Military Show

On Saturday I jumped into the ole Grand National, and after checking the oil turbo’ed my way thru the rural back roads of eastern North Carolina as I meandered towards The Old North State Antique Gun and Military Collectors Show in Raleigh. The show is held at the state fairgrounds and a flea market is held every weekend with a specialized show in the exhibition hall. This week the event was the militaria show, and I really wanted to get a handle on retail prices on some of the militaria dealing with the Battle of Okinawa.

Excellent Common Helmet with Kanji Name on Rim $750

As expected the prices of Militaria climb ever upwards, upwards to eye popping levels. The Okinawa and mainland Japan antique shops and flea markets offer a great discount on prices unlike buying military collectables in Europe. Also, in some of the other Asian rim countries, leftover Imperial Japanese relics are overpriced way beyond their value. A few years back I thought I scored a real find when in a small shop in Bangkok I spied a barrel full of beat-up Japanese swords. These relics were used on the farm after the war but they were priced as true museum treasures!


White Cotton Enlisted Naval Jacket w/Gold naval buttons $200

Keep in mind if your lucky enough to be stationed in Japan keep your eyes open for good value! On the tables at the Raleigh show, Japanese helmets in great condition with excellent liners and soldiers name were at least $750. An excellent helmet with tropical cover was an astonishing $1500. These were supposed vet bring backs with no history known by the sellers. A 7.7 Arisaka rifle with Aerial sights was going for close to 600 dollars, I priced some common canteens and the prices ranged from $150 - $175, a good price in Japan is around 40 bucks. USMC gear is always in demand and WW2 era battle gear is pricy. A nice cammo helmet was going for $200.


Helmet with Tropical Cover - $1500

As can be expected due to the high prices of the gear and today’s financial mess, the crowds were sparse and I did not see much money changing hands. Also as I left, I came to value more the possible discounts Ebay offers to collectors who are savvy bidders and resourceful searchers.


Semper Fi,
Bob

Various Photos from show.