Did you read my title in an Oprah-like voice? That’s how I intended it. I know I am turning into an old fogey, because too many of my blogs begin with either, “When I was a kid…” or “Kids these … More
JAG File
That’s My Dad’s Helmet!
A few years ago, a friend posted photos to a collector’s forum of a helmet he had acquired. It was a fine looking WWII-era US helmet with some traces of a painted insignia on the side of the shell, but … More
Historic Military Vehicles Aren’t Just for Parades Anymore
During the recovery from Hurricane Irma in Flordia, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) soon discovered that they did not have enough vehicles that could traverse the flooded and debris-strewn landscape. In a stroke of genius, FEMA team members went … More
HOW WAS THE SHOW? SOS AFTER ACTION REPORT
Four days in a massive hall filled with 1,965 8-foot tables covered with the militaria of more than 750 dealers: That’s the Show of Shows in Louisville, Kentucky. Having just returned, the question I have to most often answer is, … More
GOING TO THE SHOW? DON’T FORGET YOUR MANNERS
One of Military Trader‘s readers recently asked if I had written any articles that gave etiquette tips for show attendees. I have to admit, with all the ranting and writing I have done, I figured I had covered that long … More
TAKE A WALK THROUGH THE CEMETERY
Compared to others my age, I suppose I spend more time in cemeteries than most. This is not a new habit with me…I have been hanging out in cemeteries since I was a little boy. As a ten-year-old, cemeteries offered … More
HOW DO WE SAVE OUR MUSEUMS?
HOW DO WE SAVE OUR MUSEUMS? “If people want something, they will pay for it,” a colleague prefaced what was sure to be a rant on the “free market.” He went on to explain how businesses that don’t react to … More
When Money Decides Over Research
“People have too damn much money.” That was my Dad’s usual response when I told him about the price someone had paid me for a helmet, medal, or firearm. Though I haven’t heard him say it out loud for a … More
Time for YOUR HMV New Year’s Resolution!
Ten New Year’s Resolutions for Historic Military Vehicle (HMV) Collectors Have you made any promises to your self about your hobby to fulfill in 2018? It isn’t too late, but there is a trick to ensure your resolutions are successful: Start with … More
Camouflage Pajamas
One of the neatest gifts I received as a pre-kindergartener was a pair of camouflaged pajamas. Bear in mind, that was near half a century ago, long before you could find camo at most any store. You see, back in … More