Military Shop, one of Canberra’s most recommended military medal specialists. Photo: BrandNet.
The Australian Defence Force has issued medals in recognition and appreciation of service since the First World War. These medals are individual acknowledgements, symbols of service and sacrifice at the most personal level.
Worn by serving individuals and their families on commemorative occasions across Canberra, they require dignified care. From ribbons to refurbishment, a little maintenance can help to keep them looking their best. And, while not in use a discrete display box, custom case, or frame is the perfect way to store them.
If you are looking to preserve a cherished service medal, chances are that you will also need a replica. These quality recreations allow recipients and their holders to keep originals safe, whilst replacing with a substitute to wear or display.
If you require restorative services, or a replica medal or two, then you have come to the right place. Read on below to find Canberra’s best military medal specialists.
What makes a great military medal specialist?
The best military medal specialists allow those who have served to care for their military service acknowledgements. Be it maintaining originals or providing replicas for times of need, they make wearing and preserving military medals their number one priority. If you’re looking for a military medal specialist the following considerations may help:
- Knowledgeable specialists. When it comes to military medals, there is much to be said for possessing an understanding that only an insider could. Whether this be the result of decades in business or military service itself, having sound industry knowledge is imperative. Equally as important is a medal specialisation, particularly when it comes to handling originals. This experience should translate into a sound understanding of medal entitlements and protocol for both recipients and non-recipients.
- Extensive product selection. The best military medal specialists boast an extensive selection of products. From pre and WWI medals, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam all the way through to current defence and foreign medals they can access it all. Moreover, should you need an honours, commemorative, Police, or emergency services item they are only too happy to exist.
- Full-service offering. Regardless of your military medal need, seek out a specialist that services all of these under the one roof. These full-service powerhouses offer everything from replicas, ribbons, and refurbishments through to mounting, framing and more. Not only does this make logistics easier; it can also help to save time and add value.
- Quality. Be it a replica medal or a refurbished original, the best military medal specialists are all about quality. This quality translates to a considered selection of products, premium components, and masterful craftsmanship. Look for suppliers that carry an established reputation for excellence from within the military community and out. Moreover, guaranteed items and services offer added peace of mind.
- Absolute care. Whether you are serving, retired from service, or a medal custodian, you should expect nothing less than absolute care. As formal acknowledgements of service many, if not all medals hold a deep sentimental value. These cherished family heirlooms should be treated with the utmost care, respected as if they were a suppliers own.
The best military medals in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars on both Google and Facebook reviews.
A Medal Mounting & Ribbon Bar Service
Founded in 2007, A Medal Mounting & Ribbon Bar Service specialise in mounting services for medals and ribbons, along with the supply of their replica counterparts.
Owned and operated by Greg, a 30+ year Australian Army veteran, they cater to Australian military, Police, and Emergency Services, addressing the needs of both full and miniature medals. Located in Fyshwick, and with a focus on quality service they are one of the region’s best.
Tori Jade had this to say on Google, “I couldn't recommend the team at Medal Mounting and Ribbon bar Service enough! Excellent service, friendly team, and great enthusiasm. Their products look incredible too. Wouldn't trust my family's military memories with any other business.”
Military Shop
Trusted by veterans and active service personnel in Canberra and beyond for over thirty years, military merchandise specialists, Military Shop have a stellar reputation as the go-to source for replica medals and medal mounting services.
Military Shop offer an extensive collection campaign medals, military cross medals, and star medals awarded for service across ADF, APS, Emergency Services and Civilian sectors. If you are looking for military medal supplier that will honour your families’ contributions look no further than Military Shop.
Customers Marie and Jake Romijn shared this testimonial, "Just to let you know that the beautifully mounted medals and ribbon bar arrived safely. I can't thank you enough for your assistance in achieving this result and in particular your recommendation to use the "aged type" for the two stars, they look stunning! We are most grateful for your guidance through this most daunting task."
Ironside Military
Veteran-owned and family operated, Ironside Military specialises in military, survival, and archery products, and have serving members of the Australian Defence Force and public for over ten years.
Ironside Military also offer a comprehensive medal mounting and repairs service for ribbon bars, full-sized medals, miniatures, and replicas. With bespoke medal framing and replacement ribbons and medals from the Boer war to present, they are a great choice.
Joshua Burgess shared this review on Google, “A great place for anything military.”
Griffin Medals
Canberra based Griffin Medals specialise in medal mounting and militaria. With extensive medal knowledge, they focus on military, Police, Fire Brigade, and civil medal mounting.
Griffin Medals also supply replica medals, miniature medals, and ribbons for many awards. For a custom display board or frame created to your exacting needs contact Bruce or Greg from Griffin Medals.
Your experience with military medals in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the military medal specialists listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of medal mounting?
There are generally two ways of mounting medals—swing mounting or court mounting. Swing style mounting sees medal ribbons attached to a single brooch bar allowing for movement or swinging. Court style mounting sees medals held in fixed position by a ridged board designed to limit movement.
What does medal mounting cost?
Depending on the number of medals, their size, and mount type, you can expect to pay between $30 for a single original sized court mounted medal, to over $300 for a set of 10 original sized court mounted medals. For a detailed quote contact your local military medal specialist.
How do I purchase replica medals?
Replica medals are readily available from medal dealers or commercial military memorabilia outlets. These replicas are often indistinguishable from Defence issued medals and are a good option for displaying or wearing whilst keeping originals safe at home. To request a list of your relative’s entitled awards, submit a request with the Australian Defence Force.
Can you replace ribbons on military medals?
Yes absolutely. Depending on their origin, most medal and mounting specialists can source a wide range of replacement medal ribbons. These are often available for full-size and miniature world war, service, campaign, and general service medals.
Can I replace damaged, lost, or stolen Australian military medals?
Serving members, ex-serving members, and medal holders may be eligible to have damaged, lost, or stolen medals replaced. A formal process is in place with the Australian Defence Force, so be sure to explore this further to see if this option is applicable to your situation.
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