Suspensions, Ribbons, Ribbon Bars And Order Of Precedence.

[Kirchgoens]

I started from a point of ignorance, but I've become pretty good at it. I got my hands on a huge pile of used ribbons a month or so ago, and most of them appear at first to be too short. With some practice, you'd be surprised at what you can pull off.

start by putting the (as seen from front) end of the left side under the tab with just enough to barely make it (assuming a short ribbon). Then pull across the front, around the back, over the tab, back around again, and then over the top and into the tab. Keep your hands clean, and use a thumb in the front to keep tension on the ribbon as it goes over the top. Using your fingers from your other hand (if enough slack) or neednose pliers (if not enough slack), pull the ribbon's two ends as tight as you can. Then crimp the tab with regular pliars, lining the front side of the ribbon so you don't damage it with the plairs. The protect the ribbon, line it with paper or a little piece of cloth or ribbon that you can sacrifice.

Also, jeweler's screwdrivers are good for pushing ribbon aside to get to the tab to remove a medal/order that has a soldered ring. You'll also want a pair of very narrow needlenose pliars to do this. Practice on anniversary medals if you are afraid of damaging something. They are easy to replace! :)

...Brian