Decoding the Bill: How Much Does It Really Cost to Mount Medals?

I. Introduction: Honoring Service, Understanding the Investment

Medals are far more than mere decorations; they are profound, tangible testaments to an individual’s service, sacrifice, and achievement. Each medal carries immense sentimental, historical, and often official value, representing a unique chapter in a life dedicated to duty. Proper mounting is therefore not just an aesthetic choice, but a crucial act of respect, ensuring these cherished symbols are presented with the dignity they deserve, whether for formal wear on uniforms, dignified display, or long-term preservation for future generations.

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the often-opaque costs associated with professional medal mounting. It will provide a transparent, in-depth, and practical understanding of the financial investment involved. Readers will gain insights into typical expenses, explore the myriad factors that influence the final price, and receive actionable advice to help them make informed decisions that honor the legacy embodied by their medals.

II. The Basics: Understanding Medal Mounting and Your Style Options

What is Medal Mounting?

Medal mounting is the specialized process of preparing medals for wear on uniforms, display in shadow boxes, or long-term preservation. This meticulous craft ensures that medals are presented correctly, securely, and in accordance with official regulations. Professional mounting involves a deep understanding of military specifications, adherence to specific service regulations (such as the precise order of precedence, as detailed in resources like The Institute of Heraldry Army regulations and Official Military Ribbons ), careful material selection, and skilled craftsmanship to maintain the integrity and appearance of the awards.  

Common Mounting Styles:

The choice of mounting style significantly influences both the aesthetic presentation and the cost. Understanding the differences is fundamental to making an informed decision.

Swing Mount (or Loose Mount):

In this traditional method, individual medals are attached to a single brooch bar, allowing them to hang freely and swing. The ribbon of each medal typically does not extend behind the medal’s badge. This style is often associated with a classic, dynamic presentation.  

A primary advantage of swing mounting is that it is generally considered less expensive per medal than court mounting. The free movement can be preferred by some for a more “authentic” feel, and any engraving on the back of medals is more easily visible. However, a significant drawback is that medals can rub against each other during wear, potentially causing wear, scratches, or damage over time. This can lead to long-term degradation of the medal’s finish. It may also be perceived as less formal for certain ceremonial occasions. Swing mounting is often chosen for World War I & II medals or when mounting a single medal. It is important to note that some providers have practical or regulatory limits, stating they “cannot swing mount more than five medals wide” for full-size sets.  

Court Mount:

This method involves fixing medals and their ribbons rigidly to a stiff backing board, often made of durable plastic like perspex or other rigid materials. The medals are then meticulously stitched down, preventing any movement. A key characteristic is that the ribbon is extended and visible behind the upper half of the medal’s badge. For larger sets, medals may be overlapped to fit on the bar.  

Court mounting offers a significantly more secure and longer-lasting finish, actively protecting medals from rubbing, bashing, or contact damage. This method provides a neat, orderly, and highly formal presentation , which is often preferred or explicitly demanded by modern military forces and other official agencies. The primary disadvantage is that it is generally more expensive than swing mounting due to the increased labor intensity, specialized materials, and precise hand-sewing techniques required. The rigid backing means the reverse of the medal cannot be seen. This style is predominantly used for formal military wear, ceremonial events , and when a highly polished, secure presentation is desired. It is often required for sets of six or more full-size medals by many professional mounters.  

Bow Mount:

This is a distinct, traditional method primarily used by ladies for wearing single medals for formal wear.  

Ribbon Bars:

While related to medal presentation, ribbon bars are distinct items. They are miniature, rectangular representations of ribbons worn on uniforms for daily or less formal wear. Costs for ribbon bars vary, typically ranging from $2.50 to $7.00 per ribbon.  

III. The Price Tag Explained: Itemized Costs for Professional Medal Mounting Services

Understanding the itemized costs is crucial for budgeting and comparing services. The total bill for medal mounting is rarely a single, flat fee; it’s a composite of various services.

Base Mounting Cost Per Medal:

This is the foundational cost for attaching a single medal to a mounting bar in a specified style.

