A “Golden tiger” camouflage shirt is one of the more uncommon collectible finds from the Vietnam War era.

1. Camouflage: The Vietnam War produced some of the most interesting camo patterns with collector names like cloud, tiger stripe, ERDL (leaf pattern), beo gam, duck hunter, pinks, ARVN, and lizard. Tiger Stripe remains the most popular pattern among collectors because there are many variants; elite forces were seen wearing tiger stripes, and many of the variants are still readily obtainable. A tiger stripe shirt in a common pattern and a small size will bring between $80-100, where as a clean shirt in “Golden tiger” pattern in a decent size will command $500 or more.

A 1967 dated US M1-C paratrooper helmet w/ cloth camouflage cover.

2. Headgear: Soldiers during the Vietnam War wore a variety of headgear, including: the M1 helmet, sun helmets, berets (in cloth and wool), bush hats and boonies, billed caps, and even bandages and do-rags like a swashbuckler. Many caps were “theater-made,” meaning they were manufactured in Vietnam or a surrounding country like Thailand or Japan. Theater-made items are particularly desirable to collectors and you can identify them by their construction, vent grommets, and markings. A complete Vietnam era infantry M1 with a cloth camouflage cover sells for around $30, whereas the airborne M1-C helmet sells for more than $100. A tiger stripe boonie will bring $250 or more depending on the type or provenance.

3. Uniforms and Insignia: Fatigues worn in Vietnam were often adorned with attractive insignia. The value of a uniform depends on several factors, including the unit the vet served in (Army typically sells better than other units), the era or pattern of the uniform (earlier pattern jungle fatigues are scarcer and in higher demand than latter patterns), and the insignia on the uniform (theater-made name/Army tapes and shoulder sleeve insignia, or a pocket patch are desirable). Be very careful collecting Vietnam insignia, though, because it has become a minefield filled with fakes. In fact, handmade insignia is being made today in Vietnam to emulate original wartime insignia and deceive buyers! A badged Air Force green jungle jacket with theater-made insignia sells for less than $30, whereas a green Special Forces jungle jacket in any pattern with theater-made insignia will sell in the hundreds if it has firm provenance.

A 1970 dated Gerber MKII knife.

4. Knives: Soldiers carried a variety of both issued and privately purchased knives in Vietnam. They have serious crossover appeal to both militaria and knife collectors, which contributes to the high prices some types are bringing today. Collectible makers and types include: Gerber MKII, EK, Randall, CISO SOG knives and bolos, Western, Garcia, Buck, and Marbles. A clean, Vietnam-era pilot’s survival knife with sharpening stone ranges between $60-120, whereas a clean CISO SOG knife with provenance from the vet will sell for $2,000 and more.

5. Field Gear: United States involvement in the Vietnam War spanned longer than a decade and considerable development was made in the equipment soldiers used. Many Vietnam collectors enjoy acquiring field gear variations; particularly experimental or limited-issue pieces. Most Vietnam field gear is relatively affordable, but certain pieces like rucksacks (indigenous, lightweight, jungle, etc.) have increased in value largely due to interest in Vietnam historical reenactment. A one-quart plastic canteen in a canvas cover sells for less than $10, whereas a complete lightweight ruck (w/ tubular aluminum frame) sells for around $250.

Chris Hughes is a WorthPoint Worthologist specializing in 20th century militaria and the owner of Rally Point Militaria.

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M1 Garand

1. Firearms: Military firearms have always been in high demand with crossover appeal to both militaria and gun collectors. Many collectors not only focus on particular models—like the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, 1911A1 pistol and Springfield 1903—but also the various contractors for each weapon. The Holy Grail is to find a weapon that has all original finish and all original parts from the factory. Most WWII era weapons today have replaced parts, so original examples command a premium. A WWII-dated M1 Garand refurbished with postwar parts brings around $650, whereas an original WWII M1 Garand sells for more than $2000 if you can find one!

2. Groups: A group (or grouping) is a collection of items attributed to one veteran. Groups may contain uniform items, medals, helmet, dog tags, photos, and paperwork—including discharge, general orders and other ephemera. These items establish provenance, which greatly increases historical and collecting value. Items without provenance are worth no more than the sum of the parts. For examples of collecting groups, read: “Always a Marine: Reuniting History with a Collectible Uniform” and “Hearing the Veteran’s Story.”

3. Headgear: Military headgear is very popular because it displays well, with many types and variations to acquire. The price range accommodates anyone’s budget, with an infantry piped overseas cap selling for $5 to a named M2 “D-bale” airborne helmet selling for more than $12,000. Most militaria collectors have a soft spot for headgear, which is why it sells well.

Purple Heart medal with ribbon bar and lapel button.

