Medal mounting close to me is greater than only a service; it is a technique to protect and have fun achievements. Whether or not it is a treasured navy medal, a coveted sports activities trophy, or a tutorial honor, correct mounting ensures these symbols of accomplishment stay cherished for generations. This information dives deep into discovering the most effective medal mounters in your space, contemplating all the things from pricing and turnaround instances to high quality of labor and customized choices.
We’ll additionally discover totally different supplies, kinds, and on-line sources that can assist you make the appropriate selection in your wants.
Selecting the best medal mounter generally is a daunting activity, particularly when coping with irreplaceable keepsakes. This complete information simplifies the method by breaking down important elements to think about, resembling pricing buildings, turnaround instances, and the standard of labor. It isn’t nearly getting the job completed; it is about discovering an expert who understands the importance of your medals and treats them with the respect they deserve.
Defining Medal Mounting Companies
Medal mounting companies are essential for preserving and showcasing medals of every kind, from navy honors to sporting achievements and tutorial awards. These companies prolong past merely attaching a medal to a show; they contain meticulous craftsmanship, a deep understanding of the medal’s historical past and materials, and the flexibility to take care of its integrity. The method ensures the medal is offered in the absolute best gentle, reflecting its significance and worth.Medal mounting companies are a specialised craft, demanding cautious consideration of the medal’s materials, dimension, and historic context.
A high-quality mount not solely protects the medal from harm but in addition enhances its aesthetic attraction, remodeling it from a easy piece of metallic right into a treasured souvenir. This cautious method permits people to show their achievements with pleasure and respect.
Forms of Medals and Supplies
Medal mounting companies cater to all kinds of medals, together with navy decorations, sports activities trophies, tutorial awards, and private achievements. Every kind requires particular issues relating to mounting strategies and supplies. Completely different supplies—like metals, resins, and epoxies—supply distinct benefits for numerous kinds of medals. The selection of fabric usually relies on the medal’s composition and the specified aesthetic.
Mounting Strategies and Supplies
The mounting course of entails a number of key steps, every demanding precision and experience. A correct evaluation of the medal’s situation and design is important earlier than any mounting course of begins. This step ensures the preservation of the medal’s integrity and enhances its show.
Discovering the most effective medal mounting close to you usually hinges on an important step: vetting native energy washing corporations close to me. Power washing companies near me can supply insights into the standard of workmanship and a spotlight to element, qualities extremely fascinating when contemplating a good medal mounting skilled. This thorough vetting course of in the end helps guarantee a high-quality, long-lasting end in your prized medals.
- Epoxy Mounting: Epoxy resin is a well-liked selection for mounting medals as a consequence of its versatility and skill to create a powerful, sturdy bond. It is notably well-suited for medals with intricate designs or these requiring a excessive stage of safety.
- Steel Mounting: Steel mounts are a standard method, offering a strong and visually interesting presentation. The kind of metallic used will likely be fastidiously chosen to enhance the medal’s materials and aesthetic.
- Resin Mounting: Resin supplies a transparent, protecting layer, enabling a stupendous presentation of the medal’s particulars. It presents a clear and extremely protecting mounting resolution, particularly for delicate medals.
Comparability of Mounting Methods
Completely different mounting strategies supply various benefits and drawbacks. A comparability desk might help in understanding the trade-offs related to every technique.
| Mounting Approach | Execs | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxy | Sturdy bond, glorious safety, versatility for numerous supplies | May be susceptible to shrinkage or bubbles if not dealt with appropriately, probably clouding the medal’s look |
| Steel | Sturdy and visually interesting, usually a standard selection | May be costlier than different choices, probably heavier, much less versatile for intricate designs |
| Resin | Clear and protecting, enhances the looks of the medal, good for delicate items | May be more difficult to work with, potential for imperfections if not utilized appropriately, might not be as sturdy as epoxy |
Native Medal Mounters
Discovering the appropriate native medal mounter might be essential for preserving your cherished mementos. Thorough analysis and cautious consideration of companies, pricing, and turnaround instances are important to make sure your medals are mounted to the best requirements. This part particulars native choices, their companies, pricing, and different vital elements to think about.