• Full-Size Medals:
  • Swing Mounting: Prices typically range from $5.00 USD to   $18.00 CAD (approximately $13.50 USD). Many providers fall within the   $15.00-$16.50 USD range.  
  • Court Mounting: Generally commands a higher price due to its complexity and material requirements. Costs typically range from $7.50 USD to   $22.00 CAD (approximately $16.50 USD). Common prices are around   $15.00 USD and   $17.50 USD. Notably, some providers, like Gongs.com.au , state “There is no price difference for mounting between court or swing mounting,” indicating a bundled or specialized pricing strategy.  
• Miniature Medals:
  • Mounting miniature medals is often, but not universally, slightly cheaper per medal than full-size.
  • Swing/Court Mounting: Prices range from $5.50 USD to   $15.00 CAD (approximately $11.25 USD). Common prices include   $10.00 USD and   $12.50 USD.  
  • Why the difference? Miniature medals typically require less ribbon material (e.g., 5 inches minimum per mini medal vs. 10 inches for full-size ) and may involve slightly less material overall, though the precision and skill required remain high.  

The observation that court mounting often incurs a higher cost than swing mounting is not solely due to material differences; it reflects the expertise and commitment to long-term preservation. Multiple sources indicate court mounting is more expensive , with one explicitly stating it can be “at least 50% more”. This higher cost is attributed to the increased labor, specialized materials, and precise hand-sewing techniques required. The medals are wired to a rigid backing board, often perspex, to prevent contact damage and wear. This means the additional investment in court mounting is primarily for enhanced durability and preservation.  

However, a contrasting approach exists, where some providers, such as Gongs.com.au , explicitly state no price difference between court and swing mounting. This variation highlights diverse business models. For providers charging a premium for court mounting, the additional cost is justified by the increased labor, specialized materials (stiff backing, more ribbon), and the tangible benefits of enhanced durability and preservation. For providers offering a flat fee, their pricing strategy might absorb the complexity into a consistent rate, perhaps due to high specialization or efficiency, or they may price swing mounting higher to compensate. For consumers, this means the “extra” cost of court mounting, where applicable, is an investment in the long-term physical integrity and longevity of the medals, not merely a different aesthetic. When comparing prices, it is crucial to understand what value the mounter places on this enhanced protection and if it is bundled or itemized.  

Ribbon Replacement:

Often, the cost of new ribbons is implicitly included in the base per-medal mounting fee , as it is an integral part of the mounting process. If ribbons are purchased separately (e.g., for DIY or specific replacements), costs can range from  

$0.75 per inch for raw material, or  

$3.99-$4.99 USD per individual ribbon. A “Full Size Medal or Ribbon Replacement” service might cost around  

$14.95 USD , likely including the labor to re-drape and re-mount. Re-draping a damaged ribbon on an existing medal can cost as low as  

$2.00 USD.  

The true cost of “ribbon replacement” is often bundled, but when separate, it reflects both material and labor. Some sources imply ribbons are included in mounting, while others list separate costs for “ribbon only,” “ribbon replacement,” or “redrape damaged ribbon.” This indicates that “ribbon replacement” is not a single, clear cost. When included in the base mounting, it is part of the overall service. When itemized, it could refer to purchasing the raw ribbon material (which is inexpensive) or, more commonly, the labor involved in removing an old ribbon and attaching a new one to an existing medal, which is a partial remounting service. Therefore, consumers should explicitly confirm whether new ribbons are included in the per-medal mounting fee or if they will be an additional line item. The labor component for integrating ribbons, especially for re-draping or remounting, is a more significant cost than the raw material itself.

Devices, Clasps, and Appurtenances:

These small additions (e.g., stars, oak leaf clusters, numerals, “V” devices) carry an additional cost for both the device itself and its attachment. Prices for devices and their mounting vary widely: device mounting only can be as low as $0.25 USD , while devices themselves (clusters/stars) range from  

$0.75 USD to  

$1.50 USD. A general range for devices and bars is  

$3.00-$8.00 USD or  

$5.00-$20.00 USD. Some services, like Haverstock Creative Designs , include the installation of any bars for each medal in their base mounting fee. It is important to note that adding a device or bar can sometimes be considered a “full remount” by some providers , potentially incurring higher labor costs than just the device attachment.  