4. Insignia & Medals: WWII patch collecting actually started during WWII. As soldiers returned home, many donated their insignia to be sewn on wonderful handmade patch blankets, or given to children to trade like baseball cards. Collectors focus on insignia variations and without knowing the difference between a “green back” vs. a “white back,” or a “green border,” it’s easy to assume they’re of equal value, but they’re not! Greenbacks are sewn with green bobbin thread, resulting in the reverse side being prominently green. These scarce variants sell for many times more than white back examples of the same patch. Medals are a privilege to collect and own because they are personal and earned by the veteran. Posthumous medals typically have name of the veteran inscribed on the back and are very desirable to collectors, particularly when they are accompanied with an original presentation case and government correspondence to the deceased solder’s family. A cased WWII Good Conduct Medal sells for $10, whereas an inscribed KIA Purple Heart sells in the hundreds or more, depending on the unit served in and the circumstances of death.

A guard-marked Camillus M3 knife with a double pinned pommel and a 1943-dated leather Viner Bros scabbard.

5. Knives: WWII knives were either issued or privately acquired. Notable makers of handmade fighting knives include Gary Randall and Frank J Richtig. To find clean WWII examples from either maker will cost well over $1,500. Most of the knives taken into battle were mass-produced through government contracts, like the wonderfully utilitarian model M3; a popular knife to collect because of the different contractors for both the knife and scabbard. M3’s start at $150 for just the knife and can sell in the hundreds for a clean, early example with the maker and date marked on the blade and a nice leather M6 scabbard. There are also theater-made knives constructed from scrap aluminum, Lucite, steel, brass and other materials. Theater-made knives vary in form, quality and value, and are sought after collectibles.

Chris Hughes is a WorthPoint Worthologist specializing in 20th century militaria and the owner of Rally Point Militaria.

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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.

Make sure you utilize the inspection period. Items, such as this WW II face mask for a rocket launcher is very fragile and stiff from sitting in its original box for 60 plus years, and is being sold as-is. If you are not 100-percent confident about the item offered… walk away.

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.

This WWII Imperial Japanese Army helmet with a 2nd pattern cover is in very good condition, and 2nd pattern covers are actually harder to find than the 1st pattern. If you are contemplating the purchase of an item you intend on upgrading later, don’t waste your money, as the flaws you see in the item are the same flaws a future buyer will see when you try to sell it.

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.

Chris Hughes is a WorthPoint Worthologist specializing in 20th century militaria and the owner of Rally Point Militaria and Vietnam Uniform – Military Collectibles sites.

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I found this Zanesville matte green vase model 795 on a road trip in Missouri. I’m taking far fewer road trips now that items like this are easier to find on the Internet.

Over the last two decades the Internet has increasingly impacted culture and commerce, but for most of us in the antiques and collectibles world, its integration into everyday life has been a relatively recent phenomenon.

My “good old days” began in the early 1990’s, when I spent countless hours driving my station wagon through dusty towns in the Midwest in search of antiques and collectibles. As many of you may recall, this was when even the smallest town had at least one antique shop or thrift store with treasures to be had. Armed with only a road atlas and time to kill, I hunted and gathered with great success. But as the Internet continued to expand, antiques and collectibles commerce changed.

By the mid to late 1990’s, I witnessed many antique shops partitioning their inventory into online vs. in-store sales. Some shops were disappearing all together, opting to sell online exclusively. I couldn’t blame them because I was also selling online and marveling over its convenience. Not everyone welcomed this transformation, but no one could argue it was inevitable and for many necessary.

Today, my motivation to take road trips has diminished because there are now fewer shops and, all too often, I return empty handed. It’s a relief that I’m able to satiate my thrill of the hunt on the Internet, but I miss the social element of talking shop and forging friendships with storeowners and fellow auction goers.

At WorthPoint, I’ve had a role in developing site features and products for 2009. A primary focus has been recreating that atmosphere I long for from my road trip days, where collectors and dealers can freely talk with each other and share information. WorthPoint sees opportunities for better online communication being demonstrated on successful networking sites like Linkedin, Facebook and MySpace. Our product development team has drawn inspiration from these sites to incorporate new social features found on every WorthPoint member profile. These new features are fun and make your collecting life more productive, and hopefully profitable.

I am interested in hearing from others. Do you miss the good old days? Do you sense the need for an online collecting community? How are you adjusting to these times from buying and selling in person to buying and selling online?

Chris Hughes is a Worthologist who specializes in militaria and World War II collectibles.

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There is rampant misuse of the term “crusher cap” in reference to US visor caps in the WWII militaria collecting market. A crusher cap is a type of visor cap that is intended to be soft and pliable. Germans also had a crusher cap designed for field use, but that is another topic. US crusher caps were designed for pilots and air personnel to comfortably wear under their headset.

The distinguishing feature of a crusher cap is that the bill is made from a single layer of leather with a leather bead around it. Other visor caps typically have two layers of leather fused or sewn together, with a machine-stitched brim. A double ply visor stiffens the cap, making it less than ideal for wearing with a headset.

The quintessential US crushers coveted by collectors are Bancroft “Flighter” caps, offered in both tan and dark green wool. Luxembergs and Flight Weights are also desirable.