Figuring out Native Medal Mounters
Native medal mounters supply a handy and sometimes personalised method to mounting your medals. Their proximity permits for potential face-to-face interplay and sometimes faster turnaround instances. Finding these companies is often achievable by means of on-line searches, native enterprise directories, or suggestions from family and friends.
Companies Provided by Native Medal Mounters
Every native mounter seemingly supplies a spread of companies, tailor-made to fulfill totally different wants. These can embrace numerous mounting strategies, customization choices, and probably restoration companies for older or broken medals. Some mounters would possibly focus on particular kinds of medals, resembling navy medals, sports activities awards, or tutorial achievements.
Pricing Construction of Native Medal Mounters
The pricing construction for medal mounting companies can range significantly. Elements influencing price embrace the complexity of the mounting course of, the supplies used, and any specialised customizations requested. Evaluating pricing buildings is essential for making an knowledgeable choice.
| Mounter | Mounting Type | Pricing (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Mounter A | Conventional Body | $25-$50 |
| Mounter B | Fashionable Show Case | $40-$75 |
| Mounter C | Customized Mounting with Plaque | $60-$120 |
| Mounter D | Specialised Navy Mounting | $75-$150 |
| Mounter E | Conservation-focused Mounting | $100-$200 |
Turnaround Occasions for Mounting Companies
Turnaround instances for medal mounting companies range considerably. Some mounters might supply expedited companies for an extra charge, whereas others have normal turnaround instances that may be communicated beforehand. It is sensible to inquire about these instances earlier than committing to a mounter. This proactive method ensures that you’re ready for the anticipated timeframe.
High quality of Work Offered by Every Mounter, Medal mounting close to me
The standard of labor varies considerably between native medal mounters. Assessing the standard entails contemplating elements like craftsmanship, materials decisions, and total aesthetics. Buyer critiques and testimonials, if obtainable, can present worthwhile perception into the standard of a mounter’s work. Photographs of earlier initiatives or examples of their work are additionally useful indicators.
Expertise and Status of Every Mounter
The expertise and repute of a medal mounter can affect your choice. A mounter with years of expertise and constructive critiques might supply a better stage of experience and reliability. Researching the mounter’s background and on-line critiques might help assess their repute and construct confidence of their companies. This proactive analysis is important to discover a mounter who can meet your wants.
Selecting the Proper Mounter: Medal Mounting Close to Me
Deciding on a good medal mounter is essential for preserving the worth and aesthetic attraction of your medals. A poorly executed mounting job can diminish the medal’s magnificence and probably devalue it. Cautious consideration of varied elements ensures a long-lasting, high-quality end result.Skilled mounters possess the technical expertise and understanding of supplies to create a safe and engaging end. They’re educated about totally different medal sorts and might present tailor-made options to protect their distinctive traits.
Evaluating Mounter Status
Respected medal mounters construct their reputations by means of constant high quality and buyer satisfaction. Researching their previous initiatives and consumer testimonials supplies worthwhile insights. On-line critiques, notably these on platforms like Google My Enterprise, Yelp, and Trustpilot, can supply a snapshot of their work and buyer experiences.
Assessing Pricing and Worth
Pricing ought to align with the standard of supplies and craftsmanship provided. Request detailed quotes that specify the supplies used, the strategies employed, and the estimated turnaround time. Evaluate quotes from a number of mounters to determine essentially the most aggressive and applicable worth level. Be cautious of exceptionally low costs, as they may point out compromised high quality or supplies.
Contemplating High quality and Craftsmanship
The standard of the mounting straight impacts the medal’s presentation and longevity. Look at examples of the mounter’s earlier work to evaluate their craftsmanship and a spotlight to element. Search for constant high quality throughout totally different items. Excessive-quality mounts usually use sturdy supplies, resembling high-grade metals or archival-quality supplies. They showcase precision in execution, showcasing the integrity of the mounter’s expertise.
Contemplating Turnaround Time
Turnaround time is an important issue, particularly for these with deadlines. Talk about mission timelines with potential mounters to make sure they will meet your wants. A good mounter ought to be capable to present a sensible estimate of their completion time with out compromising high quality. Expedite your mission by scheduling the work properly upfront.
Assessing High quality Earlier than Dedication
Thorough pre-commitment evaluation ensures you obtain the specified end result. Request to see bodily samples of earlier work to judge the mounter’s high quality management. A visible inspection of the mounts can point out the craftsmanship and supplies used. A well-executed mount will show precision, element, and high quality supplies.