Cleaning and Polishing:

If offered as an add-on service, typical costs range around $5.00 USD per medal. Some services, like Gongs.com.au and Etsy mounters , include “light cleaning” or “Ultrasonic Cleaner” use in their base mounting price.  

For antique or highly valuable medals, aggressive cleaning (e.g., with abrasive materials or certain dips) is generally discouraged by collectors and conservators, as it can irreversibly reduce their historical and collector value. Tarnishing can even act as a protective layer. A professional mounter should advise on the most appropriate cleaning method, often preferring minimal intervention to preserve the medal’s patina and authenticity.  

Repairs:

Costs for minor repairs, such as fixing a broken brooch pin or re-attaching a loose component, are highly variable. These services are typically quoted on a case-by-case basis after assessment of the damage. Specific price ranges for repairs are not widely advertised in the provided information.

Rush Fees:

For expedited service, providers charge a premium. These fees can be structured in two main ways:

• Flat Fees: Ranging from $7.50 USD for under 5-day service ,   $10.00 USD for 2-day service , to   $15.00 USD for same-day or 1-2 day rush. Military Honors quotes   $15.00-$25.00 USD.
• Percentage-Based Fees: During high-demand “peak periods” (e.g., leading up to Anzac Day), some providers, like Foxhole Medals , may charge a significant   50% fee on the total order value for priority service.

Standard turnaround times typically range from 10 to 14 working days or an average of  

2 weeks. Some services boast faster turnarounds, such as “within 48 hours”. However, it is crucial to note that some mounters impose monthly caps on orders, which can extend turnaround times to “3+ weeks” during busy periods.  

The variation in “rush fees,” from flat rates to percentage-based charges, indicates different business models and urgency valuations. A flat fee for rush service can be more economical for larger orders, as the per-medal rush cost decreases with quantity. Conversely, a percentage-based fee, especially during peak seasons, can significantly inflate the total cost for larger sets. This reflects the higher opportunity cost or resource strain for the mounter during periods of high demand. This suggests providers either absorb minor rush costs into overhead or view peak-period rush services as a premium offering due to constrained capacity. Consumers with urgent needs must inquire about the specific structure of rush fees (flat rate vs. percentage of total order) and ask about any “peak periods” that might trigger higher charges. A 50% fee on a substantial order could easily double the overall cost, making it a critical factor in budgeting.

Shipping & Handling:

The cost to send medals to a service and have them returned is typically calculated at checkout. For valuable original medals, it is highly recommended to use insured, trackable shipping methods like Royal Mail Special Delivery or registered mail. This protects against loss or damage during transit. While not directly for mounting services, shipping costs for related display items can range from  

$22-$28 USD for international shipments , giving a general idea of potential shipping expenses for larger items.  

Table 1: Average Per-Medal Mounting Costs (Full-Size & Miniature, Swing vs. Court)

This table serves as a quick reference for users to understand the baseline financial commitment for medal mounting. By synthesizing disparate pricing data from various sources and currencies into a clear, comparative format, it allows for easy benchmarking and helps users quickly grasp the typical market landscape for different mounting styles and medal sizes. This directly addresses the core “how much does it really cost” objective by providing a concise, actionable overview.

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Note: Prices are approximate and can vary based on provider, location, and specific medal type. CAD prices have been converted to USD for consistency (approx. 1 CAD = 0.75 USD).

IV. Key Factors That Drive Up (or Down) Your Final Bill

Several factors beyond the base per-medal cost significantly influence the final bill for medal mounting services. Understanding these variables empowers consumers to anticipate and manage their expenses.

Number of Medals:

This is the primary cost driver. Since most services charge on a “per medal” basis, the total cost scales directly with the quantity of medals. For full-size medals, some mounters have a practical or regulatory limit on swing mounting (e.g., a maximum of 5 medals), necessitating the more complex and potentially more expensive court mounting for larger sets. This means that a larger collection inherently leads to a higher overall cost.  

Mounting Style:

As discussed, court mounting almost universally incurs a higher cost than swing mounting due to the increased labor, specialized materials, and meticulous process required for a rigid, secure presentation. However, it is worth reiterating that a few providers may offer a flat rate for both styles. The choice between a free-swinging display and a rigid, formal presentation directly impacts the labor and materials involved, translating into different price points.  

