Trends in the military hobby are not always difficult to predict: Items that soldiers were eager to find as souvenirs have become the hot collectibles today. For example, German Luger pistols and Japanese “Samurai” swords were probably the most popular … More
JAG File
General Patton’s Coat Hanger
If you have been kicking yourself for not having purchased General George Patton’s coat hanger at a Minnesota show many years ago, I have to apologize. You see, that “rare” artifact made its debut at the very first show when … More
Collecting Lessons Learned? Not Necessarily
TIME FOR CONFESSION Each year around this time, I take a few moments to remember what were the high and low points of the previous 12 months. I have done this for years. Close friends take a lot of delight … More
Changing Faces of Veterans Day
When I was young, Veterans Day meant watching my Dad put on his American Legion uniform and then riding with him to the school parking where he met his buddies, also dressed in the dark blue of the American Legion … More
What are your options: When it’s time to sell
Eventually, the day will come when each of us has to decide what do with our collection. As important as it is to gather, preserve and display our military relics, are the plans for their distribution after we are done … More
Look Ma, I’m on Television!
A military collector isn’t short of television entertainment these days. Just a quick surf through the channels reveals a staggering array of militaria-themed shows from “how-to-shoot it” types to “what’s it worth” sensations. A visit with armchair generals at any … More
Share the passion: Be an AMBASSADOR
We love our hobby. Whether it is collecting helmets, medals, weapons, vehicles or any other form of militaria, there is no doubt, we are a devoted bunch. We will forgo family parties to go to shows, eat macaroni to have … More
An old timer’s advice
I ran into an old friend at the last Show of Shows. “It sure isn’t like the old days of collecting, is it John?” he asked after we exchanged greetings. “Whattya mean?” I asked incredulously, “I am one of the … More
Has the Recession caught up to collecting?
Growing up in a small town, one tends to remember a lot of details. Some of these jumped out at me when I recently drove through my hometown of Caledonia, Minn. Besides stirring a sense of nostalgia, they caused me … More
Is collecting trend-susceptible?
The “Beloit List” recently revealed a changing perspective of young people in the United States. Assembled each year by staff at Beloit College in southern Wisconsin since 1998, the Beloit College Mindset List, provides a look at the cultural touchstones … More