Inquiries to Ask Potential Mounters
Asking insightful questions might help within the decision-making course of. Inquire concerning the supplies used, the mounting strategies, and the guarantee provided. A good mounter ought to be capable to reply these questions comprehensively. These questions will make sure you make an knowledgeable choice concerning the mounter’s suitability.
- What supplies do you employ in your mounts?
- What are your strategies for mounting totally different medal sorts?
- What’s your estimated turnaround time for this mission?
- Do you supply a assure or guarantee in your work?
- Can I see samples of your earlier work?
Medal Mounting Supplies and Kinds
Selecting the best medal mounting materials and magnificence is essential for preserving the medal’s historic worth and aesthetic attraction. A well-crafted mount can considerably improve the medal’s presentation and longevity, whereas a poorly executed one can diminish its affect. Understanding the varied supplies and kinds obtainable means that you can make knowledgeable choices that align along with your particular wants and preferences.
Materials Choice for Medal Mounts
Completely different supplies supply distinctive benefits when it comes to sturdiness, aesthetics, and price. Deciding on the suitable materials relies on the medal’s kind, the specified aesthetic, and the funds. Acrylic, metallic, and wooden are fashionable decisions, every with its personal set of traits.
Discovering a talented medal mounter close to you might be tough, however understanding native companies is vital. Should you want firewood, contemplate trying out choices for chopping wooden close to me, like this one. Finally, your seek for high-quality medal mounting close to you’ll lead you to the appropriate native artisan.
- Acrylic: Acrylic mounts are light-weight, reasonably priced, and supply a variety of colours and finishes. They’re glorious for displaying medals, offering a transparent and fashionable look. Acrylic’s transparency permits the medal’s particulars to shine by means of, whereas its versatility in shade and design caters to varied aesthetic preferences.
- Steel: Steel mounts, usually produced from brass, bronze, or silver, supply a basic and chic aesthetic. Their sturdiness makes them appropriate for each show and protecting functions. The richness and texture of metallic can complement numerous medal sorts, enhancing their visible attraction.
- Wooden: Wooden mounts present a heat and pure contact, usually related to historic or conventional contexts. Completely different wooden sorts supply diversified tones and textures, enabling customization. Their use might be applicable for medals with a selected historic or cultural significance.
Mounting Kinds and Their Aesthetics
The mounting model straight impacts the medal’s presentation and total look. The model ought to complement the medal’s design and the specified show surroundings. Completely different kinds cater to numerous wants and preferences.
- Show Mounts: Show mounts are designed for showcasing medals prominently. They usually characteristic clear or clear supplies that enable for simple viewing of the medal’s particulars. The aesthetic is often clear, fashionable, and targeted on the medal itself.
- Protecting Mounts: Protecting mounts prioritize the preservation of the medal. They usually incorporate inflexible supplies and safe closures to safeguard the medal from harm. A protecting mount is very appropriate for medals that must be dealt with or transported incessantly.
- Ornate Mounts: Ornate mounts add gildings to the show, drawing consideration to the medal’s artistry and historic significance. They incorporate intricate designs, ornamental components, and premium supplies. The aesthetic is lush and emphasizes the grandeur of the medal.
Materials Suitability for Completely different Medal Sorts
The selection of fabric is influenced by the medal’s dimension, weight, and materials. This desk supplies a concise overview of the suitability of varied mounting supplies for various medal sorts.
| Materials | Properties | Suitability for |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Light-weight, reasonably priced, clear | Small to medium-sized medals, medals with delicate particulars |
| Steel | Sturdy, elegant, numerous finishes | Medals of any dimension, medals with intricate particulars, medals requiring safety |
| Wooden | Heat, pure, customizable | Medals with historic or cultural significance, medals that want a singular aesthetic |
Examples of Mounting Kinds
Illustrative examples of various mounting kinds might be noticed in numerous collections and exhibitions. As an example, a show mount would possibly showcase a medal in a transparent acrylic case, highlighting its particulars. A protecting mount might be used for a historic medal, guaranteeing its preservation. An ornate mount, with intricate gildings, may be used for a prestigious award.
