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Welcome to Militaria Marketplace | | | | The fact that you are here at all tells me that you are a Collector (a terrible disease, with no cure!) and you have decided that Militaria are what you want to collect. You are probably male and may well have a wife that can't see why you want to collect Militaria (it gathers dust and generally belonged to men and women, now long dead). Your explanation that a well assembled militaria collection as an investment will probably outdistance the sort of investments sold by plausible young men in shiny suits will probably fall on deaf ears, but just ask any medal collector how the price of medals has moved in the last 10 years and you will see what I am talking about | Even ignoring the investment aspect, its a great hobby with plenty of scope for reading and research and doesn't have to tax the monthly cash flow too seriously. There can be few feelings that can match those of a collector who has found that item for which he has searched for years. Better yet, at a reasonable price. The anticipation of the congratulations and sounds of grinding teeth from fellow collectors when you crow about your find. Life can hold few more enjoyable moments. If you have wandered into this site looking for Teletubbies or Pez dispensers, thanks for reading this far, remember its not too late to change your collecting direction.
The term , Militaria covers a wide range of areas , so maybe its worth examining each area in broad terms to get a sense of what is on offer. Most items of stock mentioned in the following pages are individual (not easily replaced) or unique (one of a kind - not at all replaceable) - so if you want it, don't wait too long in placing your order, as once it has gone, it may not come again. | | |
Medals
probably the most popular collecting area. It was realised very early on in organised warfare that men would perform brave feats to earn medals and most armies award medals not only for bravery but also to commemorate campaign service. While not always the case, one finds that generally collectors collect medals to people and actions close to home. As a result, many South Africans will say that they collect medals to South Africans or arising out of South African battles. Popular medals include the South Africa Medals, both the earlier (1853) variety and the later (1877/8/9) variety, more commonly referred to as the Zulu War medal (although it also covered actions in the Eastern Cape). Also the Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal, the British South Africa Company's Medal and the Queens South Africa Medal (commonly called the QSA awarded for service in the Boer War) and the Natal Rebellion Medal. As demand has pushed the price of these medals, there has been a move to collecting First World War medals and even Second World War medals (for those collectors who want to get 'ahead of the wave'). There is also a noticeable interest in Post Republic Medals, generally by ex National Servicemen who were in Angola and are now older and more interested in history, especially if they were involved in its making.We also have a section for miniature medals of the world. |  |
 | Badges and Shoulder Titles
Badge collection has got to be one of the easiest collecting areas to get into and offers a very wide range of alternatives. One could collect by country- we have a wide selection of badges from South Africa, Rhodesia, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Holland, Belgium. You could also collect to a theme such as Medical or Special Forces (parachute wings are particularly popular) or Engineers (to name but a few) and not limit yourself to any particular country. We even have a section devoted to badges of the old 'Apartheid States'. The badges are made of a wide variety of materials such as brass, white metal, silver and cloth. Generally rarity will determine price. |
German military memorabilia
Collectors of Imperial German and Third Reich items tend to collect within an era and not limit themselves to say, medals and so we have set up a separate page for these items. German items are usually well made although the circumstances at manufacture meant that somewhat inferior materials were sometimes used. There has been much reproduction especially of Third Reich items, but as long as one takes the trouble to get to know the good from the not so good, it can be a very satisfying collecting area.
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 | Edged Weapons
I would guess that we have all had a time when we would like to have possessed a sword or a bayonet. Maybe it is a reminder of more brutal times when it was simply a tool (sometimes a beautifully made one) with a deadly utility. Edged weapons make a fascinating collection and one can but marvel at the abilities of the craftsmen who made them.
| Books
If you are collecting militaria you are going to need books. They add depth to your collecting. Medals collectors sift through regimental histories to find mention their 'man'. Each collecting area has its own handbooks, which are necessary if you hope to become more knowledgeable in your chosen field. Or even if you collect nothing else, a good collection of military related books can be very rewarding. |
Military uniforms and equipment
A slightly more unusual collecting area is that of uniforms and equipment - possibly because of the space required to display these items in the best way. Camouflage uniforms come in many patterns and offers interesting possibilities.
'Military equipment' covers literally anything issued to military force. This could be a can of survival rations, an old wooden propeller or a military surplus vehicle. Its all a matter of taste and available space.
I could go on, but better you take a look at what is on offer. If there is anything that you are looking for particularly, email us with details as all sorts of things turn up on the southern tip of Africa. We look forward to hearing from you.
We have a small shop in Kloof about 25 kms from Durban. So if you were ever in the area it would be good to see you. We may even offer you a cup of indifferent coffee. The shop is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 1pm.
However, if you cannot make these times, give us a call and we shall try to fit in with your schedule. | Email:
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