If you’re already a militaria collector, you probably don’t need us to tell you why people collect militaria.
But at gun shows, we are always asked: Why do people collect militaria?
As you know, we offer a wide range of military firearms related items such as bayonets, slings, holsters, ammo pouches, etc. here on Enemy Militaria.
We also sell these and other military items at gun shows to people who never dreamed of seeing original items available for sale at their finger tips. We often hear WOW when folks look at our goods.
Display cases with these items also serve as visual cues for prospective sellers of militaria by those who attend gun shows. Rarely does a show pass where we are not offered militaria by relatives of veterans. For example, just this past weekend, the daughter of a 101st Airborne vet, who jumped into Normandy, brought in her father’s captured PPK with holster and two magazines to us. She was asking above retail so we did not buy it. Nevertheless, she has other items of his that we are discussing.
In any case, when members of the public ask why people collect militaria, here is what we say:
There are few families where someone’s grandfather, uncles, cousins or father did not serve in WW2, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War or in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Others are inspired to collect after seeing war movies such as the Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, Sands of Iwo Jima, Pork Chop Hill, Platoon, The Hurt Locker etc.
Many collect militaria after reading books such as All Quiet on The Western Front, Helmet for my Pillow, any of the Osprey Men at Arms Series or the hundreds of high quality collector’s books out there.
In recent times, Video Games such as Call of Duty have inspired many to collect things they see on the screen.
For many, it is a combination of things that ignite and flame this passion to collect militaria.
Whatever the reason that people collect, we are proud to offer one of the largest selections of militaria in the world. We arguably have something for everyone.
If you’re new to collecting militaria, we hope this answered your question. If you already collect militaria, we welcome comments below on why you collect.
