Restoring a Commemorative Army Shadowbox – Honoring 27 Years of Service
A Piece with Meaning
At JW Frame Crafters, we often see how framing becomes more than presentation—it becomes preservation. A longtime Army veteran recently returned to the United States after years abroad. With him came a commemorative shadowbox celebrating his 27 years of service. Unfortunately, during its journey, the piece suffered serious damage. Glass shattered inside the frame, coins and banners were at risk, and memories were in danger of being lost. Our mission was to restore this tribute and give it new life.
The Damage on Arrival
When the piece arrived, it bore the marks of rough travel. Shards of broken glass pierced through matting, leaving the coins and banners vulnerable. The original design, once vibrant and proud, now looked unstable and unsafe to display. For the customer, the piece represented decades of service, pride, and sacrifice. Restoring it was not just about repair—it was about respect.
Careful Restoration
Our first step was to remove all the shattered glass with meticulous care, ensuring no fragments remained that could scratch or harm the contents. Each challenge coin was cleaned and examined for damage before being reset into the design. The banners, central to the shadowbox’s story, required careful transfer. We removed them from the damaged matting, preserved their integrity, and prepared them for the new design. Every step was handled with patience, precision, and reverence for the service this piece represents.
Redesigning the Matting
For the new layout, we selected Artique Night and Artique Miro as accent matting, layered over a background of Artique White. The combination of deep tones and crisp white gave the piece balance and contrast. The dark accents highlight the bold colors of the unit banners, while the white background ensures clarity and focus. This matting design both honored the original concept and elevated the overall presentation.
Reframing with Strength
To protect the restored contents, we placed the piece in a new frame. The design provided the depth required to house the banners and coins securely, while offering structure strong enough to endure future handling and display. The new frame balanced durability with elegance, giving the shadowbox both resilience and dignity.
Protecting with Conservation Clear Glass
The final step was glazing. We used Tru Vue Conservation Clear Glass, which offers 99% UV protection. This ensures that the vivid colors of the banners and the shine of the coins remain preserved against fading. Conservation Clear also minimizes glare, allowing every detail to be enjoyed without distraction. This glass provides the balance of protection and clarity needed for a piece that is both personal and historic.
A Lasting Tribute
The completed restoration transformed a damaged memorial into a preserved heirloom. For the veteran, it meant having his 27 years of service displayed with honor once again. For his family, it created a lasting tribute they can proudly share for generations. At JW Frame Crafters, we know every military shadowbox carries stories of sacrifice and resilience. This project was a privilege—an opportunity to protect not only items but also the legacy they represent.
Display Specifications
- Frame – Replacement frame for durability and strength
- Matting – Artique Night, Artique Miro, and Artique White background
- Glazing – Tru Vue Conservation Clear Glass, 99% UV protection