If you surf the net looking for a crusher, you will find a lot of mislabeled visor caps. True crushers command many times more money than even the nicest regular visors, so when you are buying a crusher cap, make sure you are actually buying a true crusher and not an overpriced visor cap.

Here are pics of a Bancroft Flighter from my collection that is part of an 8th Army Air Corps Bombardier group. Notice the single ply brim and relaxed shape.

]]> http://www.worthpoint.com/research_library/not-all-wwii-visor-caps-are-crushers/feed 0 http://www.worthpoint.com/research_library/macv-sog-1-0-jacket-symbol-vietnam-s-elite-among-elite http://www.worthpoint.com/research_library/macv-sog-1-0-jacket-symbol-vietnam-s-elite-among-elite#comments Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:59:24 +0000 Chris Hughes http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2455749

Until recently, little was known or published about MACV-SOG, an elite US Special Forces reconnaissance unit in Vietnam. SOG was under joint command by 5th Special Forces Group and CIA with an objective to recon and disrupt the Ho Chi Minh trail by running cross-border operations into denied areas, primarily Laos and Cambodia. SOG recon teams were small, typically 6 to 8 men. They had a 1-0 (pronounced “One Zero”) who was the team leader, a 1-1 assistant team leader, and a 1-2 radioman. The remaining personnel were indigenous mercenaries. Depending on region, they could be Chinese Nungs, Montagnards, Cambodes, or Vietnamese.

The 1-0 was a leader with innate skill coupled with experience. Rank was irrelevant on SOG teams. Being “good in the woods” is what ultimately determined survival or failure. 1-0’s commanded respect from all of the Special Forces community. The 1-0 jacket was a symbol worn at camp to distinguish themselves from other SOG personnel. The 1-0 jacket was awarded to 1-0’s after completion of the Recon Team Leader course at Long Than. Initially, they were intended to be worn in the field. Photographic evidence verifies this. However, the nylon material was noisy in the brush, so 1-0’s opted to wear them in camp only. Often times, jackets were modified with direct embroidery bearing the wearers name and SOG related themes like recon team names, “shell burst” skulls, etc.

There were three patterns of 1-0 jacket. The first pattern (shown here) is a pull over with a removable hood. There are two front slash pockets, single snap cuffs, and a rear map pocket in the lower back with a snap closure. There is a small oilskin tagged marked “M” inside the hood and collar to denote size (medium). The second and third patterns are not pullover and do not have a removable hood. SOG was a relatively small unit, so these jackets are extremely rare and often overlooked as being a simple windbreaker.

I was talking with my friend Mike Bockman, a militaria dealer and owner of BBmilitaria, when we got on the subject of the Niobrara River that runs across the Northern part of Nebraska. I had canoed this river several times in Boy Scouts and Mike had canoed it with his family when he was young.

I was fascinated to hear that Mike obtained his first military collectible while canoeing the Niobrara when he was around seven years old. His family had stopped to picnic on the grounds of Fort Niobrara, an Army outpost established in 1879 to monitor the Sioux Indians. The fort was eventually abandoned in 1906 and little of it remains today.

While Mike was sitting at a picnic table on the fort grounds, he noticed a metal object in the dirt. It was an 1880-90’s Army Enlisted uniform button. Indian war era uniform buttons are not valuable. In fact, you can find them with little difficulty on the web for about $5.00, but what is significant about Mike’s button is that it is an artifact directly attributed to a time and a place. The button is a reminder that Nebraska and its people have changed since the time that button was worn on a uniform.

There is no doubt Mike held that button in his hand and thought about the soldier who wore it. Did this soldier have to skirmish with the Sioux that strayed off the reservation to harm settlers and steal horses and cattle? Did this soldier struggle to stay warm within the adobe walls of the fort during the deadly winters?

A discarded uniform button opened Mike’s mind to history and collecting. Many of Mike’s friendships and his livelihood as a militaria dealer are the result of him finding this now priceless button on the ground.

Chris Hughes is a WorthPoint Worthologist specializing in 20th century militaria and the owner of Rally Point Militaria and Vietnam Uniform – Military Collectibles sites.

I do not follow sports, but even I was amazed to see my wife pull this jersey out a drawer one day. She was friends with UNL Black Shirt Grant Wistrom while she was in college at University of Nebraska Lincoln. She went to all the home games, along with several of the away games.

After the Huskers won the Orange Bowl in 1995, Grant gave my wife his Orange Bowl jersey to wear at games. After college, Grant Wistrom played for the Rams and helped them win the Super Bowl in 2002. Then he played with the Sea Hawks until being released after the 2006 season.

A few months ago, I decided to redirect some of my collecting energy towards new frontiers. In doing so, I made the decision to liquidate my collection of vintage Vans shoes. Skateboarding was a big part of my adolescence, and I always loved placing my order for a customized pair of Vans, made to my exact color specifications. It took about three months to receive them, but when they arrived, it was a glorious occasion. I used to order two pair of Vans at a time because my shoes got tore up from skating. I still think about all those one of a kind pairs of Vans I wore out and threw away…

The beginnings of my Vans collection began in 1998, when the company closed its plant in CA and began contracting all manufacturing in China and Korea. I was confident that this move would adversely affect quality, so I sought out to purchase several pairs of American made Vans to wear and enjoy. I did the same thing when Converse All Stars outsourced their manufacturing to China and sadly, I’m down to my last few pairs.

