Rectangular or pentagonal suspensions ? 4 or 5 sides ? What's the use ?

[Christophe]

Rectangular or pentagonal suspensions ? 4 or 5 sides suspensions ?What's the use ?

We had this discussion in another Forum.

We can see a number of new awards from Ministries and Departments of the Russian Federation, with either 4 sides or 5 sides suspensions. Some have both...

What seems sure is that the use of the rectangular suspension is not used for the Federation of Russia orders and medals (except for Titles). It is scarcely used (but used) for the Ministries and Departments awards. And widely used for the un-official awards (question of style?)...

But, why the 2 different medal mounts?
Some medals issued in the last years first came out on the 4 side suspension only to appear on the 5 side one a little later.

What is the rational behind this ? :confused:

Is one for military personnel versus civilians? Or is one used for commemorative medals versus the one being used for merit medals? And why the same medal with both suspensions ? Is it linked to the issuing authority ?

Anybody out there know the answer? :confused: Many thanks in advance.

Cheers.

Ch.