Medal Ribbons - what are they made of?

[Glenn66]

This may seem like a pretty obvious question but I'd like to be sure before I cause any damage.

My recent medal purchases, EK2, Deutsches Schutzwall- Ehrenzeichen and Winterschlacht Im Osten have ribbons that have been folded in storage and/or transportation to me and I want to display them in a framed case so i'd like the creased ribbons to be nice and flat for display.

Are the ribbons made of cotton? Can they be ironed? Is this sacriledge or something that most people do for display?

Cheers

Glenn

[Adrian]

If original they should be made of natural materials. I don't think ironing will harm them. I wouldn't do it personally however, I would leave them in a very thick book for a few weeks. Bear in mind if you do iron them to put a barrier between the iron and the ribbon, a towel for example and also consider the fact the process might make the ribbons glow under UV light.

[Snni]

Please don't iron them!! I think it's a shame, but it's your choice, of course.

I think Adrian's proposal with the book are a very good way to do it.