As I was purchasing American Vans for casual wear, I began to feel nostalgic about the early styles, and the days when I’d to custom order any color combination imaginable. I decided to take my search a step further by getting in touch with some defunct skate shop owners in hopes that they had old inventory lying around. I hit the jackpot, and was fortunate to acquire a nice collection of early 1980’s dead stock Vans in the classic styles (Style 36, Style 38, Slip-ons, etc). My only regret was not buying more at the time. Surprisingly, the dealers who had been sitting on their unsold inventory for 15+ years were still adamant about charging me retail for the shoes! I can’t complain because they have appreciated in value since I purchased them.

I was sad when I sold off the collection but I did it for several reasons. I have to keep my collecting in check. I don’t like to spread my interests too thin because I only have so much time in a day to devote to my hobbies. I also try and avoid clutter. The Vans sat in boxes for years in my storage room and I seldom looked at them, nor did I ever receive requests to look at them.

The most important basis for selling was my concern about the investment potential of vintage Vans in the future. Over the last 10 years, I have watched early 1970-80’s skateboard decks and accessories greatly appreciate in value and demand. I assumed that dead stock examples of classic Vans would be a perfect complement for advanced skateboard collectors. Sadly, I am not seeing this happening.

In the meantime, sneaker collecting continues to grow and expand beyond Air Jordans and other Nike styles to encompass peripheral brands including Addidas, Pumas, Vans, etc. Also, the Japanese have been avid collectors of Americana for years, particularly vintage apparel, and they still appear to have a strong interest in early Vans. However, sneaker collectors (AKA “sneakerheads”) and Japanese fashion appears detached from the history and counterculture of Vans and skateboarding. They purchase shoes with the intent to wear and not necessarily preserve. Although ebay sales indicate that vintage Vans are hot, there is little guarantee for their future.

I would have preferred selling the shoes to individuals who intended on keeping them pristine in the tissue wrap like I did. I like to think there’s is a small chance that my Vans will remain virgins, and spared from the abuse of human feet. I find comfort in the words my friend (and Nike collector) told me about serious sneakerheads. He said that, “Many sneakerheads buy two pairs, one to rock and one to stock.” Let’s hope my beautiful Vans are the ones being stocked.

After spending over 15 hours on a to jet to Beijing, my rubber legs ambled off the plane, through customs, towards the baggage carousel, where I waited to be reunited with my luggage. I was not too groggy to notice the gigantic Kentucky Fried Chicken mural and chuckle over its absurdity. Across the airport, I saw a man wearing something that caught my eye. As he approached me, I confirmed he was wearing a 1950s era MA-1 nylon flight jacket worn by US fighter pilots during the cold war era.

His jacket was nice. The knit cuffs were not blown out. Its sage green color was not bleached or faded and it still had the desirable nylon webbed tab on the front, where the pilot clips his oxygen mask. I have sold many of these vintage jackets over the last decade to China and Japan and I wondered what the chances were of this person acquiring his jacket from me. As I watched him wait for his luggage, I gathered up the nerve to approach him and ask him about his jacket. I quickly learned that although his English was better than my Chinese, he was not fluent. When I said, “cool jacket” things clicked and I could tell that he was pleased by my compliment. We exchanged a few more words and he allowed me to photograph him in his jacket. Then we departed in different directions.

Despite language and cultural differences, I was pleased to be able have a moment of mutual appreciation with a stranger over a collectible piece of vintage apparel. This could not have been a better introduction to China!

On a relatively mild November day, I stopped by Zero Street Records in Omaha, NE to shop for LPs and visit with Mike Garber, the shop owner and WorthPoint Worthologist (check out his profile by clicking the Worthologists link at the top of the page). As I shop for records, Mike and I swap stories about recent finds, the internet, and what we’d been listening to lately.

This is Mike’s second shop and it’s one of my favorite places to frequent for great deals on records. Today, there is reggae playing on the stereo as I thumb through the new arrival bin. Grading records can be subjective, so it’s a bonus to be able to look at a record in person before you buy it. Mike uses a universal grading scale published in Goldmine magazine, but he also grades very conservatively. When he sells online, buyers are always pleased with their purchase.

I’ve bought many records from Mike and wish I had more time to play them. As I walk around the store, I look on the wall and see a Nick Drake record that I haven’t played in a long time and make a note to play my copy when I get home.

Last night, I met up with Mike Garber, WorthPoint’s vinyl record Worthologist and owner of Zero Street Records in Omaha, NE to see how things were going in the record collecting world. Mike just returned from a buying trip in Colorado and said that he had a good time finding records for the store and for trade.

I asked Mike to pick a few records from his inventory to talk about and he selected three obscure records from Nebraska that are in demand because of their scarcity and sound.

