The Enduring Craft of Masterplaques – Honoring Service with Wood
In the world of military traditions, where every symbol, ceremony, and object holds profound significance, few items carry the weight of a deployment plaque. These handcrafted pieces of art serve as a permanent record of a unit’s service, a testament to camaraderie forged in distant lands, and a cherished memento for those who have answered the call of duty. For over three decades, Masterplaques has been at the forefront of this unique craft, transforming simple mahogany into powerful symbols of sacrifice and achievement by manufacturing the highest quality military deployment plaques.
The history of Masterplaques is rooted in a deep respect for military service and an unwavering commitment to quality. The company began its journey in 1991, with a focus on creating solid wood products for the U.S. Military, government agencies, and police departments. From the very beginning, their mission was to provide world-class craftsmanship that would be worthy of the institutions and individuals they served. This dedication led them to specialize in a material that is both durable and elegant: kiln-dried Philippine mahogany. This choice of wood, known for its rich grain and resistance to warping, became a hallmark of the Masterplaques brand, ensuring that each piece would stand the test of time.
At the heart of Masterplaques’ legacy are the artisans themselves. Their skill is not just in carving and painting, but in translating complex military insignia, unit logos, and deployment narratives into a visual story. The process begins with a collaborative design phase, where units submit their ideas or artwork. Masterplaques’ designers then transform these concepts into detailed, pre-production mockups, ensuring that every element—from the precise curvature of a ship’s hull to the intricate details of a unit patch—is perfect. This attention to detail is what sets their work apart. The company’s hand-carved and hand-painted approach allows for a level of precision and artistry that machine-made products simply cannot replicate.
The scope of their work is vast, encompassing a wide array of products, but deployment plaques hold a special place. These are not just decorative items; they are historical artifacts. Each large-format plaque tells the story of a specific tour, often featuring the names of deployed members, the unit’s insignia, and the geographical outlines of the areas of operation. They serve as a focal point for unit reunions, a source of pride in squadron ready rooms, and a permanent reminder of a shared experience. Masterplaques’ ability to produce custom designs in any size and shape, including plaques that mirror the shape of a country or continent, speaks to their adaptability and artistic vision.
Beyond the large unit plaques, Masterplaques also understands the personal significance of these mementos. They produce individual plaques that are exact, smaller replicas of the unit’s main piece. These desk-sized plaques allow each service member to take a piece of their shared history home, a personal token of their sacrifice and dedication. This duality—the creation of both large, communal pieces and small, personal ones—underscores their understanding of the military community.
Over the decades, Masterplaques has become a trusted name within the military community, a reputation built on consistent quality, exceptional customer service, and a profound respect for the stories they are asked to tell. Their seals and emblems can be found in prestigious locations like the White House and Camp David, a testament to their unparalleled craftsmanship. While their products are a celebration of military tradition, they are also a living history, a tangible link to a unit’s past. For the veterans and active-duty members who display these plaques, they are more than just wood and paint; they are a symbol of service, a repository of memories, and a powerful tribute to a chapter of their lives that will never be forgotten.
