Shadow box displays

[ManInJapan]

Finally got around to mounting the various patches I've acquired recently into a couple of simple shadow boxes.

[Allan H.]

While I am thrilled that you have found a rewarding hobby and are discovering interesting ways to display them, I would make a couple of suggestions. First, your 78th Division patch is upside-down. Second, your patches are simply thrown into the frames without any sort of focus. Some people try to put the numbered divisions in a semblance of numerical order, but others display them based on where they served- ETO, vs PTO. Perhaps you can "tell a story" by rethinking what patches go where?

 

Don't be afraid to experiment. I am sure that you will find a method that is pleasing and educational. I look forward to your next posts on the forum.

 

Allan

[KurtA]

Rule #1 of patch collecting-

Have fun and enjoy it 

(appears you are) 

[AndrewHL]

2 minutes ago, KurtA said:

Rule #1 of patch collecting-

Have fun and enjoy it 

(appears you are) 

Collect what you enjoy and enjoy what you collect.

[ManInJapan]

1 hour ago, Allan H. said:

While I am thrilled that you have found a rewarding hobby and are discovering interesting ways to display them, I would make a couple of suggestions. First, your 78th Division patch is upside-down. Second, your patches are simply thrown into the frames without any sort of focus. Some people try to put the numbered divisions in a semblance of numerical order, but others display them based on where they served- ETO, vs PTO. Perhaps you can "tell a story" by rethinking what patches go where?

 

Don't be afraid to experiment. I am sure that you will find a method that is pleasing and educational. I look forward to your next posts on the forum.

 

Allan

Dear Allan,

 

Many thanks for your very kind suggestions - the 78th Division mishap was rectified immediately! 🤦🏻‍♂️

I love the idea of arranging them by service areas but I believe I'm very heavy on ETO, with only a couple of PTO patches (the 77th and 96th).

 

Simon 

[268th C.A.]

I simply put them in numerical order by Divisions, Army's, Corps etc. I overlap them simply to save space. I use a $10. Riker mount as there easy to stack as well. Seems they still get crowded as you tend to start collecting variations. 

As stated, don't get obsessed and enjoy the hobby. Good luck Collecting! 

[Tomek]

😁Don't forget short descritpion and variations 😁

 

[KurtA]

The dilemma with patch collecting is display vs. storage. Problem with display is, as you add your variations, you quickly run of of frames (and wall /shelf space).   Binders are the best way to store patches, but it takes extra effort to look at them (can't just gaze at them on the wall).

Being a "variation freak",  my only option is to use binders. And it's important to use only masking tape to affix the patches (not glue).  But, with woven/silk patches, it's important to first put the patch in plastic so the patch is not damaged if you need to remove the masking tape.

When I started my patch binders decades ago, I left lots of room for additions.  Well, over time, I used up all the extra space.  For many of my division variations, I have run out of room for new additions in my binders. (I guess that's actually a good thing).  I pasted an example below.

One of these days, I will buy additional larger binders, get new pages , remove all my patches from the old binders and remount them. And, I need to put them in chronological date order and  label them.

 

 

[Tomek]

There is always a dilemma of how to exhibit our collection. Small children, mean wifes... collecting has many enemies 🤣 As a variation freak I use binders and photopockets. Each pocket can hold up to four patches on each side, in addiction every patch is in acid free plastic card holder and put into small zip lock bag to make sure it stays in place - no glue and tape is needed. Patches are well secured. It can be rearrenged easily. And the joy of labeling is indescribable. 

[KurtA]

3 minutes ago, Tomek said:

There is always a dilemma of how to exhibit our collection. Small children, mean wifes... collecting has many enemies 🤣 As a variation freak I use binders and photopockets. Each pocket can hold up to four patches on each side, in addiction every patch is in acid free plastic card holder and put into small zip lock bag to make sure it stays in place - no glue and tape is needed. Patches are well secured. It can be rearrenged easily. And the joy of labeling is indescribable. 

Your method is an excellent one! 

[Tomek]

Thank You Kurt! I really appreciate your comment. 

[468arm_abn]

I also started with the use of Shadow Boxes but later switched to Riker Mounts. I find the ease of making revisions, additions, corrections, etc much easier. Plus the ability to use half sizes that fit well into the display. But as stated before, do what you like and are comfortable with. As you can see there are many good ideas posted here. It is all good.

[ManInJapan]

I truly appreciate all your comments and excellent suggestions, gentleman - and also the glimpses of your amazing collections!

 

I wanted to mark all of them "like" but, because I'm a newbie to the forum, I'm apparently limited in the amount of "likes" I can give in one day.