Shadow box

For the Tony-winning drama, see The Shadow Box

For the activity in the sport of boxing, see Shadowboxing

Example of a shadow box for a U.S. soldier who served during the Iraq War.

A shadow box is an enclosed case used in dioramas with a scene or object(s) that has been specially designed to let light pass through from only one angle, so that objects within are less susceptible to damage from light.

Description

They are typically presented to members of the military upon retirement. These shadow boxes will usually contain the various medals and awards a person has earned through a military career, the flag of both their country and military service, and their final badge of rank.

In the United States, some companies specialize in the construction and sale of shadow boxes. Price can range from just a few dollars to several hundred. People often purchase these in order to preserve, and still enjoy memorabilia. A similar case, called the uniform display case, displays an entire uniform with correct insignia placement.

Some shadow boxes are constructed using colored paper or cardboard. They are typically given away as an interesting alternative to more standard greeting cards. Like the traditional, military shadow boxes, paper counterparts also feature some form of window or cut out to expose dioramas, illustrations or other contents within

During the retirement ceremony and certainly upon retirement, many members of the military, particularly in the naval service, utilize the lift out trays found in antique trunks as their shadow box. Some retirees also maximize the space found in these trunks by also incorporating shadow boxes in the lid compartment as well. An added benefit by having a shadow box in an antique trunk is all of the storage space for uniforms, hats, photograph albums, and any other service memorabilia collected over the years.