Introduction
Military collectables — or “militaria” — encompass an enormous range of items from badges and medals to uniforms, equipment, documents, and edged weapons. The hobby attracts hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts worldwide, from casual collectors picking up the odd badge at boot sales to serious investors spending thousands on rare pieces. Here’s how to get started.
Choose Your Focus
The biggest mistake new collectors make is trying to collect everything. With hundreds of years of military history and thousands of different items, an unfocused collection quickly becomes a disorganised jumble. Instead, choose a focus:
By Conflict
- World War One (1914-1918) — Vast quantities of material survive. Cap badges, medals, trench art, and documents are abundant and affordable
- World War Two (1939-1945) — The most popular collecting period. Badges, medals, uniforms, and equipment from all nations
- Victorian/Colonial Wars — Rarer and more expensive, but fewer collectors means less competition
- Cold War/Modern — Growing area with items still affordable
By Type
- Cap badges — Compact, displayable, and available at every price point from £3 to £3,000+
- Medals — Rich in research potential. Named medals can be traced to individual soldiers
- Uniforms and equipment — Impressive display pieces but require storage space
- Documents and photographs — Undervalued and full of historical detail
- Edged weapons — Bayonets, swords, and daggers. Note: legal restrictions apply to some items
By Regiment or Unit
Many collectors focus on a single regiment — often one with a family connection. Collecting every cap badge variant, medal group, and piece of ephemera from one unit creates a deeply satisfying and educational collection.
Where to Buy
Specialist Dealers
The safest option for beginners. Established dealers like Tenniswood Militaria guarantee authenticity and provide expert knowledge. Prices may be slightly higher than auction, but you’re paying for peace of mind and the ability to return items.
Militaria Fairs
Regular events across the UK where dozens of dealers set up tables. The atmosphere is excellent and you can handle items before buying. Major fairs include Detling (Kent), Newark, and Malvern.
Auction Houses
Specialist auction houses like Bosleys, Wallis & Wallis, and DNW hold regular militaria sales. Good for finding unusual items, but remember to add buyer’s premium (typically 20-25%) to the hammer price.
Online
eBay has a massive militaria section but requires caution. Fakes are common, especially for German WW2 items. Only buy from established sellers with good feedback, and learn to identify reproductions before spending significant money.
How to Spot Fakes
Reproductions and outright fakes are a significant problem in the militaria market. Here are the warning signs:
- Too good to be true — A “rare” item at a suspiciously low price is almost certainly fake
- Wrong materials — Modern alloys and plastics differ from wartime materials. Handle genuine pieces to learn the difference
- Artificial ageing — Real patina develops over decades. Chemical or mechanical ageing looks different when you know what to look for
- Incorrect details — Subtle errors in design, font, or construction betray fakes. Reference books are essential
- Provenance — Ask where the item came from. A vague or unlikely backstory is a red flag
Building Your Collection on a Budget
You don’t need deep pockets to build an impressive collection:
- British cap badges — Common regiments start at under £5. A comprehensive collection of 100+ badges is achievable for under £500
- Medal ribbons — Full-size and miniature ribbons are affordable and make excellent displays
- Documents and photographs — Often overlooked and underpriced. A WW1 soldier’s pay book or a wartime photograph can cost less than £10
- Buttons — Military buttons span centuries and thousands of designs. Most cost £1-5 each
Display and Storage
Proper storage protects your investment:
- Store metal items in acid-free tissue, away from moisture
- Never polish badges or medals — it destroys patina and reduces value
- Frame and display items using UV-protective glass for textiles
- Keep records — photograph each item and note where and when you bought it
Ready to start? Browse our full catalogue of over 12,000 authenticated items, or explore our History Hub for expert articles on specific collecting topics.