An Ohio Spring Fling: North Coast Military Show

Courtesy of David L. Burrows

The North Coast Military Show Collectors held another outstanding show Sunday, April 12 at the Military Aviation Preservation Society Museum (MAPS) in North Canton, Ohio. This event marked the 22nd year for the show at the museum located near the Akron Canton Airport. Visitors were again greeted by a variety of military aircraft restored by the society, along with more than 250 tables of field gear, patches, ephemera, insignia, weapons, uniforms, books and more for avid military collectors.

Upon arrival visitors were greeted by a flag-lined avenue with military re-enactors and military vehicle displays. In addition to the show, which offered opportunities to buy, sell and trade with collectors, meet local artists, and authors, visitors enjoyed full access to more than 60 historical aircraft and four display galleries.

Military art was displayed with the dropback of a large American flag and hangar balcony covered with unit insignia as well as access to the concession and lunch area. The balcony views were especially impressive, showing suspended aircraft and the multitude of collector tables below. It was an opportunity to meet old friends and trusted military dealers offering a variety of new finds for collectors.

Dozens of dealer tables offered a very wide variety of collectibles. Courtesy of David L. Burrows

What made the show particularly interesting was seeing the dealers immersed in an amazing backdrop of military aviation examples. A military gas mask display was seen with a military ambulance and WWII fighter in the background. Bi-wing airplanes and WWII bombers were backdrops to the many dealer tables. One dealer had an unusual display of WWII Italian uniforms on his table while proudly wearing examples of the items for sale. Another striking display showed a large Nazi headquarter’s flag autographed and signed by the men marked “Men of the 16th F.O.B. “B” Battery”.

Members of the Akron-Canton WWI–Korea-Vietnam Round table were on hand to recruit new members for their organization. Outside, the military experience continued with a vehicle display and the multitude of fighter planes restored by MAPS. For the visitor, even the walk back to the car provided photo opportunities at the end of a wonderful military show.

A military gas mask display looked great on this soldier, who stood guard next to a ghillie suit and many other items. Courtesy of David L. Burrows

A beautiful World War I bi-wing airplane greeted visitors. Courtesy of David L. Burrows

This dealer modeled a unique and rare WWII Italian uniform, and displayed many other enticing items. Courtesy of David L. Burrows

Courtesy of David L. Burrows

A nice selection of military medals and awards of various nations were on display. Courtesy of David L. Burrows

Some eye-catching aviation artwork certainly seemed appropriate in an airplane hangar. Courtesy of David L. Burrows

Among the museum’s many great restoration projects is this 1950 F-86A Sabre that served a tour in the Korean War and eventually came to the museum in 2017. Courtesy of David L. Burrows

There was a steady stream of traffic and plenty of smiling faces in the main display area. Courtesy of David L. Burrows

This M3A1 Scout Car looked ready for duty, with its side-mounted tools and front un-ditching roller. Courtesy of David L. Burrows

The replica “Ruptured Duck” (#45928) refers to the famous B-25 Mitchell bomber piloted by Ted Lawson during the historic 1942 Doolittle Raid. It is joined by an F-86 Sabre (right). Courtesy of David L. Burrows

“Charley’s Jewel” is a Martin B-26 Marauder medium bomber (serial number 40-1459) from World War II. It was one of the first 100 B-26s built, and delivered in 1941. Courtesy of David L. Burrows

Another happy couple — the author and his wife — enjoy a final MAPS visit photo opportunity. Courtesy of David L. Burrows

Email your photos

We know you love military history and vehicles, but do you collect anything else? Ever wonder about the baseball cards in a box in the basement or Grandma’s old coins in a jar? Do you love old cars or spin vinyl? Head on over to Collect.com and see what you are missing. Collect.com is the who, what, when and where of the collecting world! https://www.collect.com/