Collecting militaria for a fair exchange.
Militaria Item
Militaria item is a term used to describe military-related collectibles and antiques. There are many categories of militaria that are popular among collectors, historians, and enthusiasts. To narrow down your search, we have listed militaria into the following main categories: Badges & Insignia, Edged Weapons, Firearms, Medals, Uniform and Accoutrements, Headgear and Headwear, Shoulder Belt Plates, Waist Belt Plates and Miscellaneous militaria.
- Equine equipment£145.00
- German WW2 S.A. dress dagger£1,095.00
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Militaria Categories
Collecting militaria and war memorabilia has been a popular hobby for history enthusiasts for decades. Many collectors are interested in preserving historical artifacts and educating others about past events, while others simply enjoy the aesthetic or personal connection to a particular era or conflict.
There are many different types of militaria items that people collect. We have categorised our militaria into the main categories below:
Badges and Insignia
Ceremonial military badges and insignia are an important part of military tradition and are a fascinating category of militaria. These items can include cap badges, patches, shoulder title badges, pins, and other types of badges and insignia worn by members of various military organisations.
Ceremonial badges and insignia are a special category of militaria that are designed to be worn during formal occasions and ceremonies. These badges and insignia can indicate rank, unit, or other special accomplishments.
Collectors often focus on certain regiments, specific military campaigns and even single decorations of the highest order, such as the Victoria Cross.
Medals
Collectors often seek out rare or historic medals that are awarded to soldiers. Historic military medals have great significance as they are a tangible representation of the bravery, sacrifice, and service of individuals who have served their country in times of war and conflict. Medals are awarded to individuals for various achievements and contributions, such as acts of bravery in combat, meritorious service, and outstanding leadership. These medals serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals and their families, and the significant role they played in shaping history.
Edged Weapons
Very popular amongst militaria collectors are antique edged weapons - often used for ceremonial purposes to present authority, and in parades as part of dress uniform. Edged weapons include swords, daggers, bayonets, dirks, scabbards, axes and machetes spanning the 18th and 19th century battlefields to modern day conflicts. Many edged weapons have a rich history and were crafted by skilled artisans and often feature intricate designs and engravings.
Some edged weapons are decorative or symbolic weapons that are used in formal military events and ceremonies. These weapons are often ornately decorated with symbols and designs that are significant to the military unit or organisation using them. They may also feature polished blades and intricate handles made from materials such as wood, ivory, or precious metals.
Firearms
Firearms are one of the most popular categories of militaria collecting, as they often represent a significant part of military history and can be valuable and interesting to study.
Collectors of military firearms often focus on specific eras or conflicts. They may also specialise in certain types of firearms, such as muskets or rifles.
When building a collection of antique firearms, buyers gravitate toward the quality of a maker’s products, the role a make or model has played in history. Other factors considered include its condition, provenance, rarity, and artistic appeal. Some firearms are prized more as art pieces for their fine engravings. Types of antique firearms include, Flintlock, Percussion, Matchlock, Wheellock, Breechloading and Single-shot firearms.
Some firearms are used primarily for ceremonial and symbolic purposes. These firearms are usually highly polished and are not designed for combat use. They are often highly decorated and ornate and may have been used by important figures in history.
Uniforms and Accoutrements
Military uniforms are highly sought after by collectors. They include items such as jackets, trousers, hats, and boots. Some collectors may be drawn to the aesthetic appeal of military dress, appreciating the unique designs and colours of different uniforms both for practical use and ceremonial.
Over the centuries officers have dressed in fine uniforms enhanced by accoutrements and accessories such as aiguillettes, sabretache, cuirass, sashes, sporrans, spurs, musical instruments, drum majors’ batons and swagger sticks.
Headgear and Headwear
Headgear and helmets are a very popular item among militaria collectors. There are many varied types of quality helmet and military caps including tactical and army helmets, but also traditional and ceremonial ones. They make a prominent addition any militaria collection.
Militaria helmets and headgear have been an important part of military gear for centuries, serving to protect soldiers' heads from injury during combat and other dangerous situations.
Military helmets and headgear served multiple purposes, some differed to distinguish ranks while others were used by commanders to determine what units were on the battlefield.
Antique ceremonial militaria headdresses were often worn by military officers and high-ranking officials during formal ceremonies or events. These headdresses were often made of high-quality materials such as metal, leather, feathers, and intricate embroidery or beadwork.
Shoulder Belt Plates
Antique and ceremonial shoulder belt plates are highly sought after by collectors of militaria. They are valued for their historical significance, as well as their artistic and decorative qualities. Many collectors focus on specific units or conflicts and seek out plates that are associated with those areas of interest.
With nearly all line infantry, skirmishers, light infantry, grenadiers and guard regiments, two shoulder belts were worn - one carrying the cartridge box, and another for the bayonet, a sword or other military equipment.
Over time, shoulder belt plates became increasingly ornate, featuring intricate designs and symbols that reflected the unit's history, location, or achievements. Some plates also included the monarch's cypher or other symbols of authority.
Waist Belt Plates
Waist belt plates were worn by military personnel on their uniform belts as a means of identification, and they often featured the emblem or insignia of the regiment or unit to which the wearer belonged.
In the 16th century belt buckles began to be decorated with embellishments like jewels and engravings. They often indicated an officer's rank, and for civilians as well as soldiers, custom belt clasps were often a status symbol.
Ceremonial waist belt plates are worn on a dress or ceremonial uniform belt. They are often highly ornamental and feature intricate designs, such as the regimental badge, coat of arms, or other symbols of the military unit. They are typically made of high-quality materials such as brass, silver, or gold and are designed to be worn on special occasions, such as parades, ceremonies, and formal events.
Miscellaneous militaria
This refers to the collecting of military-related items that do not fit neatly into any specific category or are not typically considered as part of a traditional militaria collection.
While the items collected in a miscellaneous militaria collection may not have the same historical or monetary value as traditional militaria items like weapons, they can still provide a rich and fascinating look at the history of warfare over the years. Miscellaneous militaria (or war memorabilia) can include items such as: military artifacts, artwork, photographs, postcards, flags, banners, and books.