Should I restore my families WWI Campaign Medal?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 11:38:08 -0400

Recently some family heirlooms were passed down to me, among them my great grandfathers WWI campaign medal. As you can see, it's a little banged up. I'm just looking for some advice as to whether I should restore it or leave it as is.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2014 12:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 12:18:01 -0400

The Victory Medal, also called the Inter-Allied Victory Medal, that SGT Private RallyPoint Member is a piece of history. I'm kind of on the fence with this, on one hand to have the medal as its aged over the years, it has 'character' and on the other hand, restoring it to its pristine condition when it was originally awarded.

Restoration is not without risks, I mean there were several types of metals used in the creation of awards back then, and so many ways to clean the certain types. Ultimately its your choice but I would leave it as is, that my opinion only. Thank you for sharing this.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2014 12:45 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 12:45:58 -0400

What an honor to have that passed down to you. I would leave it and place it in a shadow box with a picture of your grandfather in uniform. Just my .02 cents.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2014 1:12 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 13:12:17 -0400

Each ding, each rent, each tear, wrinkle blemish is a story. Why would you want to re-write the history of this magnificent piece?

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 26 at 2014 1:30 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 13:30:03 -0400

If it is an original, I would leave it as is.

Response by CW3 Scott Castlen made Sep 26 at 2014 1:54 PM

CW3 Scott Castlen — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 13:54:48 -0400

I'd leave it as is. Your Great Grandfather proudly wore that thing.....I'm sure if you wanted, that you could probably buy a new or restored one. If it were me I'd keep it as is.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Sep 26 at 2014 3:02 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 15:02:23 -0400

Leave it as is....

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Sep 26 at 2014 6:08 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 18:08:20 -0400

As others have said....keep as is and create some type of display case/shadow box.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 26 at 2014 7:11 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 19:11:57 -0400

I would see if you could get a photo of your great grandfather and put the two together. That's a piece of history. 1917-18. For a second I though it was the Army Service Ribbon. I would do one for each of your family member that have served or are serving. Way cool SGT Robertson.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2014 8:10 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 20:10:04 -0400

I would leave as is. I would maybe mount it in some small type of shadow box with maybe an engraved plaque explaining what it is. Leaving it in rough form makes it more of a conversation piece and makes it appear more authentic.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Sep 27 at 2014 7:20 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 07:20:20 -0400

As many others here have mentioned, leave it in its current state because it shows the age of the medal and do put it in a shadow box. It is a great way to keep your family tradition alive by displaying the medal for others to see. If you do have a picture of him, consider putting it alongside with the medal too.

I have my father's USAF records and two medals from the Air Force when he served in the 60s. He has been deceased since the early 90s and I'm going to frame his medals, rank, and ribbon rack someday here soon.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2014 10:21 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 10:21:16 -0400

SGT Robertson, nearly every collector of every interest I have come across has always preferred historical artifacts in their original condition, flaws and all ( except drivable cars). I say leave it and protect it as best you can!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 27 at 2014 10:43 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 10:43:35 -0400

I know the desire to see it in it's former glory but antiques are best left untouched. Talk about a wonderful thing to Inherit. Bless both you and your Grandfather. If you get a chance come here to Kansas City and Liberty Memorial the Only National WWI Museum in the Country.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 29 at 2014 1:46 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 01:46:42 -0400

Leave that treasure be!!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2014 1:57 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 01:57:15 -0400

Leave it be its history. Maybe find a picture of your grandfather in uniform and put them together in a small shadow box with a brief description.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2014 1:59 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 01:59:47 -0400

Leave it be its history. Maybe find a picture of your grandfather in uniform and put them in a shadow box with a brief description.

Response by Cadet CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2014 6:29 PM

Cadet CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 18:29:55 -0400

Restoring artifacts actually makes them lose value