The first record is a 45 released in 1960 for the rockabilly / instrumental group The Shades. The tracks are “Tidal Wave” and “Shady”. This record was never issued with a picture sleeve, but Mike’s copy retains the original dust sleeve with the label (Eyeball Record Company) and address ink stamped on it. Mike said, “What might at first look like a surf record in actuality is a real nice and obscure instro from the rockabilly era”. I naively asked Mike if there were other notable rockabilly bands from Nebraska and he listed artists including Sparkle More, Lou and Red Berry, Carl Cherry, Dennis Volk, and Bobby Lowell. I googled Bobby Lowell and read that he is considered to be Nebraska’s first Rock n’ Roll recording artist.

The next record Mike showed me was a self-titled LP for a band called Heaven. It was released on W/W records in 1969. Mike described Heaven as a horn-rock band influenced by the psychedelic era. The term “horn-rock” made me grimace with thoughts of the band Chicago, but Mike reassured me that this record was nothing like them. He said, “While most horn-rock records are not desirable to psych collectors, the true underground and progressive nature of this record has made it sought after on that scene”. Only 500 copies were pressed, which gets a collector’s blood pumping.

The third record Mike wanted to show me was what he claims to be his “All-time favorite Nebraska record.” It is the 1978 LP release for the band Crap Detectors entitled, “Victims of the Media”. Crap Detectors are special to Mike because they represent the true DIY (do it yourself) artistic creativity from the time period when punk was new. This era quickly faded and Victims of the Media is a time capsule melding early rockabilly with early punk and even electronic. Only 300 were pressed with hand glued, mimeographed covers. The record was reissued in 1999 (along with their first 7”) on the label Brain Transplant. Crap Detectors were also featured on the famous Killed By Death compilations of obscure punk and hardcore bands, making early Crap Detectors releases very sought after by collectors.

Of all WWII US Airborne military collectibles, Original helmets are one of the hardest items to obtain for a collection. There were three main types used in WWII. A fiber (cardboard) liner was used early on. This was soon replaced by high pressure (fiberglass) liners made by Inland and Westinghouse.

Original fiber airborne liners are so rare, they are virtually nonexistent. Inland liners are also quite rare. According to www.toppots.com, of the 1,900,000 Inland liners produced from 1942 to 1943, approximately 75,000 were converted to airborne configuration. It’s safe to assume that many of these left in Europe and other theaters.

Westinghouse manufactured liners appeared later in the war and they are the most common, but finding original airborne Westinghouse liners is not easy because of the high demand for airborne militaria. It is unknown how many airborne configured liners Westinghouse made.

Due to the popularity of WWII airborne collectibles and the scarcity of original helmets, the market is minefield of forgeries. That is why I was elated when my friend agreed to sell me my first Inland para liner. It took several years of coaxing, but we eventually agreed on a price and I am delighted to own it.

The kicker is where my friend found this piece of rare headgear; it was rescued from his relative’s costume rental store! When my friend found the helmet, it had General stars hot glued to the front, which he carefully removed (with no loss of paint). The store had also hot glued a bevo weave store tag inside the crown of the helmet over the Inland stamp. I debated over removing this label, but eventually I carefully removed the tag and kept it with the helmet.

The liner has been repainted, but it looks wartime. Strangely, there are traces of 6th Army Div decals beneath the paint. Creases in the khaki web A-straps indicate they have been folded up inside the liner from use as an infantry helmet. It is very fortunate they were not cut off like many Airborne Inland liners I’ve encountered.

With my Inland sitting proudly in my collection, I will now search to find an original leather chin cup for it, and an original M2 or M1-C shell to mate this liner with. In the meantime, I’ll use a regular fixed-bale M1 shell, which was appropriately used by airborne personnel as well.

Chris Hughes is a WorthPoint Worthologist specializing in 20th century militaria and the owner of Rally Point Militaria and Vietnam Uniform – Military Collectibles sites.

Grading condition for military collectibles is not a simple process. Militaria is different from many other collectibles, where flawless examples are ideal and items with condition issues have less value.

The two most important variables that complicate grading militaria are scarcity and provenance. Scarcity is self-explanatory. Provenance is the historical link between object and owner. Items that are not rare and lack provenance can simply be graded using a scale that ranges from “relic” (meaning ground dug and rough) to “Unissued” (out of the crate and barely touched).

Provenance is interesting in collecting militaria because it often provides clemency to the rules of condition. I will explain why. Many military objects collected were intended for use in combat. These items include helmets and headgear, field uniforms, field gear, firearms, and edged weapons. If the item shows use but has provenance to support the claim that it was used in combat, desirability for that item increases greatly.

For example, in WWII prior to D-Day, most US 101st and 82nd Airborne personnel were issued two sets of reinforced jump jackets and pants. Typically one set was impregnated with a chemical called CC-2 to protect the wearer from exposure to gas. The impregnated set was worn on the Normandy jump while the untreated set remained in England. While non-impregnated jump uniforms are rare, finding an impregnated set that was worn in combat is extremely rare. Few documented examples survive today and most show wear and tear from combat. Documented combat used sets are worth many times more than the clean sets.

