How would one go about engraving medals?

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 09:43:20 -0400

My Great Grandfather was in the Canadian Armed Forces during WW1 and my Grandfather served in the Korean War and Vietnam in the US Army. They’re both well decorated and I was curious if the Navy engraves medals in the same way that their respective branches did or if it’s even permitted. If the Navy doesn’t do it, how would one go about getting it done?

Response by 2LT Ronald Reimer made Mar 24 at 2018 10:18 AM

2LT Ronald Reimer — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 10:18:25 -0400

The same way that I do everything else.....amazon.com

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 10:54 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 10:54:35 -0400

Take them to a trophy shop to engrave them. It’s just a hassle to replace the ribbon when they get old.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 24 at 2018 11:26 AM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 11:26:07 -0400

Go to a full-service jeweler. That means probably not a national chain store, or a trophy shop.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 24 at 2018 12:49 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 12:49:45 -0400

Good Question. I collect old militaria, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. I sell and trade. I have run across a few engraved medals but they are few and far between on the open market. Most families hold onto those mementos of their family heroes. But, through estate sales mainly, I have come across a lot of collectible militaria. A good trophy shop or jewelry store could handle this for you. I would ask for a same of their engraving ability before handing over a family heirloom. I don't know if doing this would change the intrinsic value of an item but would, indeed, complete the item for the one that earned the award, particularly if it was a valourous item. Battlefield awards generally are not engraved but one is allowed to seek out the engraving though your supply unit, at least it used to be that way.
Now, does the Navy engrave? I would suspect they do but don't know for sure but one can always add it.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 24 at 2018 1:22 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 13:22:27 -0400

Jeweler could do it

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 2:10 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 14:10:55 -0400

I know the Defense Logistics Agency medals because I bought their new engraver.

If you request medals from the National Archives they will send you an engraved metal.

That said if you're willing to pay for it yourself you'll get them a lot faster if you do it yourself

Response by LTC John Griscom made Mar 24 at 2018 10:16 PM

LTC John Griscom — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 22:16:17 -0400

Any trophy shop might do it/