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Army/navy stores since their origin have been centers for military collectibles if, for no other reason, than that authentic surplus is collectible. But as availability of surplus has diminished and the economy has fared poorly, much authentic militeria on the collectible market has largely been replaced by reproductions.

“Collecting authentic military items is no longer a poor man’s hobby,” said Wayne Thomas, owner of Armies of The Past in Trenton, New Jersey. A dealer in militaria for almost 40 years, Thomas notes that the economy has hurt the military collectibles business.

Premium items, such as genuine World War II American and German daggers, helmets, uniforms, insignias and medals, continue to sell to those who can afford them but sales of less prominent collectibles are slower.

An authentic World War II German dagger can retail from $300-$3,000 said Thomas. World War ll-era helmets in good condition with liners begin at $400 and uniforms at $700.

Japanese swords and helmets also bring in good prices and East German and Soviet surplus is on the way to becoming collectible.

He notes that the first Gulf War brought a supply of items from veterans, which enjoyed a strong resale market, but that business has died down. Thomas notes that, unlike in previous wars, veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are bringing home few saleable items.

“They have nothing that they identify with. It is what they use in the field.”

In the past, Thomas has supplied the film industry, but many movie companies today use high quality reproductions rather than authentic items.

He noted that he was contacted to supply Saving Private Ryan but could not have enough items to meet the large scale demand.

Thomas has been attending ASD shows for the past 25 years and still enjoys them, but laments the lack of authentic surplus.

“But very few dealers have surplus anymore. It is hard to find original items,” he said. .

RETRO REPRODUCTIONS

Collector’s Armoury has been distributing high quality military reproductions since 1968. The market is driven by Hollywood, said spokesman Scott Nelson.

“Whenever a historical or military-related movie becomes popular, our sales of those items increase,” he said.