Another example is a Civil War “shell jacket” recently sold at auction. It had excellent provenance of being worn at Gettysburg. In fact, the jacket had a repaired hole where the wearer being shot in it! This jacket brought over $55,000 while one in comparable condition without provenance would bring less than $2,000.

With the exception of Civil War collectibles, provenance for US militaria did not gain importance until recent years. Prior to this shift, a majority of collectors were “type collectors”, where their focus was on single facets of militaria like helmets, daggers, medals, or patches. When a veteran grouping was acquired from an estate, the items were broken up and scattered in the wind, making their provenance very difficult to verify or maintain afterward.

The hobby is changing and more collectors are expanded their interest in military objects to include the history of the individuals that used them. Many militaria collectors tolerate honest wear if it’s caused by normal use. Bad wear is often the result of improper storage and can seriously diminish the value of an item. Examples of bad wear include dry rot, mildew, mothing, mold, paint spots, pitting, rust, and corrosion. Once bad wear sets in, it is very difficult to reverse the process and it detracts from the presentation and desirability of a piece.

Bad wear is particularly frowned upon among items not used in the field like dress uniforms, presentation swords, medals, paperwork, photos, plaques, and awards.

There are instances when an item is rare enough that bad wear is tolerated. An example would be Civil War garments that have mothing. Today, many of these pieces look like Swiss cheese, yet their scarcity makes them a coveted item and a centerpiece in any collection.

In summary, if a militaria item is not considered scarce and does not have provenance, it can be graded on a condition scale much like a coin or a stamp. If the item is truly rare and/or has verified, significant provenance other factors apply when assessing value. The rule of thumb for militaria (and any collectible) is strive to buy the best. Time and money is wasted when you buy items you intend on upgrading in the future.

Chris Hughes is a WorthPoint Worthologist specializing in 20th century militaria and the owner of Rally Point Militaria and Vietnam Uniform – Military Collectibles sites.

While visiting San Francisco over the weekend, I was fortunate to learn the 14th annual Arts & Crafts Show was within walking distance from the flat my wife and I rented. I’ve read excellent reviews of this event in Style 1900 and American Bungalow magazine and was exited to attend.

The Concourse Exhibition Center was a perfect venue with an exposed wood beam ceiling and warm lighting. There were numerous booths containing antique and newly made furniture, architectural items, metalware, textiles, art pottery, books, and other items inspired by the American and British Arts & Crafts Movement.

One of the first booths I visited was occupied by Eliane M. Talec of David Rago Auctions. Rago is the leading auction house for Arts & Crafts, a sponsor for this event and a partner with WorthPoint. (Check out their completed auction listings in WorthPoint’s Worthopedia). Sharing the booth with Rago Auctions was co-sponsor Jennifer Strauss of Style 1900 Magazine. Style 1900 is an antiques and interiors magazine published by David Rago.

My wife and I are collectors of Bauer pottery and it was a treat to see the numerous pieces of Bauer inventory offered by J. Sylvester S., a contributor for one of my favorite references entitled, “”Collector’s Encyclopedia of Bauer Pottery“.

Another show highlight included exchanging banter with David Surgan, owner of HeintzCollection.com. David’s booth contained the largest inventory of Heinz pieces I have seen in person (see images).

The show was not only an opportunity to purchase investment-grade antiques, but to learn about their craftsmanship though conversations with collectors and dealers. There is no substitute for handling an antique in person and everyone I met was eager to share their knowledge.

I was so consumed by meeting new people and perusing booths that did not get a chance to attend the featured lectures.

This show was a wonderful time and a must-see event for anyone interested in antiques and Arts and Crafts.

On the way home from the Ft Leavenworth Militaria Show in Kansas, I stopped at a few antique shops in Missouri. Over the years, I have had good luck in Missouri and many of my scores have been at the W.D. Pickers Antique Mall located in Platte City, MO (www.wdpickers.com).

Although Pickers is technically a consignment mall, it is notches above franchise chains like The Brass Armadillo. Pickers is the best of both worlds because it has the quaintness and charm of a small shop, coupled with a large quantity of antiques and collectibles. When I walk down the isles, I do not get the impression that the inventory is picked over junk that has been collecting dust for a decade on a dealer’s shelf. I’ve watched numerous malls turn into ghost towns, but Pickers is like a time capsule to pre-ebay days.

Once again, Pickers did not disappoint me. I collect Arts and Crafts pottery in matte green glazes, and I was fortunate to find another unmarked piece of Zanesville. It has a beautiful shape with no condition issues (outside of the factory). Even though the type of Zanesville I enjoy collecting is not technically “art pottery”, it has personality and humanness in the form of glaze pops and runs, as well as color variations because the glazes were hand applied. Today, mass production does not tolerate “defects” like this.

Pickers has something for everyone. I included images of items that caught my eye for one reason or another. I hope you enjoy viewing them and consider visiting this shop if you are ever in the area.

