Buy, Sell, & Learn at Rally Point Militaria

Do you have military items and want to determine their value and significance?

RPM (Rally Point Militaria) offers online military collectible appraisals that include:

• Item Valuations for Wholesale, Retail, and Insurance (replacement cost)
• Details about the history and purpose of your military collectibles
• Tips for proper care and storage for your military collectibles

Visit Military Appraisals to learn more.

Do you have military items you are looking to get rid of?

• RPM buys both individual military pieces and collections.  Contact RPM for information about selling your military items.

Do you have military collectibles you want to acquire for your collection?

• Broaden your net by having RPM locate these military collectibles for you.  Learn how Rally Point Militaria can shop for you with Acquisition Brokering.

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Great Finds at the Kansas City Military Collectibles Show 2009

This year’s 2009 Kansas City military collectibles show did not disappoint.  I met several new collectors and dealers, visited with friends I don’t see often, ate some ridiculously delicious barbecue, sold several items, and even bought a few things for the collection.  The gloomy economy seemed to spare this show because most of the dealers I spoke with were either buying well, selling well, or both.

The Internet is a powerful tool for researching and acquiring military collectibles, but it cannot compare to the tactile experience of being at show, holding the objects in your hand and having face to face dialog with dealers.

Vietnam militaria has always been my primary collecting interest, but it does not surface as often as militaria from other eras, particularly WWII.  I was elated to find two nice pieces of Vietnam headgear at the show this year.

The first item is a wonderful 1962 dated Fleur Di Lis green beret w/ an early, unmarked “skull harp” DI (distinctive insignia) and a red 7th Group flash made from red satin.  Judging by the early date and the unique flash, I would not be surprised if this was beret was actually worn by an early advisor in Vietnam.  The other piece of headgear I purchased at the show was a Vietnam bush hat in an interesting variation of “pinks” camouflage.  Bush hats are still a great value and fun to collect considering all the unique camouflage patterns they come in.

[Show as slideshow]

[Show as slideshow]

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Auction Wally Talks w/ Chris Hughes about Militaria

A Walther PPK in .22 mentioned during my interview.

On 05/05/09, I was interviewed by Auction Wally on his weekly live Internet radio show. We discussed military collectibles and my recent WorthPoint article “7 Tips for Collecting Militaria”.  Check it out here: Episode 62

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7 Tips for Collecting Militaria

All Matching 1966 Type 54 Tokarev

Here is an article I recently wrote for WorthPoint with advise on collecting militaria:

1. Invest in Reference Books

Collecting militaria can be a minefield (pun intended), filled with misrepresented items and down right fakes. A good reference book can cost upwards of $60-100, but it will save you money in the long run. Many reference books are self-published or printed in small runs and become collectible in their own right. Having a reference library gives you an advantage over collectors who do not buy reference books.

2. Use Discussion Groups

Online forums and discussion groups are an excellent resource for collectors, but use caution because they are often homes for self-proclaimed “experts” that spread inaccurate information. Forum moderators are typically chosen because of their expertise, so follow what the moderators are saying until you get a read on the other members.

Two excellent militaria forums I frequent are US Militaria Forum and are Wehrmacht Awards.

3. Utilize an Inspection Period

If you are dealing with someone that does not offer an inspection period and you are not 100-percent confident about the item offered… walk away! For live or traditional auctions, the inspection period is before the bidding starts, so if you are not sure about an item, do not bid because all sales are final! Many eBay sellers offer an inspection period, but they are not obligated to. Make sure you read and understand the seller’s terms before placing your bid.

4. Buy the Item, Not the Story

You are going to hear a lot of stories as you build your collection. The only stories that are worth paying extra for are ones with verified provenance. Items with ironclad provenance sell for double or even triple what the item alone would bring. Provenance depends on the item, but may include: original bill of sale, photographs, affidavits, newspaper articles, oral histories, service records and other government documents.

5. Build your Network

Look for Militaria shows in your area and attend them. They are an opportunity to meet other collectors and build your network. Military Trader has an excellent event calendar. In online militaria groups and forums, follow posts by members that collect things you are interested in and email them, or send them a private message introducing yourself.

6. Collect the Best

Whether you are collecting military postcards or Damascus German daggers, strive to collect the best examples. If you are contemplating the purchase of an item you intend on upgrading later, don’t waste your money. The flaws you see in the item are the same flaws a future buyer will see when you try to sell it. Items with detracting features are seldom investments because their rate of appreciation is not significant. It’s best to hold off and wait for something you cannot upgrade.

7. Be Patient

It takes time to learn that some “collectible” items are always available, while other collectible items appear on the market in intervals of: every few months, once a year, every couple of years, or practically never. New collectors understandably lack the experience to be able to make distinctions on scarcity. Being patient will save you money in the long run because it will lessen the odds of making purchases you will regret later.

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For Sale Section Added

A For Sale section was just added to the site with a nice Imperial Japanese Army helmet and cover, and a serious FSSF uniform / V-42 group.  Check it out!

I am also working on an article about a recently acquired tiger stripe Mike Force shirt which includes and interview and photos of the vet in country.  Stay tuned…

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