Miniature Medals on a Prince Charlie Jacket

[Arnot]

I have some black tie events coming up and will be wearing my miniature medals. Medals and decorations are mentioned in the dress codes so no worries there. What I am looking for is a way to attach them with minimal damage to the silky Prince Charlie lapels. I know how and where they are to be worn. The problem is that the medals will leave holes that will show when they are not worn. Are there any good ways to attach them without damaging the lapels? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[sydnie7]

I believe Bob uses magnets but I'll have to check to be sure.

[Harold Cannon]

MAGNETS!!! good strong rare earth magnets work great. If your medals are court mounted then attach the magnets to the back the use more on the other side of the lapel to hold them on.

[creagdhubh]

I have some black tie events coming up and will be wearing my miniature medals. Medals and decorations are mentioned in the dress codes so no worries there. What I am looking for is a way to attach them with minimal damage to the silky Prince Charlie lapels. I know how and where they are to be worn. The problem is that the medals will leave holes that will show when they are not worn. Are there any good ways to attach them without damaging the lapels? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Fantastic question, Arnot! I too have miniature medals (awarded by the U.S. Marine Corps), yet I do not wear them with Highland evening attire, because I am too afraid of popping holes into the lapel on my Regulation doublet. I have seen the magnetic approach before, but would the magnets be strong enough to keep the medals secure through the thickness of the jacket/coatee/doublet?

Cheers,

[Scout]

Magnets are a great solution to this problem. You can clearly see the holes where my miniature medals attach to the lapel of my Army Mess Blue jacket. Luckily it's not a real problem since the jacket doesn't get worn without the medals, but it certainly would be unsightly without them. Check with the folks at Medals of America: http://www.medalsofamerica.com/?src=...FYFo4Aodsw253Q I imagine they can fix your awards so they attach magnetically.

Please report back on your success!

[davidlpope]

Unless you purchase the "thin" versions with magnetic catches, I find that the best method is to experiment with placement so that the medals are properly situated when you are wearing the jacket. Once you know the correct position, then carefully attach the medals, so that there is only one set of holes. When you remove and reattach the medals use the exact same holes to keep from beating your lapels up too badly.

Yes, there will be two small holes that show when you are not wearing the medals. They are not that noticeable, though, and if noticed, they are merely a testament to the fact that you 1) do rate medals and 2) do wear them at appropriate times.

Cordially,

David

[creagdhubh]

Magnets are a great solution to this problem. You can clearly see the holes where my miniature medals attach to the lapel of my Army Mess Blue jacket. Luckily it's not a real problem since the jacket doesn't get worn without the medals, but it certainly would be unsightly without them. Check with the folks at Medals of America: http://www.medalsofamerica.com/?src=...FYFo4Aodsw253Q I imagine they can fix your awards so they attach magnetically.

Please report back on your success!

My medals - both large and miniature - are from Medals of America, and they do an outstanding job. I have thought about ordering miniature medals from them with the magnetic backs, but I guess my only concern is if the magnets will be strong enough to securely hold the medals. I obviously don't want the medals to fall completely off of my doublet, but I am also concerned about them moving, even in the slightest fashion (military attribute, and rightly so!). I should also mention that I remove my doublet entirely whilst dancing.

Cheers,

[Santa Kona]

I use the magnetic attachments, No problems with holes.

[creagdhubh]

Unless you purchase the "thin" versions with magnetic catches, I find that the best method is to experiment with placement so that the medals are properly situated when you are wearing the jacket. Once you know the correct position, then carefully attach the medals, so that there is only one set of holes. When you remove and reattach the medals use the exact same holes to keep from beating your lapels up too badly.

Yes, there will be two small holes that show when you are not wearing the medals. They are not that noticeable, though, and if noticed, they are merely a testament to the fact that you 1) do rate medals and 2) do wear them at appropriate times.

Cordially,

David

***

[Arnot]

Thanks all for your replies. I now have some options to consider.