Chris is a WorthPoint Worthologist.

Read Chris’s articles.

My favorite antiques and collectibles tell a story. It’s been my experience that unearthing the story is more rewarding than the challenge of obtaining the item. My most recent “story” began at the Hastings, Nebraska military collectibles show in March 2008. I had just set up my dealer table and started walking the floor to see what other dealers brought to sell. A fellow Omaha dealer was loading a garment rack with several US WWII uniforms, so I walked over to take a look.

My eyes were drawn to a green wool USMC blouse and trousers with a 6th Marine Division patch, corporal chevrons, an honorable discharge patch, and matching EGA (Eagle, Globe, and Anchor) collar devices. I looked inside the blouse to discover an unusual name penned inside the shoulder (where size and date are marked on WWII USMC uniforms). The dealer had no information about the veteran, nor did he recall how he acquired the uniform, but he was sure it was a local find.

We agreed on a price, and I walked away with the uniform and a gut feeling that I was going to find information about this soldier. When I returned from the show, I began my research and quickly discovered the veteran was born in Grinnell, Iowa and had attended college at Grinnell University. After college, he entered the Marines and later became an editorial writer for the Omaha World Herald newspaper.

I was on a roll! Further research revealed that he and his wife were living in a retirement community a few miles from my home and his children published a book in 2000 containing a large selection of their father’s World Herald editorials. The book was available at Amazon.com and the first chapter exclusively detailed his experiences as a Scout with H Company, 29th Marines, 6th Division during WWII. Before attempting to contact the veteran, I ordered a copy of his book and read every passage about his experiences being a Marine.

One story that is difficult to forget addresses the randomness of death and injury in combat. It explains how the veteran earned his Purple Heart Medal for a gunshot wound, while simultaneously losing a fellow Marine who had been lying beside him. The two Marines were ahead of their platoon scouting enemy movement on Sugar Loaf Hill (located on the island of Okinawa), when a Japanese machine gun crew flanked them and opened fire on their position. Had the Japanese flanked from the opposite direction fate may have reversed the outcome of these men.

After reading the book, I decided to call the veteran and our conversation went well. He was intrigued that I took the time to find him. After explaining my methodologies in locating him he proclaimed that, “I knew his whole life story.” With a laugh I replied, “That’s what happens when you publish a book about yourself!”

I asked about this uniform and apparently it was sold when he and his wife liquidated their house to move into a smaller apartment. After a nice talk over the phone, we agreed to meet in person. He was kind enough to offer me a copy of his discharge papers, military photos, as well as other ephemera from his days as a Marine to put with the uniform. I listened as he talked about Marine life, his career as a writer, and his family. Being the first generation in my family to finish college, I was amazed to hear the veteran’s father and grandfather had also graduated from college.

As I prepared to leave, I pulled my copy of his book from my bag and asked if he wouldn’t mind signing it. He smiled and wrote inside the cover, “To Chris: Best Wishes & Semper Fi!!” I thanked him for the sacrifices he made for our country and for taking the time to share his experiences with me. I am deeply honored to be the caretaker of his uniform and his stories.

Chris Hughes is a WorthPoint Worthologist specializing in 20th century militaria and the owner of Rally Point Militaria and Vietnam Uniform – Military Collectibles sites.

I’ve attended the KC Military Show for over a decade and I cannot think of a time where I left the venue empty handed. Admittedly, this time I tried my best not to purchase anything because I just bought a WWII 2nd Bn. Ranger uniform group and I did not want to test my wife’s generosity with more purchases this month. I got sidetracked from my plan when I peeked at Allan Henderson’s table and saw a beautiful Eisenhower D-Day letter with a price I could not pass up. I had to snatch that as well as a few small dollar items. The rest of my time was spent visiting with friends and watching them spend money.

The show had approximately 280 tables (50 less than last year). This should not have been a surprise considering gas prices and the economy in general. Despite the smaller turnout, there was plenty of very nice militaria for sale. My interest is primarily in WWII and Vietnam, so my observations have that bias. I noticed more high-end German headgear this year, as well as some nice US and Japanese headgear (see images). There were a lot of US medals and medal groups, but most were higher than market price in my opinion. I did not see many breathtaking uniform groups for sale, but my friend picked up a very nice 511th PIR group on Friday with Ike jacket, two shirts, two OS (Overseas) caps, and trousers. Later that night we ID’d the Airborne vet in NARA as well as other sources.

The show had other staple attractions including military vehicle displays and static impressions. I noticed an impressive table of German Lugers as well as several WWII USMC and Army uniform and equipment displays. There was also a table of veteran buffalo soldiers to hear stories from.

One unrelated highlight that I need to mention is that on Friday night I had the best barbecue in my life at Hillsdale Bank Barbecue (Street: 201 Frisco Hillsdale, KS 66036 Phone: (913) 783-4333). It’s outside Kansas City, but so worth the drive. I had a half rack of spare ribs, coleslaw, baked beans, and sweet potato fries. Their sauce is award winning KC style and the meat was smoked to perfection.