On-line Assets and Info
Discovering the appropriate medal mounting service generally is a daunting activity, particularly with the sheer quantity of choices obtainable on-line. This part supplies a structured method to navigating on-line sources, serving to you determine reliable suppliers and keep away from potential pitfalls. Understanding the factors for evaluating these companies is essential to making sure a profitable and satisfying expertise.Navigating the digital panorama for medal mounting companies requires a discerning eye.
Many web sites promise high-quality work, however not all reside as much as the hype. Scrutinizing the obtainable data and on the lookout for particular indicators of legitimacy is paramount to creating an knowledgeable choice. This information supplies a roadmap for evaluating on-line companies and making assured decisions.
Respected Web sites for Discovering Medal Mounting Companies
Discovering dependable medal mounting companies usually begins with researching respected on-line platforms. These platforms can join you with native artisans and specialists, offering a streamlined technique to evaluate choices and probably safe a quote.
- On-line Marketplaces: Many on-line marketplaces supply a platform for showcasing companies. These can embrace artisan craft marketplaces, or extra generalized on-line service directories. Their profit is the potential for a broad number of suppliers, permitting for comparability purchasing. Nevertheless, an absence of in-depth data on particular person suppliers and a possible lack of direct contact might be drawbacks.
- Specialised Assessment Websites: Specialised evaluate websites devoted to crafts, artwork, or house enchancment companies might embrace critiques of medal mounting companies. This lets you see firsthand experiences from different clients. The worth is in real-world suggestions, however the critiques may be skewed or incomplete, and their focus might not be solely on mounting high quality.
- Native Enterprise Directories: Native enterprise directories, usually on-line variations of conventional listings, present worthwhile details about native medal mounting companies. These directories might help you determine suppliers in your space and probably uncover smaller, specialised retailers that may not be listed on broader marketplaces. The draw back might be much less complete data than devoted craft marketplaces.
Verifying the Legitimacy of On-line Companies
Guaranteeing the legitimacy of on-line medal mounting companies is essential. Faux or poorly-managed companies can result in disappointment or subpar work.
- Examine for Contact Info: A transparent and available contact tackle, cellphone quantity, and e-mail tackle are important. An absence of this data generally is a crimson flag.
- Assessment Buyer Opinions: Search for critiques from previous clients. Whereas not a definitive assure, they will supply worthwhile insights into the standard of labor, customer support, and turnaround instances.
- Search for a Portfolio: A well-curated portfolio showcasing previous initiatives might be an indicator of the mounter’s ability and expertise. This enables for a preview of their capabilities.
Info to Search for on a Web site
Thorough analysis is vital to choosing a dependable medal mounting service. Evaluating web sites supplies a snapshot of the enterprise’s method and reliability.
- Clear Pricing Construction: A clear pricing construction, outlining prices for various mounting kinds and supplies, builds belief and permits for knowledgeable comparisons.
- Detailed Descriptions of Companies: Detailed descriptions of companies provided, together with particular mounting kinds and supplies, ensures a transparent understanding of the choices obtainable.
- Buyer Testimonials or Case Research: Buyer testimonials or case research can show the mounter’s ability and the standard of their work.
Potential On-line Assets
Exploring numerous on-line sources might help you discover the right medal mounting service.
| Useful resource | Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Etsy | Huge number of handcrafted gadgets, together with medal mounts; probably native artists. | High quality management can range; issue in distinguishing high-quality from lower-quality work. |
| Yelp | Buyer critiques present real-world suggestions; probably useful for native companies. | Opinions might not focus solely on mounting high quality; critiques might be subjective. |
| Google My Enterprise | Finds native companies; usually contains buyer critiques and make contact with data. | Restricted house for detailed service descriptions; probably restricted to native companies. |
Customized Mounting Choices
Past normal mounting choices, many medal mounters supply bespoke options tailor-made to particular wants and preferences. This enables for distinctive displays and commemorations, preserving medals in a fashion that displays their historic or private significance. A customized mount can elevate a medal from a easy show merchandise to a cherished heirloom, usually reflecting the medal’s historic context or private significance.
Defining Customized Mounting Initiatives
Customized medal mounting goes past the everyday decisions, enabling intricate designs and supplies to enhance the medal’s aesthetic and the consumer’s imaginative and prescient. This usually entails collaboration with the mounter to find out the perfect supplies, design components, and total presentation model. The complexity and scope of the mission straight affect the price, making detailed discussions important for a profitable end result.