Condition of Medals and Ribbons:

Medals that are heavily tarnished, corroded, or require significant cleaning may incur additional charges, with some services charging around $5.00 per medal for cleaning. Frayed, damaged, or incorrect ribbons will necessitate replacement, adding to the material and labor costs.  

The condition of original medals impacts not just the immediate cost, but also the ethical considerations of preservation. While cleaning services are an additional cost, many experts and collectors strongly caution against aggressive cleaning or replacing original ribbons on antique medals. Such interventions can significantly reduce their historical authenticity and collector value. For instance, the natural tarnishing on a medal can act as a protective layer and is part of its historical patina. For a truly expert mounter, assessing the medal’s condition is not just about quoting a cleaning fee; it involves advising the client on the best course of action that respects the medal’s provenance and long-term value, even if it means recommending  

against certain “restorations.” This highlights a critical, often overlooked aspect of professional service. The “cost” here is not solely monetary; it is also about preserving historical integrity. Consumers should seek mounters who prioritize conservation and can provide informed advice on handling antique or highly sentimental items.

Number and Type of Devices/Attachments:

Each additional device (stars, oak leaf clusters, numerals) adds a small but cumulative cost, covering both the purchase of the device and the labor for its precise attachment. Complex or unique devices may command a higher price due to their rarity or installation difficulty.  

Choice of Provider:

The type of service provider can influence pricing. Specialist medal mounters, whether online or with a physical storefront, often possess unparalleled expertise in military regulations and offer comprehensive, high-quality services. Their pricing may reflect this specialized knowledge. Military surplus stores and uniform shops can be convenient local options, but their expertise may vary. Some jewelers or framers, while capable of basic mounting, especially for display, may lack the specific military regulatory knowledge required for official wear. Online services offer convenience, potentially faster turnarounds , and may have competitive pricing due to higher volume and lower overheads.  

Geographic Location:

For local, brick-and-mortar services, operating costs (rent, labor) in high cost-of-living areas (e.g., Vancouver, where prices can be higher ) may be reflected in higher prices. Online services can often mitigate this regional variation, as they serve a broader customer base and their overheads are less tied to a single geographic market.  

Urgency:

As detailed in the “Rush Fees” section, requesting expedited service can significantly increase the total bill, particularly if the provider charges a percentage-based fee during peak periods. This premium reflects the need for mounters to prioritize your order over others, potentially incurring overtime costs or disrupting their standard workflow.  

V. Real-World Scenarios: Example Mounting Costs

To provide a clearer picture of potential expenses, let’s look at a few common medal mounting scenarios and their estimated total costs. These examples combine the base mounting fees with typical additional services.

Scenario 1: Cost to mount 3 common full-size medals, swing style, with new ribbons.

This is a relatively straightforward request, often for display or less formal wear.

• Base mounting cost: 3 medals x ~$15.00 USD (average swing mount, often including new ribbons, based on ) = $45.00  
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$45.00 – $60.00 USD (assuming no extra devices, cleaning, or rush service).

Scenario 2: Cost to mount 5 full-size medals, court style, with 2 devices, and cleaning.

This represents a more formal and comprehensive service, common for military personnel.

• Base mounting cost: 5 medals x ~$18.00 USD (average court mount, based on ) = $90.00  
• Devices: 2 devices x ~$5.00 USD (average cost for device and attachment, based on ) = $10.00  
• Cleaning: 5 medals x $5.00 USD (per-medal cleaning fee, based on ) = $25.00  
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$125.00 – $150.00 USD (excluding shipping or rush fees).

Scenario 3: Cost to mount a set of 10 miniature medals, court style.

Miniature sets are popular for evening wear or display, and court mounting is often preferred for their neatness.

• Base mounting cost: 10 medals x ~$12.00 USD (average miniature court mount, based on ) = $120.00  
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$120.00 – $150.00 USD (assuming no devices, cleaning, shipping, or rush fees).

Table 2: Estimated Total Costs for Common Medal Mounting Scenarios

This table provides concrete, aggregate cost examples that users can directly relate to their own specific needs. It moves beyond theoretical per-medal costs to illustrate how various itemized services combine, offering a realistic financial expectation for typical requests. This helps users budget effectively and reduces potential “sticker shock” from a final invoice.

