Post by sgtrock on Nov 24, 2012 17:25:14 GMT -8
WWII Reenacting can be expensive!
Once you've decided to commit to obtaining your uniforms, gear and weapon, you can obtain them via several sources. Be sure that you purchase the correct period and style of equipment, uniforms and boots for your impression. If you have questions, PM or call one of us. If you are patient you can budget your money accordingly and purchase your gear much cheaper than buying it all new.
It doesn't take much of an investment to purchase items from ANY ERA and then sell it for more than you bought it for elsewhere. You can turn a $2.00 Vietnam War field jacket into $25-$50 really fast. A few surplus items you buy cheap and sell for more can purchase you new uniforms, gear and even weapons.
What to get first
1. Retail stores - (At the Front, WWII Impressions, WPG etc.) The upside of purchasing them is that they will be good quality, typically, and correct for reenacting. Uniforms, boots and headgear need to be sized correctly so that they fit properly. Pay attention to the store's description of sizing so that you don't have to send the item back for a different size. The upside of purchasing retail is that you get new items, correct period uniforms that are authentic and of good quality. The downside is that retail costs are higher than used costs. Watch for "closeouts" and "sale items" on these sites- the items are very cheap if you can get them.
2. EBAY- Is a great source for WWII gear and sometimes uniforms. Most of the original uniforms are going to be smallers sizes so pay attention to the description. Many reproduction items are also sold on EBAY but be careful to make sure that the item is authentic. Overseas distributors often have lower quality items than the Retail Stores and the hidden shipping costs may run up the price. If you purchase used gear and helmets on ebay make sure that they are authentic and period. Korean War gear is often mistaken for WWII gear and there are differences that can be distinct. Be careful not to bid on something just because it says "WWII" or "Original"--> Sometimes they are not WWII and sometimes they are not original. Educate yourself and ask if you don't know.
3. Garage/Estate Sales- While intermittent, many private sellers are selling items for a fraction of their actual value, often because they don't know what they have. I have purchased hundreds of original items located at these sales for a fraction of the cost of EBAY or Retail Stores. Take a look at the GI Collectors Guide and educate yourself on the basics as well as the peripheral items of the WWII GI. At Estate sales in particular, search the garage and backyards. Many returning veterans placed small items in drawers, tool boxes, and storage bins. These items can be together or loose. Pictures, footlocker items, old cigarettes/lighters, insignia, patches, knives and other valuable militaria can be had for pennies on the dollar.
4. WWII Reenactors Forum- There are "For Sale/Wanted" sections on most forums of original and reenactment gear/uniforms/weapons and you can often purchase used militaria for less than retail prices. Often you can purchase an entire impression for half the cost of new.
5. Post "Wanted" in the want ads- If you know what you need you can post want ads on forums and get replies to your needs. As your collection grow you can ask for specific items and get good deals.
6. Militaria Shows/Gun Shows- These shows can be a great source for buying rare and unique items from all era's. Some vendors sell primarily patches and insignia and they know the value, which is often quite high. If you want it then it's worth the price of admission. Be careful with purchasing helmets at shows, most often they're put-togethers and the costs can be astronimical. Original helmet liners in particular will degrade quickly and you will lost all of the value. Be careful because some vendors will sell an item of common value for a LOT of money. Just because it costs a lot doesn't mean it's worth it. On the periphery you will find vendors selling gear and uniforms and various items and you can get some nice items for less money.
7. Ask one of us!- Our group comes across or already has more than one of most impressions and if we have extra's, we'll sell it to you for less than most.
8. Craigslist- There are tons of people asking to purchase militaria on Craiglist. They all want it for cheap so they can sell it for high elsewhere. But once in awhile somebody is selling military items for cheap. You can purchase all era's of items for less, sell them for more on EBAY, which will give you more cash to buy what you want.
