Militaria…for Memorial Day wear their colors

Although ‘Militaria’ includes both military services and police, the four military branches of the United States is what most collectors are looking for when they use the term. Law enforcement collectibles are sought after by a different classification of collectors, almost always those in law enforcement, or associated with it like family members. 

Militaria artifacts are diverse and include firearms, swords, uniforms, headgear, medals, insignias, and patches, but also books on military campaigns, photographs, war posters, propaganda, and gift items with military insignias on them. Collectors often favor a particular military branch, one they align themselves with for one reason or another. And the items rarely find themselves back on the secondary market. They become part of a family’s cherished mementos. 

With the passing of time, collectibles from older military campaigns like World War 1, become harder to find, thus more valuable. Surprisingly, World War II souvenirs are among the most prized, even though the generation that fought this war is nearing the end of their lives. It’s the next two generations that are primarily doing the collecting, mostly men…the sons and grandsons of WWII veterans. Regretfully, there’s only a small interest in Korean War artifacts, and even less interest in items from the Vietnam war. Not because they’re not as old, but because they involved conflicts in specific regions. Major wars involving the nations of the world fighting for world peach, just garner more interest. 

The high-end collectibles like firearms and swords aren’t as affordable. It also takes a keen eye and a lot of knowledge to recognize reproductions. More affordable are the medals and patches, which is a large segment of the military collectibles. Their condition and rarity sets the prices.

There are not a lot of sources available, but one good reference book is “American Military Patch Guide: Army, Army Air Force, Marine Corps,Navy, Civil Air Patrol, National Guard,” by James L. “Pete” Morgan. It too,comes at a hefty price: $225 new on Amazon; $82 used. A sound investment though, for serious collectors.

Price points on militaria depend on the item and rarity, and as with any antique or collectible…condition. Collectors
just beginning to acquire items in this fascinating area of history can start out with patches of which some are reasonably priced. Expect to pay approximately $5 - $25 for most military patches, $25 - $50 for uniform clothing, and weapons are whatever the public will bear. The price on paper items is contingent on the subject matter.

With Memorial Day approaching, dealers might see an uptick in sales as proud Americans might want to honor our veterans who have fought so bravely in the military campaigns to preserve our freedom. Show your appreciation by wearing their colors.