I am definitely planning on attending the KC Military Show and Hillsdale Barbecue next year!

KC Military Show Hours:
Friday 5pm – 9pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 9am – 3pm

Chris Hughes is a WorthPoint Worthologist specializing in 20th century militaria and the owner of Rally Point Militaria and Vietnam Uniform – Military Collectibles sites.

While staying in Beijing, I made time to take a subway and visit the Chinese Military Museum. This spectacular building spans 60,000 square meters (196,850.39 square feet) and exhibits 5,000 years of Chinese military history on two four-story wings.

The first floor is devoted to the Second Revolutionary Civil War (1927-1937), the second floor to the War of Resistance Against Japan (1937-1945) and the third floor to the Third Revolutionary Civil War (1945-1949). All types of militaria are displayed from tanks and jet planes to swords, firearms, uniforms, flags, and photographs.

This museum is a place where a person interested in military history could easily spend days studying exhibits. However, I only had a few hours before having to leave and had to make good use of my time. My wife attended the museum with me. Afterward, I asked for her perspective as a person not very interested in military history. She was impressed by the enormity of everything. Its colossal scale displayed reverence for China’s military culture in a way that is uniquely different from our museums.

As a Westerner, the museum was not difficult to navigate. All the signs were in Chinese and English and it was far from crowded.

Several observations were made while working my way through the exhibits:

1. There were a lot of captured Japanese militaria including weapons, shin-gunto swords, uniform pieces, and equipment. The pieces ranged in rarity and condition. Most had the look of being captured in the field. Overall, these were some of my favorite things to look at.

2. There were very little US militaria (other than weapons) considering China fought against the US in the Korean War. I saw one ground dug M1 helmet and had been told that there were captured Sherman tanks. However, they must have been in the outdoor hanger that was closed off for winter.

3. Items were exhibited differently from US museums I’ve visited. In US museums, the ratio of items displayed is typically 10 percent exhibited and 90 percent in storage. US museums typically select unique representations of items to display then store duplicates. In the Chinese Military Museum, there were countless multiples of unattributed, identical items on display. This may have been done because there was no shortage of square footage and it contributes to the magnitude of the exhibit. Many common items were in relic, or ground dug condition, which was interesting to see because only rare or old items are displayed in that condition in US museums.

4. Lighting was nonexistent in places, which is unusual for a museum.

5. The souvenir shop actually sold militaria as well as books, posters, and other military related items. Most of these items can be had in the United States for the same price or less. Many of the militaria items were post Vietnam War era Chi-Com uniform pieces and field gear. Many of the reference books were interesting, but I could not find any in English.

The Chinese Military Museum is an economical way to spend an afternoon with admission being only 20 yuan (US$4.80).

Chris Hughes is a WorthPoint Worthologist specializing in 20th century militaria and the owner of Rally Point Militaria and Vietnam Uniform – Military Collectibles sites.

Cloisonné is a form of enamelware that began in Beijing in the 13th century. During my stay in China, I had the opportunity to visit the Yu Long Friendship Store (www.bjdayi.com), a facility in Beijing where fine cloisonné is manufactured and sold.

Under dim fluorescent lighting, I watched artisans create beautiful enamelware pieces using techniques that have barely changed since the art’s inception. The process includes:

1. Base Hammering – Through hammering and annealing (a heating process to soften metal) copper is stretched and formed into the desired shape. A high level of skill is required to create a balanced piece that is uniform in thickness and weight.

2. Soldering – After tracing a design on the base, thin copper strips (called filigree) are adhered using vegetable glue. The piece is heated at a high temperature to fuse the filigree to the base.

3. Enamel Filling – Minerals combined with elements such as boric acid, saltpeter and alkaline are used to create different colors. Glaze colors include blue, red, yellow, green, white, sky blue, navy blue, carmine, dark yellow, light yellow, light green, milk white, deep violet, bright blue and amaranth. Mixing water, glue, and minerals creates a paste. The paste is then filled between the compartments separated by filigrees.

4. Enamel Firing – The object is heated at a high temperature until the enamel melds to the copper. During heating there is shrinkage to the enamel, so this process is repeated several times until the enamel is level to the filigree edge.

5. Polishing – The object is polished to thoroughly even out the enamel and filigree. First emery is used then the piece is put back in the fire. This is followed up with a whetstone, then lastly hard carbon is worked against the object to bring out a surface luster.

6. Gilding – Portions of the object are immersed in gold or silver with changing electric current to create an attractive, rust-resistant surface. Finally, electroplating and polishing is done on the exposed parts of the filigree and metal fringes.

On pre-seventeenth century cloisonné, filigree was made by hammering sheet metal into thin strips, resulting in irregular widths. After the seventeenth century, filigree was made by rolling metal through two metal cylinders, which produces uniform thickness.

Cloissone enamelware is a good value for a handcrafted piece of art considering the amount of skill and time involved in the creation process.

Chris is a WorthPoint Worthologist.

Read Chris’s articles.