Rock
Once you've decided to commit to obtaining your uniforms, gear and weapon, you can obtain them via several sources. Be sure that you purchase the correct period and style of equipment, uniforms and boots for your impression. If you have questions, PM or call one of us. If you are patient you can budget your money accordingly and purchase your gear much cheaper than buying it all new.
It doesn't take much of an investment to purchase items from ANY ERA and then sell it for more than you bought it for elsewhere. You can turn a $2.00 Vietnam War field jacket into $25-$50 really fast. A few surplus items you buy cheap and sell for more can purchase you new uniforms, gear and even weapons.
What to get first
- Get your boots/service shoes/leggins first!
- Get a uniform next
- Get headgear (helmet and garrison cap)
- Field Gear
- Weapon
- Late War Uniform (M-43's)
- Class A's
- Footlocker and contents are last
- WWII Rations are easy to make.
1. Retail stores - (At the Front, WWII Impressions, WPG etc.) The upside of purchasing them is that they will be good quality, typically, and correct for reenacting. Uniforms, boots and headgear need to be sized correctly so that they fit properly. Pay attention to the store's description of sizing so that you don't have to send the item back for a different size. The upside of purchasing retail is that you get new items, correct period uniforms that are authentic and of good quality. The downside is that retail costs are higher than used costs. Watch for "closeouts" and "sale items" on these sites- the items are very cheap if you can get them.
2. EBAY- Is a great source for WWII gear and sometimes uniforms. Most of the original uniforms are going to be smallers sizes so pay attention to the description. Many reproduction items are also sold on EBAY but be careful to make sure that the item is authentic. Overseas distributors often have lower quality items than the Retail Stores and the hidden shipping costs may run up the price. If you purchase used gear and helmets on ebay make sure that they are authentic and period. Korean War gear is often mistaken for WWII gear and there are differences that can be distinct. Be careful not to bid on something just because it says "WWII" or "Original"--> Sometimes they are not WWII and sometimes they are not original. Educate yourself and ask if you don't know.
3. Garage/Estate Sales- While intermittent, many private sellers are selling items for a fraction of their actual value, often because they don't know what they have. I have purchased hundreds of original items located at these sales for a fraction of the cost of EBAY or Retail Stores. Take a look at the GI Collectors Guide and educate yourself on the basics as well as the peripheral items of the WWII GI. At Estate sales in particular, search the garage and backyards. Many returning veterans placed small items in drawers, tool boxes, and storage bins. These items can be together or loose. Pictures, footlocker items, old cigarettes/lighters, insignia, patches, knives and other valuable militaria can be had for pennies on the dollar.
4. WWII Reenactors Forum- There are "For Sale/Wanted" sections on most forums of original and reenactment gear/uniforms/weapons and you can often purchase used militaria for less than retail prices. Often you can purchase an entire impression for half the cost of new.
5. Post "Wanted" in the want ads- If you know what you need you can post want ads on forums and get replies to your needs. As your collection grow you can ask for specific items and get good deals.
6. Militaria Shows/Gun Shows- These shows can be a great source for buying rare and unique items from all era's. Some vendors sell primarily patches and insignia and they know the value, which is often quite high. If you want it then it's worth the price of admission. Be careful with purchasing helmets at shows, most often they're put-togethers and the costs can be astronimical. Original helmet liners in particular will degrade quickly and you will lost all of the value. Be careful because some vendors will sell an item of common value for a LOT of money. Just because it costs a lot doesn't mean it's worth it. On the periphery you will find vendors selling gear and uniforms and various items and you can get some nice items for less money.
7. Ask one of us!- Our group comes across or already has more than one of most impressions and if we have extra's, we'll sell it to you for less than most.
8. Craigslist- There are tons of people asking to purchase militaria on Craiglist. They all want it for cheap so they can sell it for high elsewhere. But once in awhile somebody is selling military items for cheap. You can purchase all era's of items for less, sell them for more on EBAY, which will give you more cash to buy what you want.
Rock