Guide to Collecting Militaria

Your Collecting Militaria Guide.

  • Stumbling into Collecting Militaria
    Episode 1 – I had never given any thought to collecting militaria, until, one day, I noticed I was collecting militaria. It all started in August 2012 with this item German Long Dress Bayonet This is a German dress bayonet, with the engraved inscription: “In memory of your service”. While…
  • You’re Gonna Need These Military Accessories!
    Episode 2 – The journey continues… Having been given a WWII German bayonet, and having fortuitously purchased a WWII M1 Garand, naturally, I needed to find some ammunition. I was ready to graduate from firing a little .308 pistol at the range, to blasting away with the mighty Garand. Military…
  • Grab Your Canteen and Rifle Cartridge Belt!
    Episode 3 of our collecting journey continues… Having my M1 and a few hundred rounds of ammo drew me one step closer to becoming a collector, which still wasn’t a coherent thought. The only thing on my militaria horizon was the need for a rifle cartridge belt to hold my…
  • ‘Over the Top’ and into the Great War
    Episode 4 – For the two weeks following the acquisition of the M1 Garand and accessories, I scoured the internet for information about the M1 Garand. There were plenty of photos showing them in use during WWII. Many of these photos also showed soldiers holding carbines. The M1 Carbine The…
  • The Search for Rare Military Artifacts Explodes
    In the early days of my collection journey, a chance encounter with a Garand seller ignited my passion for World War small arms. This led to an unexpected find: a 1918 M-1911 Colt with its original two-tone magazine. My collection soon expanded to include iconic pieces like the British Lee-Enfield, driven by the thrill of the hunt.
  • Essential Militaria Books Every Collector Should Have
    These eight books are some of the best militaria books in the market, and they primarily focus on U.S. Army WWI and WWII collectibles. Some also cover foreign items but are indispensable for their genres.
  • From Aimless to Serious Militaria Collector
    After accumulating some of the classic battle rifles of the U.S., Britain and Germany during the first year, that same clear focus evaporated in year two when I began to pursue U.S. WWII ETO militaria.
  • Keeping Track of Your Militaria Collection
    Previous Article If years go by and you’re still collecting, you will have accumulated a lot of items . It will be very easy, and highly likely, that you will lose track of what you have in your militaria collection. Tracking, from day one, is key. Why I thought to…
  • WWI & WWII Militaria Markings Decoded: A Beginner’s Guide to Dates and Manufacturers
    Militaria markings, such as dates and manufacturer names, significantly enhance the value of military collectibles. This guide helps collectors identify key features that increase the sales appeal of these items.
  • Understanding the Worth of Militaria Collectibles: Beyond Market Prices
    Explore the intricacies of valuing militaria collectibles, going beyond market prices. Learn how personal value, rarity, and budget can influence an item’s worth, and get tips for navigating the collectibles marketplace.
collecting militaria guide