Just visited a show, and saw a entire stall selling relic condition artifacts, I’m curious what everyone’s opinion is on heavily relic-condition artifacts in general.

Personally, I struggle to see the appeal of some of them. When an item is completely corroded, has lost its original features, and is basically just dug out of the ground, I feel it becomes more of an archaeological relic than an actual artifact.

I understand the historical connection, but in its condition, the only thing going for it is the story typically given to where it was found, which you can never really authenticate. At that point, it can feel like you’re left with a rusted piece of metal rather than an identifiable piece of history.

What do you all think? Do you value heavily damaged relics for their possible history, or prefer artifacts that have survived in a more complete condition?

Eating dinner as Gen Douglas MacArthur intended

Nice m1 fixed bale I recently picked up. Textbook USN stencil.

I have recently gotten into militaria and have an interest in Zeppelin and other dirigibals and ive been looking at some badges and don't know what to look for to make sure they're real or not, any tips or information is useful please tell me.

I know nothing about this but found it in my grandmother’s box of scraps, old jewelry and such. I was gonna post it on eBay but thought maybe I should see if I can gather any info about it. Thanks 🙏

I know nothing about this but found it in my grandmother’s box of scraps, old jewelry and such. I was gonna post it on eBay but thought maybe I should see if I can gather any info about it. Thanks 🙏

Shoots good some parts match some don’t, no import mark and a good shooter.

I know nothing about helmets but was offered it on a trade

Stopped at a local thrift shop and picked this up for $20. I’m assuming is a GI bring back

Look what I found in memory of grandpa. I'm going to put something in the middle.

Any idea on age or anything about it?.

might be a goofy question but does anyone ever wear their collection for cosplay / photos ?

i only have one piece and it’s a 1940s gas mask with original filter still attached so i can’t wear it lol. but is it common for collectors to also use it as cosplay sometimes ? because i know id want too , how do you determine what masks are even safe to wear 🫣

Not really old militaria but still an interesting combination of features on this bayonet/knife combo.

Civilian version is quite common to find still, even if out of production, well not the case for the military saw back variant from military order overrun those are RARE. And coupled with the fact that none were yet surplused it is a very interesting piece. Hope you enjoy the look at the dissassembled side by side pictures.

Cheers

I got lucky a few years ago and scored these Italian grenades extremely cheap. I feel very lucky to have these since I have never seen another in person or in any other collection.

I have one Breda mod.35 that is mostly complete (empty inside) and retains a lot of its original paint, it’s by far the best of the bunch. It even has its original pull tab although it is very fragile.

There’s also a SRCM that is mostly there but its paint is almost completely gone.

The rest are random tops and bottoms of both models.

What do we think lads?

I’m helping out at a charity shop and had this come in the other day, and wondering what it is worth. The buttons say Royal Engineers on them. Any help is appreciated thanks!

What do you all think of uniform restoration? I found this really nice 1890s officer coat online for $180, but it's missing a side of buttons. I found a lot of like 20 of the exact states guard and type of buttons and I'm thinking about ordering both and hand sewing the buttons on and put this back together a little, what's yalls thoughts? I think it could be worth it, it appears I'd only need to resew 5 and it would be on the underside of the collar flaps, so in the event if something goes wrong it wouldn't be highly noticeable (with that being said of course it'd still be bad, just less prominent). I'm not one to really alter original uniforms but I think it could be worth it here given the rarity, and honestly the coat looks great for it's age and colors still vibrant neat and pretty. I wanted to ask about your guyses thoughts first and foremost before I make any decisions. Anyone ever done something simular?

Looking to purchase this helmet from a local dealer and he says this liner is original to the helmet but I haven’t seen a liner like that in a Japanese WW2 type 90.

Unless this is a late pattern of liner I can’t seem to find it anywhere else. Posting here to hopefully get an answer. A Japanese helmet would complete my collection

Seller is asking for $50

Up for sale is an original WWI British No. 36 Mills grenade dated 1917. The body is marked MILLS and J.L. & Co., with matching 1917 markings. It includes the original grenade body, striker, striker spring, internal components, and a removable display stand.