This extract from the RBL Ceremonial Handbook says that...
"The cords and tassels when correctly fitted will be of equal length and level with the outer edge of the fringe when the pole is held horizontal. Cord length may be altered by adjusting the length of the cord at the tassel ends (ensure ends are neatly finished)."
When my new Branch Standard and tassels arrived recently, I could see the cord was a bit long - but couldn't find any guidance on how to shorten it. And so I have saved my experience here, for the world to see.
1. TOOLS
I used standard pairs of pliers and scissors, a standard flat bladed screwdriver and a short length of sellotape (I dare say, other brands of self adhesive tape are available). And a little PVA glue.
2. METHOD
To begin with, I washed and dried my hands.
Next, I laid the standard out on a clean, flat and level surface, attached the spike and fitted the tassel cord so that one end was exactly level with the bottom fringe. Laying the other end next to it, I could see the cord was about 500 mm too long - the photo above shows the off-cut, with the cut tassel awaiting completion.
I then held the tassel of the long end in my left hand and grasped the cord a little beyond the crown of the tassel with the pliers. Turning the tassel while counter twisting with the pliers exceeded the strength of the adhesive that held them together, and so was able to pull the tassel off the end of the cord - so far, so good.
Now, how to thread the cord back into the tassel to where it needed to be?
Holding the tassel in my left hand again, I inserted the blade of the screwdriver into the crown of the tassel and, through applying pressure while also turning, I was able to pass the screwdriver through the tassel, and withdraw it.
Next, I untwisted about 50 mm of the loose end of the cord, and cut one of the three sub-cords 20 mm from the end, and another 40 mm. Taking the roll of sellotape, I applied the tape to secure the cord end together, and then extended the sellotape another 50 mm or so, twisting all the way, before cutting it off. This gave a smooth profile to insert into the tassel crown - using the blade tip of the screwdriver with that sellotape over it to force it through. Once available at the fringe end of the tassel, I was able to grasp it and pull it all the way through.
The tassel was then placed level with the other, with its fringes level with the lower fringe of the Standard. I grasped the point on the cord as it emerged from the tassel, then pushed the tassel further up the cord, and cut the cord.
Holding the tassel upside down, I ensured the fringes were out of the way and applied three drops of PVA glue to the cord, then put down the PVA so I could slide the tassel back into place - again, making sure those fringes didn't flap about and get PVA all over them.
3. FINISH
To finish the job, I took a look at the other tassel and compared the two. There were a couple of loose threads and so, using a carefully applied drop of PVA, had them back in place as this photo shows.
