WW II (1939-45) Militaria Collectibles

This was the war where three technologies introduced in War One came to the forefront. These were the tank, the airplane and the submarine. The war started with Hitler’s blitzkrieg—a new tactic wherein highly mobile units led by tanks outmaneuvered stationary defenses so quickly that entire countries were forced to surrender in a matter of days. Submarines, on the other hand, nearly turned the tide of war in Germany’s favor in the Atlantic, and succeeded in crushing Japan’s supply lines in the Pacific. And with the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the airplane ended the war—and changed the world forever.

 

The term militaria refers to any of the many types of military collectible, such as medals, fatigues, guns, or basically anything that would be used by, or given to, someone in the military. Militaria are divided into two types, authentic original period pieces and reproductions. Why collect reproductions, you may wonder? Typically, reenactment hobbyists—people who recreate famous battles, dressed in full period military costume—use them. Collecting militaria is a fascinating hobby, especially for the history buff. In the case of militaria, it really is possible to stumble across something that will one day end up in a museum like the Smithsonian. Militaria tend to appreciate in value, and be appreciated for its historical value.