Steps Concerned in a Customized Mount
The method of making a customized mount normally entails a number of steps. Preliminary consultations decide the consumer’s imaginative and prescient and the medal’s particular necessities. This contains the specified model, supplies, and any extra options, resembling backing plates or show mechanisms. Subsequent, the mounter creates a design proposal and price estimate. Subsequent revisions and approvals guarantee the ultimate product meets the consumer’s expectations.
Lastly, the customized mount is crafted and delivered, usually with an in depth rationalization of the development and care procedures.
Examples of Distinctive Mounting Initiatives
Customized mounting extends past fundamental presentation. One instance would possibly contain making a mount for a set of medals, guaranteeing correct alignment and show of every medal inside a cohesive framework. One other might be a customized mount designed to showcase a medal’s intricate particulars, highlighting its inventive or historic significance. Alternatively, a mounter may design a mount for a medal with a singular form or dimension, resembling a really massive or unusually formed medal, requiring specialised strategies to take care of its integrity whereas showcasing it.
Discovering a good medal mounting service close to you is vital for showcasing your prized possessions. Nevertheless, in case you’re in search of a profession change, contemplate exploring reception jobs close to me, reception jobs near me , as a rewarding various. These roles usually require sturdy communication and organizational expertise, transferable to managing the main points of medal mounting initiatives, and in the end enhancing your online business’s repute.
Customized Mounting Choices and Prices
| Sort of Customized Mounting Possibility | Description | Estimated Price Vary |
|---|---|---|
| Customized Medal Show Case | A bespoke show case designed to deal with a number of medals, probably with specialised lighting or protecting options. | $150 – $1000+ |
| Customized Mounted Medal Set | Mounting a number of medals collectively in a cohesive presentation, maybe with a selected design or materials. | $200 – $1500+ |
| Mount for a Giant/Uncommon Formed Medal | Specialised mounting for a medal with a singular dimension or form, presumably involving customized framing or help methods. | $300 – $2000+ |
| Medal Mount with Enhanced Show Options | A mount with added options, resembling a velvet backing, specialised lighting, or a protecting casing. | $250 – $1500+ |
Notice: Price ranges are approximate and rely upon elements resembling supplies, complexity, and the mounter’s charges.
Speaking Your Customized Mounting Wants
Clear communication is significant for a profitable customized mounting mission. Describe the medal’s distinctive traits, desired aesthetic, and any particular necessities. Embrace pictures or detailed descriptions to assist the mounter visualize your imaginative and prescient. Talk about desired supplies, finishes, and any particular show wants. Ask questions and search clarification to make sure a shared understanding of the mission’s scope and deliverables.
Upkeep and Preservation of Mounted Medals
Preserving the wonder and historic significance of mounted medals requires cautious consideration to element. Correct upkeep not solely extends the lifespan of the mount but in addition ensures the medal’s situation stays pristine, reflecting its historic worth and private that means. A well-maintained medal mount serves as a testomony to the dedication and care given to preserving its historical past.Understanding the significance of correct storage, dealing with, and safety is essential for preserving the integrity of mounted medals.
This data empowers people to safeguard these worthwhile artifacts for generations to return. This part particulars the most effective practices for sustaining mounted medals, from storage to dealing with potential harm.
Significance of Correct Care
Cautious dealing with and storage are important to stop harm to each the medal and the mounting. Ignoring correct care can result in discoloration, tarnish, and even irreparable harm, diminishing the medal’s aesthetic attraction and historic worth. Sustaining a medal’s pristine situation requires constant consideration to element and a proactive method to stopping potential hurt.
Discovering a good store for medal mounting close to you is essential for preserving your cherished mementos. Nevertheless, in case you’re on the lookout for somebody expert in a distinct craft, contemplate native piano tuners close to me. Piano tuners near me might be simply as vital to sustaining your prized possessions, very like a top quality medal mounting service. Finally, discovering the appropriate native artisans for medal mounting close to you is vital to making sure a long-lasting and exquisite presentation.
Medal Storage Suggestions
Correct storage environments are essential for preserving the standard of mounted medals. These suggestions intention to attenuate the danger of injury and guarantee long-term preservation.
