WhatsApp usA client approached us for specialist help with a treasured family heirloom: a framed display containing their great-great-grandfather’s Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and Sergeant’s tallies, dating back to 1841. While the silver medal had already been carefully cleaned and fitted with a replacement ribbon, the delicate textile tallies were in poor condition and required professional conservation.
Above: the items in our studio before conservation
A Fragile Military Heirloom in Need of Specialist Care
The historic display had suffered from age, light exposure, and general wear. The textiles were fragile and stained, while the frame showed signs of deterioration, including missing veneer, small chips and abrasions, flaking to the gilded slip frame, slightly open mitre joints and sun-faded backing fabric. As this was an important historical object, the aim was to retain as much original material as possible, including the frame and backing cloth.
Following a detailed assessment, our conservators recommended a sympathetic restoration programme focused on preservation rather than replacement.
Frame conservation treatments included careful surface cleaning, consolidation of the fragile slip frame, replacement and colour-matching of missing veneer, fine infilling and refinement of minor losses, toning of the slip frame and protective finishing with conservation-grade wax.
The Sergeant’s tallies were carefully dry cleaned to reduce staining while preserving the original fibres. The silver medal was securely installed back into the frame, and the display was upgraded with museum glass for long-term UV protection. The original backing cloth was retained to preserve the historical integrity of the piece.
The Result
The conservation treatment successfully stabilised the frame and textiles while improving their presentation. The tallies were carefully cleaned, frame losses were repaired and the display was protected with museum-grade glazing to help safeguard it for future generations.
The client was delighted with the outcome, commenting:
“I’m delighted with the result. Many thanks again for carrying out this project.”
Expert Conservation for Medals, Textiles & Framed Heritage Displays
At Fine Art Restoration Company, we regularly conserve and restore military medals, military textiles, regimental memorabilia, framed military displays and historic family heirlooms.
Our approach focuses on preserving original materials wherever possible while ensuring long-term protection and display quality.
If you have a treasured military artefact or family keepsake requiring professional conservation, our team would be pleased to help. Our services include:
- Military memorabilia restoration
- Textile conservation
- Frame restoration
- Museum glass installation
- Object conservation
Contact Our Team
Speak to our team today to discuss your portrait restoration project and discover how we can help bring family history back to life.
We also offer nationwide collection and delivery, as well as guidance on worldwide shipping to our studio.