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Note: These are estimates based on average prices. Actual costs may vary.

VI. DIY Mounting: A Budget-Friendly Path or a Risky Gamble?

For individuals with a keen eye for detail, patience, and a desire to save money, mounting medals oneself is certainly an option. This is particularly true for medals intended solely for display purposes or for single, less valuable items.  

Estimated Cost of Materials for DIY:

The primary advantage of DIY is avoiding professional labor fees, making it considerably cheaper as you only pay for the raw materials.  

• Ribbons: Individual ribbons can be purchased for $0.75 per inch or as full ribbons for   $3.99-$4.99 USD each.  
• Mounting Bars: Basic mounting bars for ribbons or full-size medals range from $0.75 to $9.00 USD depending on the number of slots. DIY specific mounting bars for existing medals can be found for   $3.00-$5.00 USD. For court mounting, specialized plates or formers are available, such as a 2-medal court mounting former for   $20.12 USD or a 4-medal court mounting plate for   $29.99 USD.  
• Other Materials: Essential tools and materials like needle and thread, glue (acid-free recommended), scissors, rulers, acid-free cardstock or plastic backing, and felt are generally inexpensive.  

Pros of DIY:

• Significant Cost Saving: The most obvious advantage is avoiding professional labor fees.
• Personal Touch: For many, the act of personally mounting medals can add a deeper layer of connection and sentiment to the items.  

Cons of DIY:

• Time & Skill Required: Medal mounting, especially the precise and intricate court mounting, demands considerable patience, attention to detail, and learned skill. Achieving a professional finish can be challenging for amateurs.  
• Risk of Incorrect Mounting: Without a thorough understanding of military regulations (order of precedence, specific spacing, and approved mounting styles), medals can easily be mounted incorrectly. This renders them unsuitable for official wear and may necessitate costly professional re-mounting later. For example, full-size sets of 6 or more medals often   must be court mounted.  
• Risk of Damage: Improper tools, techniques, or the use of non-archival or acidic materials (e.g., certain glues, cardboard, or fabrics) can lead to irreversible damage, such as scratches, accelerated tarnishing, corrosion, or degradation of ribbons. This is particularly concerning for valuable or antique medals.  
• Aesthetic Quality: Achieving the clean, uniform, and polished appearance of professionally mounted medals can be difficult for someone without experience.

When DIY Might Be Suitable vs. When Professional Help is Essential:

The decision between DIY and professional service involves a critical trade-off between immediate monetary savings and the long-term value preservation, regulatory adherence, and peace of mind.

• DIY is Suitable: If the medals are purely for decorative display in a shadow box where official regulations are not a concern, if replica medals are being mounted, or if only a single, less valuable medal is involved and the individual is confident in their craft skills.
• Professional Help is Essential: For medals intended for official wear on a uniform, highly valuable or antique medals, large sets of medals, or if the individual lacks the time, skill, or confidence to undertake the intricate work. The specialized knowledge of military regulations, proper preservation techniques, and skilled craftsmanship offered by a professional is often an invaluable investment.

The value proposition of professional mounting extends beyond aesthetics to regulatory compliance and long-term preservation, mitigating “hidden costs” of DIY. While DIY saves on immediate labor costs, professional services, such as those offered by USAMM , guarantee “Perfect Medals, Guaranteed. Triple checked for Quality, Precedence and Functionality.” This implies adherence to complex regulations. DIY methods carry inherent risks of damage to medals, as pins can shift, adhesives can leave residue, and sewing can make holes. Some mounters even use grinders on medals, and improper cleaning or materials can cause tarnishing or degradation. Incorrect mounting can lead to non-compliance for official wear, necessitating costly re-mounting. Irreversible damage reduces historical and monetary value. Therefore, the “hidden costs” of DIY are not just potential monetary expenses for corrections, but also the risk of irreversible damage to irreplaceable artifacts and the loss of their historical integrity.  

VII. Choosing a Pro: Getting Quality Mounting Without Overpaying

Selecting the right professional medal mounting service is crucial for ensuring the proper presentation and preservation of these significant awards.

