This week, veterans are being honored on Veterans Day, November 11. The special day started after World War I, which was known as “The Great War.” The war officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, signed in the Palace of Versailles in France, but fighting had ended seven months earlier when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (Nov. 11, 1918). In November 1919, President Woodward Wilson proclaimed Nov.11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.
Military collectibles are still popular. Militaria, or military collectibles, cover many different items, including uniforms, wristwatches, medals, buttons, war posters, insignias, helmets and military jackets. Even postcards and letters mailed to loved ones during wars are collected. Value goes up if items are associated with a specific battle or person who may have been influential during a battle or in a specific war.
Remember: Any gun, hand grenade, or other military object that might hold explosives should be checked by local police or other experts, and not be stored in hot places like an attic. Old rifles may be unsafe to shoot, and often, even safe antiques have a recoil that will surprise the inexperienced. Never attempt to sell firearms, swords, dangerous war souvenirs, or other weapons, no matter how old, before checking on your city and state laws.
WWI U.S. Army ring, 10k gold, $234. Photo: Rare Treasures
WWI U.S. Army soldier’s field bag/pouch, in good condition, $23. Photo: Rare Treasures
WWI propaganda poster, Charles E. Ruttan (1884-1939) a Canadian-born painter who served in the United States Naval Reserve Force as Pilot Lieutenant during World War I, $188. Photo: PBA Galleries
WWI trench art, possibly for use as an ashtray, brass, appears to be the base of a 25-pounder shell casing, Hand-painted with images of an American flag, naval vessel, airplane, and the Iron Cross of the German Empire. Text reads “Deutsches Andenken / vom Schlachtfeld / Major Wm. Smith / Infantry U.S. Army,” 6 in., $150. Photo: Cowan’s Auctions