ‘how to display sentimental items’, instead of stashing them away forgotten in a box. 

Creating a dedicated display area in a home or office allows for the thoughtful presentation of war medals and memorabilia. Whether it's a wall-mounted display case, a shadow box arrangement, or a beautiful coffee table book showcasing these items, a designated space can serve as a focal point for honouring the legacy of our veterans.

Integrating war medals and sentimental items into home decor can provide a meaningful way to showcase these mementos. From incorporating them into gallery walls to using them as unique accents in a room, these items can become a part of the overall aesthetic while serving as sentimental and meaningful reminders. 

Portfolio Picture Framers: Your partner in preserving the legacy of war medals

At Portfolio Picture Framers, we are dedicated to preserving and displaying war memorabilia with the utmost respect and professionalism. We appreciate the emotional and historical significance of these mementos, which is why our war memorabilia framing services exclusively use top-quality acid-free materials. 

Our approach is entirely customised to meet your specific needs and preferences, and you get the following benefits:

• Ensuring superior quality framing, crafted by our local, family-owned business.
• Using only acid-free materials to prevent damage or discolouration from harmful acids found in cheap pre-made frames.
• Employing special hinging techniques and adhesives (when necessary) to secure your medals and military memorabilia, allowing for removal without lasting effects.
• Offering UV protective glass to shield your items from the sun's harmful effects.
• Providing a choice of over 500 frame and mat colours to make your frame uniquely reflective of your service.

Get in touch with our friendly team today to learn more about how we can preserve and display your or a loved one’s war medals.