Militaria is simply a word that refers to collectible military gear. I have been collecting "militaria" (war souvenirs and memorabilia) from WWII since I was a kid in the 1980's. I have always loved the history of these items. And I have a deep affection for the men who fought for our freedom. I come from a long line of veterans, and I began collecting to honor the veterans in my family. Collecting the souvenirs they brought home helped me connect to the past; to a time when our Nation was unified, when good men went off to war, and when good ultimately triumphed over evil. |
If you are a WWII veteran or the family of a WWII veteran, and have something you are looking to sell, I would love to hear from you. I am not a dealer! I collect for the history and to honor WWII veterans, not for profit. |
I am the 4th generation in my family to fight in a foreign war. I served in Operation Desert Storm, and like my father, and grandfather, and great-grandfather, I also came home with my own war souvenirs. I am sensitive to what these souvenirs mean to the veterans and their families. Collecting militaria is one way that I maintain a kinship with all veterans. |
Here are some examples of what I collect.
| 1985 article from The North Adams Transcript. Click to Read |
US
Headgear and Helmets
Medals
Field Gear
Firearms
German
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It is said that soldiers collect battlefield souvenirs, in part, as a way of convincing themselves that they'll survive the war. It gives them hope of a life after the war showing off a captured Nazi flag to the folks back home. And indeed , after WWII was over, American soldiers returned to the States with their newly liberated spoils of war. To me, these souvenirs represent all the sacrifices young soldiers made during WWII. Each one tells a story. And they are symbolic of the hope these young men had of a long and peaceful life after the war. |
I collect WWII military souvenirs for different reasons. First, I am a WWII buff. I have been a student of WWII since I was a young boy. Collecting the things used by men in battle and the war trophies they brought home helps me actually "touch" history. Secondly, collecting these WWII souvenirs is a way for me to honor and remember the veterans. I have always loved meeting and talking to WWII veterans. They are a special breed. There is a saying..."Soldiers will never die, unless they are forgotten." I believe that. I am honored to have in my collection, the very items brave young men brought back from battle. Collecting has been my way of honoring these great warriors, preserving a kinship with all veterans, and remembering the sacrifices they made. |
Proud Member
| VFW Post 1995 Adams, MA |
| American Legion Post 160 Adams, MA |
Click on the picture to learn more about the veterans in
my family and to see some of the items in my collection.
my family and to see some of the items in my collection.