Types of Providers:

• Specialist Medal Mounters: These are businesses, whether online or with a physical storefront, that focus exclusively or primarily on medal mounting. They often possess deep, up-to-date expertise in military regulations and offer a comprehensive range of services.  
• Military Surplus Stores/Uniform Shops: Many of these establishments offer in-house medal mounting services as a convenience to their clientele. Their quality and expertise can vary, so it is advisable to inquire specifically about their mounter’s experience.
• Some Jewelers or Framers: While they may offer basic mounting services, particularly for display purposes, they might lack the highly specialized military knowledge required for official uniform wear.
• Online Services: These providers offer significant convenience, often boast faster turnaround times , and may provide competitive pricing due to higher volume and potentially lower overheads.  

What to Look For in a Professional Service:

• Experience & Expertise: This is paramount, especially for military medals. Ensure the mounter has extensive experience and a deep understanding of specific service regulations, including the order of precedence and approved mounting styles. Do not hesitate to ask about their familiarity with your particular service branch’s requirements.  
• Reviews & Reputation: Check online reviews and testimonials, such as USAMM’s 4.9-star rating or positive Etsy reviews. Seek recommendations from veterans’ organizations or trusted sources.  
• Clear and Transparent Pricing: A reputable mounter will provide a detailed, itemized quote that clearly outlines all costs, including base mounting fees, additional services, and any potential rush or shipping charges. Be wary of vague or unclear pricing.
• Turnaround Time: Inquire about their standard turnaround times. If a specific deadline exists, ask about rush service options and their associated fees. Also, be aware of potential delays during peak seasons or due to material caps.  
• Insurance & Handling Procedures: For valuable original medals, confirm the service’s insurance policy to cover items in transit and while in their care. Ask about their recommended shipping methods for sending and returning medals (e.g., insured, trackable mail ).  
• Material Quality: Inquire about the materials they use for backing (e.g., durable polycarbonite versus less robust cardboard ), ribbons, and mounting bars. High-quality, acid-free materials are crucial for the longevity and preservation of your medals.  
• Remounting Policy: If adding more medals in the future is anticipated, clarify their policy on remounting sets not originally done by them. Some providers will only update sets they previously built , while others may charge extra or decline due to potential liability for previous work.  

VIII. Beyond the Basics: Preservation, Regulations, and Long-Term Value

Professional medal mounting offers benefits that extend far beyond simply attaching medals to a bar. These aspects contribute significantly to the overall value proposition.

Cost of Mounting vs. Replacement Value:

For rare, antique, or historically significant medals, the cost of professional mounting is a relatively minor investment when compared to their intrinsic, collector, or insurance value. A skilled professional understands the delicate nature of these irreplaceable items. They employ techniques and use materials that protect the medals’ integrity, preventing irreversible damage that could severely diminish their historical and monetary value. This underscores the critical need for a professional who prioritizes careful preservation over mere assembly. The monetary cost of mounting pales in comparison to the potential loss of value from improper handling or display of a truly unique historical artifact.  

Preservation Mounting for Display:

If medals are intended for long-term display in a shadow box or frame, investing in “preservation mounting” techniques and archival quality materials is highly advisable. This includes features like UV-protective glazing to prevent fading, solid hardwood deep-profile mouldings for structural integrity, archival-quality mats, and acid-free mounting boards. Such materials create a controlled environment that shields medals from dust, dirt, humidity, and the chemical reactions that cause tarnishing or fading. This ensures the medals retain their pristine condition and can be passed down through generations as cherished heirlooms. While specific costs for “archival mounting” as an add-on to mounting services are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the cost of archival display cases/frames (ranging from  

$79-$229 USD ) reflects this commitment to long-term preservation. A professional mounter can advise on the best practices for displaying medals to maximize their longevity.  

“Bundled” Services & Discounts:

While most services quote on a “per medal” basis, some providers implicitly bundle certain services, offering a more comprehensive package within their base fee. This might include new ribbons or minor cleaning. Marlow White offers “custom-made new sets, including devices and mounting” for a per-medal price, representing a significant bundled service for those acquiring new awards. Explicit discounts are also available from some mounters, such as those for “Card-carrying members of the ADF, State and Federal Police and ESOs”. It is always advisable to inquire about any veteran, military, or organizational discounts that may apply.  

