We all know over the years militaria collectables start to diminish, they gain more sentimental and historical value. This also increases monetary value. The medals, uniforms, weapons(etc) is a guide and link to their service, sacrifice and bravery of those brave soldiers. When collecting items it can be extremely fun and knowledgeable. Always try to understand the where I’d came from and what was going on at that point isn’t time.

Joint militaria clubs, talk to collectors, research or even talk too a person experienced in that time frame. Most sought after items are those that can be traced to individual service person. Knowing the history of the person who owned it can be rewarding. Once a person possesses the item it referred as “identified”. This in return verifiable history on that piece making it a premium piece.

Did you know that militaria can become more desirable when you have more than one item from/belonging to that same person? This helps you visualize their experience, sacrifice and heroic efforts in their times. You can search through national archives and history books for well documented service records. Being able to view what they have been through, finding as much information about the persons service and life adds a lot of significance.

Basically learning who had the piece before you. Educating yourself on that item, how it was used, placed, type of solider used it. Some common collectibles are..

Military Medals. This are the most popular, so many medal collectors out there. They wouldn’t consider collecting anything else. These medals represent a lot of sacrifices, bravery, commitments(etc). Higher priced medals are the ones that can be traced to a name of a solider who received it. Now medals that are inscribed with the soldiers name or ID number increases the collectors knowledge base surrounding that reward.
Obtaining certificates add more value to the items. They provide conclusive evidence. Always authenticate your medals. Reproductions show flaws, while real medals don’t.

Historical Weapons. These include daggers, swords, guns(etc). These are popular and quite valuable. Take you time to research all these pieces. Swords can increase twenty percent per year in value. Its all depend on what collectors what to pay. All weapons should show signs of wear and handling. Even when viewing photos of that item. Any sword that shows filler and or filing be advise.

Military Uniforms. Uniforms are always available for sale. When looking at a uniform the accessories and insignia can help you on how much your willing to pay. Patches and medals tend to hold their value. Research the item so you can understand its fair price. Items worn by the soldiers in combat tend to have more value versus the items not worn in battle. Understand you first want to determine the base value of the uniform then the insignias. More battles it saw the higher its worth.

Sentimental Reasons. Of course not everyone collects for profit. Some find it has personal meaning to themselves. Finding comfort in a item that could be related to someone they knew. Maybe if invokes their sense of gratitude. Some people even feel beyond connected with certain pieces.

Although there are more then a thousand items out there waiting to be found. It comes down to what you want to collect, sell, trade or just want to hold on too and or pass it on.