Combat & Militaria Items | Collectibles & Collectors Items

Buying and collecting combat items and militaria is a popular pastime in the UK. Many enjoy buying, selling and collecting these items for various reasons -- some have an academic interest in the subject, others use them for re-enactments while some simply appreciate these special objects. You can find items which are original or reproductions. You can buy and collect anything from small objects such as a military button to owning a real-life tank! Of course, there are some things such as knives and guns which can be highly dangerous -- only purchase these from a licensed seller. If you are just starting out as a buyer or collector, the information below may be a useful guide.

Main Types of Combat Items and Militaria
These items may come from every country and armed force around the world including British, American, German and Russian sources:
Badges and Ribbons including cap, lapel and blazer badges
Medals and Insignia including Gallantry, Campaign and Long Service
Military Uniforms and other clothing
Helmets and Head Dresses
Dress Daggers
Buttons
Stable Belts
Swords and Belt Buckles including antique swords
Books and Manuals including Military, Firearm, Historic Travel and Ethnographic titles
Posters including Military and Propaganda
Bayonets and Knives
Coins and Banknotes
Magazines, Rifle and Pistols
Regimental Ties
Tanks and other military vehicles and vehicle parts
Radio and Aviation Equipment
Models
Vintage Military Firearms (Licensed, Deactivated and Antique)

Where to go for Combat Items and Militaria
Here are just some of the places and sources you can visit to find or add to your collection:

Mail Order
Mail Order companies specialising in militaria and combat items have catalogues which they can send out to interested collectors. These catalogues will list every category of item they carry including price and delivery information. You can either post, fax or telephone your order through. Many also have websites with downloadable catalogues.

Military Shows, Exhibitions and Fairs
Every year, there are several large and numerous small exhibitions, fairs and military shows which are held across the country. Not only are these fun events, they are also great places if you are searching for a particular item. Even if you cannot find exactly what you re looking for, there will be many specialist traders and collectors on hand to tell you where else to look.

Military Collectors' Clubs
In areas where there is a high interest in military history, there may be a collectors' club which meets regularly. This is a good place to go to ask advice, have discussions and generally enjoy your hobby with like-minded collectors. You can probably find information about this in your local newspaper. Some of these clubs even operate online so you can attend without even having to leave home!

Military Auctions
There are regular auctions which take place in public halls and, more recently, over the internet. Like any other auction, buyers and collectors place bids in an attempt to secure the item they want. The highest bid wins. Dates and times for military auctions in your area will generally be advertised in your local newspaper.

High Street Stores and Online Stores
In the high street today, there are relatively few retail stores just selling combat and military items. The better place to shop is over the internet. Online, there are hundreds of stores from all over the world where you can buy and collect a huge variety of militaria and combat items.

Military and Combat Magazines
There are specialist magazines such as The Armourer, Military Magazine Military Illustrated and many more, where there will be advertisements selling combat and other military items.

Classifieds
You can also find the objects you are looking for by browsing here at Classifieds and through other online and printed classifieds and directories.

Buying Items Safely
Reproduction military and combat items can be either bought new or second-hand. However, if you are buying an original item, it would have belonged to at least one or more previous owners. Be realistic that the item may not be in the best condition. Before you agree to buy, make sure you read the description and photographs provided carefully so that you know what to expect when the item arrives. As some of these may be fragile, make sure they are not damaged by the process of delivery. If the object you are buying is large, make sure you are able to organise its safe collection.

The Law on Antique Firearms
The Home Office guidance on Antique Firearms and the Law states that "if a firearm falls within the accepted definition of antique, then it is no longer subject to the provisions of the Firearms Acts, providing it is kept as a curio or ornament."

For a more detailed explanation, visit their website at www.hmeoffice.gov.uk/pcrg/antfiar

Useful Organisations
The Militaria Collectors Network
The British Deactivated Gun Collectors Association
The National Army Museum The Commonwealth Graves Commission The British Museum The Army Museums