Mounting and caring for medals

The NZDF Medal Mounting Standard

Medal mounting refers to how orders, decorations, and medals are attached to a uniform jacket or coat.  The NZDF Medal Mounting Standard (PDF, 323 KB), approved by the Chief of Defence Force in July 2015, sets out comprehensive guidelines for the care and mounting of medals and ensures consistent medal mounting practices and wear for serving personnel.  The Standard applies to orders, decorations, and medals (full-size and miniature) mounted for wear on NZDF uniform for all serving personnel, including non-regular and New Zealand Cadet Forces.  

Order of Precedence

Medals must be mounted in the correct order of precedence in accordance with the New Zealand Order of Wear(external link).  The medal in the group with the highest precedence is mounted at the right-hand end of the medal bar, nearest the lapel.  Medals then descend to the lowest precedence at the left-hand end.  When ribbons alone are worn, four or five ribbons can be mounted in one row on a ribbon bar before a second row, above the first, is started.  

For further information about the Order of Precedence, see the NZDF Guide to the Order of Wear.

Medal mounting methods

There are two recognised methods of medal mounting.   The 'swing mounting' method suspends the medal by its ribbon from a ribbon bar or brooch pin.  This method attaches several medals to a long brooch pin bar.  The free-swinging style, however, can cause damage to the medals.  The 'court mounting' stretches medal ribbons over a stiff mounting board with a medal bar brooch attachment at the top.  Medal ribbons overlap slightly so that more can be worn with less space.

Caring and cleaning for orders, decorations, and awards

Orders, decorations, and medals are made from one or more of the following materials: sterling silver, gold/gilt, rhodium or silver-plated base metal, bronze, and enamel (glass).  Such materials require specific techniques for caring, cleaning, and storage.  

Handling Tips     

• Make sure hands are clean.
• Avoid placing fingers on the obverse (front) or reverse of the badge or medal.  (Fingerprints and oils from the hands will damage the surface over time).
• Where possible, pick up a badge, medal or medal group at the top of the ribbon(s) where it is attached to the brooch pin.
• After handling, wipe with a dry soft cloth. Do not use any abrasive pads or scrubbers.

Cleaning of Court Mounted Medals
     

• Once an award has been court mounted, it should only be cleaned with a dry soft cloth, as cleaning materials such as Brasso may remove plating and any stain in the ribbons is almost impossible to remove.
• Avoid the use of silver dips, and impregnated cleaning cloths on court mounted medals for the same reason.
   

Cleaning of Other Medals, Neck Badges and Breast Stars

• Medals that are not court mounted (individual items and ‘swing mounted’) groups may be cleaned with a soft cloth, silver polishing cloth, or cloth used for cleaning spectacles.
• ‘Silver Dip’ type products may be used on Sterling Silver awards. This should be rinsed off immediately in cool water.
• Cool, soapy water and a soft toothbrush may be used to clean Neck Badges and Breast Stars. These should then be dried with a hair dryer on a cool setting. Hot water should never be used on awards containing enamel as rapid temperature changes may cause this material to crack.
   

Items that are subject to tarnishing.

These items will be cleaned and a clear lacquer applied by the medal mounter
prior to court mounting. If applied correctly, the lacquer should prevent tarnishing for many years.

Wet Medals

•  Use paper tissues or a dry soft cloth to remove excess moisture from the medals and allow the group to dry naturally.
• Do not apply any form or artificial heat or leave them in the direct sunlight as this may cause the mounting board to warp, and ribbons to shrink and fade.
   

Storage

It is recommended that orders, decorations and medals, both full-size and miniature, are stored in a suitable box made of wood or metal with interior padding. These are available commercially. Medals should not be placed in a storage box when wet.
 

Checklist (prior to wear)
      

•  Ensure the brooch pin assembly on the back of the medal group is secure.
• Check each medal in the group is perpendicular and securely wired to the
  mounting board.
• The medals and ribbons are clean.
• Clasps/bars are secure and at a right angle (90 degrees) to their ribbons.
• The group is securely attached to the jacket, coat or dress in the correct position, and the brooch pin and claw are properly engaged.