Showing Off Your Military Collection
A drawer full of medals and a box of patches in the closet does nobody any good. Proper display protects your collection while letting you actually enjoy what you have spent years accumulating.
Shadow Boxes for Medals and Insignia
Shadow boxes remain the classic choice for medal displays. The depth accommodates ribbons and three-dimensional items while glass or acrylic protects from dust and handling. Military exchange stores carry standard-sized boxes, but custom frames from shops like Frame It Easy or American Frame fit non-standard configurations better.
Use acid-free backing materials. The cheap cardboard backing that comes with most shadow boxes will damage fabric and paper over time. Museum-quality matboard costs a few extra dollars and prevents regrets later.
Display Cases for Larger Items
Helmets, uniforms, and equipment need more room. Locking display cabinets with adjustable glass shelves work well for mixed collections. IKEA Detolf cases are popular budget options among collectors, though better quality comes from display case specialists.
Consider UV-filtering glass or acrylic for anything exposed to natural light. Fading happens faster than you expect.
Wall Mounting Options
Rifles and edged weapons often display best on walls. Purpose-built mounts from companies like GSM Outdoors or Gunhanger keep items secure. Avoid cheap plastic mounts that can scratch or stress finishes.
Climate Control Basics
Wherever you display items, maintain stable temperature and humidity. Rapid changes cause more damage than consistent conditions, even if those conditions are not perfect. Avoid basements, attics, and exterior walls where conditions fluctuate most.
Rotating Displays
If your collection exceeds your display space, rotate items seasonally. This limits light exposure for any single piece while keeping your display fresh and interesting. Store non-displayed items properly between rotations.