The “per medal” pricing model is prevalent, but some providers offer implicit “bundled” value or discounts through flat fees or inclusive pricing. This means a seemingly higher “per medal” price might actually offer better overall value if it includes services that are itemized as add-ons by cheaper providers. Explicit discounts for military or veteran groups are also a form of value addition. The general absence of “quantity discounts” (a lower per-medal price for more medals) suggests that the labor involved per medal remains relatively consistent, or that complexity increases with larger sets, offsetting any potential discount. Therefore, consumers should not just compare the base “per medal” rate but request a detailed quote that outlines all inclusions and exclusions. Comparing the total cost for a specific set of services will reveal the true value proposition and help avoid unexpected charges.

Understanding Regulations: The Unseen Value of Professional Expertise:

Military regulations are highly specific, dictating the precise order of precedence , authorized mounting styles, and even the manner of wear for medals. A professional mounter possesses this specialized, nuanced knowledge, ensuring that the mounted medals comply with all official standards. This expertise is implicitly factored into professional fees, as it guarantees that the mounted medals will meet uniform standards, preventing potential issues or embarrassment for the wearer. For instance, the practical or regulatory requirement for court mounting for sets of six or more full-size medals is a detail a professional handles seamlessly, ensuring compliance. This regulatory adherence is a key justification for the professional fee.  

The “Hidden Costs” of Poor Mounting:

Opting for amateur or unqualified mounting services to save money can lead to significant “hidden costs” that far outweigh any initial savings.

• Incorrect Order/Style: Medals mounted out of precedence or in an incorrect style (e.g., swing mount for a large set where court mounting is required) may not be permissible for official wear. This often necessitates costly re-mounting by a professional, as illustrated by Marlow White’s example of $49 USD for 6 remounts to correct the order.  
• Damage to Medals: Amateur or improper mounting techniques can lead to irreversible physical damage, such as scratches, bending, or accelerated tarnishing due to abrasive cleaning or unsuitable materials. This damage can severely reduce the medal’s historical, sentimental, and monetary value.  
• Not Meeting Uniform Standards: Beyond strict regulations, poorly mounted medals may simply look unprofessional, diminishing the dignity of the uniform and the achievements they represent. This can lead to the need for re-mounting to achieve the required aesthetic and functional quality.

IX. Honoring Service and Achievement: The Enduring Value of Well-Presented Medals

Medals are more than just metallic objects; they are profound symbols of dedication, sacrifice, and achievement. Properly mounted medals not only preserve their physical integrity but also ensure they continue to tell their story with the dignity and respect they deserve. While meticulously mounting service medals preserves a legacy, the spirit of recognizing milestones continues with the creation of new honors. For organizations looking to award current achievements, many turn to suppliers of quality commemorative items to design unique symbols of appreciation. This desire to acknowledge excellence often leads to designing custom medals that capture the unique spirit of an event or an organization’s values, ensuring that present-day accomplishments are also celebrated with distinction.

X. Conclusion

The cost to mount medals is a multifaceted expense influenced by the number of medals, the chosen mounting style, the condition of the medals, and the specific services required. While base per-medal costs typically range from $5.00 to $18.00 USD for full-size medals and $5.50 to $15.00 USD for miniatures, additional services like ribbon replacement, device attachment, cleaning, and rush fees can add significantly to the total. Court mounting, while generally more expensive due to its labor-intensive nature and enhanced preservation qualities, offers superior protection and a more formal presentation.

For those considering DIY mounting, the immediate cost savings are attractive. However, this path carries substantial risks, including potential damage to irreplaceable medals, non-compliance with official regulations, and a less professional aesthetic. The “hidden costs” of poor mounting—such as the need for costly re-mounting or irreversible damage to valuable artifacts—often outweigh any initial savings.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in professional medal mounting is an investment in the preservation of history, the adherence to tradition, and the dignified presentation of hard-earned honors. By understanding the itemized costs, the factors that influence them, and the unseen value of professional expertise, individuals can make informed choices that truly honor the service and achievements represented by their medals. It is always recommended to obtain detailed, itemized quotes from reputable mounters and to inquire about their experience, materials, and any applicable discounts to ensure fair pricing and exceptional quality.