The World of Militaria: A Guide to Military Collectibles
There are many types of collectibles out there. All the different types have their fans and dedicated collectors. Perhaps no group of collectors are quite as passionate as those who are into military collectibles. Many people have vintage military items in attics, basements, and storage containers with no idea of the value of the items. Military memorabilia collectors are willing to pay top dollar for memorabilia tied to military services from a wide range of historical periods and locations. In this article, we will present a guide to military collectibles.
There are Many Types of Military Collectibles
The first thing to know about military collectibles is that there is an enormous range of vintage military items out there that will attract buyers. Military uniforms are popular. This includes antique military medals and patches from all time periods and geographical locations. Helmets and other uniform caps are also extremely popular.
Antique and vintage weapons are also popular collectibles. There is a large market for guns, sabers, and swords of many different types. Also, for items such as knives and bayonets. Other antique weapons of war (disarmed) such as hand grenades and mines are also prized by military memorabilia collectors. An important note about weapons- there are laws around the sale, possession, and carrying of weaponry. You should take care to educate yourself about them before buying or selling weapons of any kind.
Prized military collectibles also include tangential items such as water canteens, dogtags, compasses, military maps, tents, radios and other communication devices. Flags, banners, pennants, signs, posters are also popular. Journals, letters, telegrams, and the like are also prized by military historians. Anything that has to do with the military will probably be of interest to some collector.
Do Your Research on Vintage Military Items
Whatever military collectibles you may be interested in buying or selling there is a guide out there for you. Before buying or selling any military items you should utilize a guide such as the Official Price Guide to Military Collectibles by Richard Austin. A guide will help you determine the value of the vintage military items you are looking to sell or to buy.
Know Your Military History
As with any type of antique collectible, military collectibles have historic context that helps determine their value. Many military memorabilia collectors are interested in vintage military items from specific conflicts, such as the American civil war. Experts in specific time periods and conflicts can help authenticate items from that time period and establish the value of specific items.
A big dividing line in time for military collectibles is the start of the 20th century. Prior to the 20th century you have vintage military items from such conflicts as the Napoleonic Wars, the American Civil War, and the Crimean War, and the Boxer Rebellion. There are even military memorabilia from the Middle,Ages and ancient times. For example, ancient Rome remains a popular source for military antiquities. From the time period of the 20th century there is a vast amount of memorabilia from World War I and World War II. Not to mention the Korean and Vietnam wars, Iraq, and Afghanistan. There is a large market for 20th century military memorabilia, and also a lot more of around to sell. Consider where and when your item comes from when setting a price.