- Use archival-quality supplies: Make use of acid-free containers, acid-free tissue paper, and padding to stop chemical reactions that may hurt the medal and its mount.
- Management the surroundings: Retailer medals in a climate-controlled surroundings with steady temperature and humidity ranges to stop moisture harm and warping.
- Keep away from direct daylight: Publicity to direct daylight can fade colours and harm supplies over time. Retailer medals in a location shielded from direct daylight.
- Separate gadgets: Keep away from stacking medals on prime of one another, which might trigger scratches and harm to the mount. Use applicable separators to stop contact.
- Take into account specialised storage: For in depth collections, think about using specialised show circumstances or cupboards designed for storing historic artifacts to take care of correct environmental situations.
Defending Mounted Medals from Injury
Proactive measures to guard mounted medals are very important for preserving their historic and aesthetic worth. The next steps might help safeguard in opposition to frequent types of harm.
- Deal with with care: Use mushy, clear cloths or gloves when dealing with mounted medals to stop fingerprints and scratches. Keep away from extreme strain.
- Examine often: Common inspections can determine potential points early on, permitting for well timed intervention. Search for indicators of injury or deterioration, resembling discoloration, cracks, or free elements.
- Management the surroundings: Secure temperature and humidity ranges are essential for stopping harm. Fluctuations may cause warping, cracking, or different issues.
- Keep away from publicity to harsh chemical substances: Shield medals from contact with chemical substances or cleansing brokers that might hurt the supplies. Use solely beneficial cleansing strategies.
- Safe storage: Guarantee correct storage in areas free from pests, bugs, or extreme moisture.
Addressing Injury or Points with the Mount
Addressing harm to a mounted medal requires cautious consideration and an expert method. Immediate motion can usually forestall additional deterioration.
- Search skilled assist: If the harm is important or you’re not sure concerning the restore course of, contact a certified medal mounter or conservator.
- Doc the harm: Earlier than making an attempt any restore, take detailed pictures or notes of the harm to assist within the restoration course of.
- Keep away from DIY repairs: Improper makes an attempt at repairs can worsen the harm. Go away repairs to certified professionals.
- Perceive the supplies: Completely different supplies require totally different preservation strategies. Perceive the supplies used within the mount to pick essentially the most applicable care and restore method.
- Take into account restoration: Typically, full restoration is the most effective method, notably for in depth harm.
Greatest Practices for Sustaining Mounted Medals
This desk Artikels key greatest practices for sustaining mounted medals, emphasizing prevention and proactive measures.
| Facet | Greatest Observe |
|---|---|
| Storage | Use acid-free supplies, management humidity and temperature, keep away from direct daylight. |
| Dealing with | Deal with with mushy cloths or gloves, keep away from extreme strain. |
| Inspection | Frequently examine for indicators of injury, discoloration, or free elements. |
| Atmosphere | Preserve steady temperature and humidity ranges, shield from pests and moisture. |
| Injury Response | Search skilled assist for vital harm, doc the problem. |
Conclusive Ideas
In conclusion, discovering the right medal mounter close to you is a vital step in preserving your cherished keepsakes. By contemplating the elements Artikeld on this information, you possibly can confidently select an expert who meets your particular wants and ensures the longevity of your medals. Keep in mind to analysis completely, ask pertinent questions, and prioritize high quality and expertise. Finally, the appropriate mounter is not going to solely showcase your medals but in addition respect their historic and private worth.
FAQs
What kinds of medals might be mounted?
All kinds of medals might be mounted, together with navy medals, sports activities trophies, tutorial awards, and even personalised medals. The mounting course of and supplies used might range relying on the medal’s composition and dimension.
How lengthy does the mounting course of usually take?
Turnaround instances for mounting companies can range considerably relying on the complexity of the job and the chosen mounter. Some mounters supply expedited companies for a charge, whereas others prioritize high quality over velocity.
What are some frequent supplies used for medal mounting?
Frequent supplies embrace epoxy, metallic, resin, acrylic, and wooden, every with its personal properties and suitability for various medal sorts. Take into account the aesthetic you need and the medal’s composition when choosing the appropriate materials.
Can I get customized mounting choices for my medals?
Many medal mounters supply customized mounting choices to accommodate distinctive or specialised wants. This would possibly contain designing a customized mount to match particular kinds or accommodate distinctive medal shapes.
