West Coast Historical Militaria Collectors Show

[UndeadSlayer]

I just heard that the West Coast Historical Militaria Collectors show will be held at the Pomona Fairplex next year in February. This will be my first militaria show so I am very excited and nervous at the same time. Do you guys have any suggestions on what to bring to the show in case I plan on purchasing anything? 

[Cobra 6 Actual]

Hey, there, UndeadSlayer, here are a couple of ideas:

 

1. Bring a bag or container to carry your stuff in. For example, I have an old Maxpedition cross chest bag that has proved useful for both storing smaller purchases as well as my cell phone, a small bottle of water, some kind of snack bar, wallet (bring plenty of cash!), and a handkerchief … surprisingly handy!).

 

2. I’ve found a small flashlight to be extremely useful. Oftentimes the lighting in a facility is not good enough so that you can clearly see Militaria for sale.

 

3. Related to #2, above,  a small magnifying glass can be a great asset.

 

4. Bring small plastic ziplocks or similar. Sometimes sellers have badges with plastic containers, sometimes not. I always feel that if a piece of military insignia made it this far, the last thing I want is for it to be rolling around getting scratched up by my other purchases.

 

5. I don’t know your specific collecting area, but if there is a small reference book, then bring that (or just use your smart phone to look things up). Some collectors are organized well enough that they have photos or lists (again, often on their smart phones) of what items they’re specifically looking for and/or which items they already have.

 

6. A pen and some paper for notes (I like to jot down any information the seller has about an item, how much I paid for it, and similar stuff).

 

7. I’m not a germphobe, but I like to have a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer with me. It seems many times the bathrooms are in sad shape and have run out of soap and/or paper towels (again, the handkerchief can be useful).

 

8. As a “technique” I like to make a quick pass through an entire show. If I see something really interesting I’ll often ask a seller if he will hold it for me for 10 minutes. I usually offer $20 as earnest money. I’ve found most dealers agreeable to this. If I don’t come back in ten minutes, then they keep the $20. If I do come back in ten minutes and want to purchase the item then they keep the $20 as included in the due amount.
 

9. After my first quick pass through the show I then come back for a closer look at things of interest.
 

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[Cobra 6 Actual]

And a couple of additional thoughts:

 

1. You might bring a small fabric or metal ruler. 

 

2. Have a plan about how you will see what you want. I mentioned, above, making a quick first pass, then going back for a more detailed look. Eh, whatever works for you.

 

3. If you’re going to try to haggle (or negotiate) on prices be respectful. You’ll occasionally met a jerk seller, but the vast majority want to make sales, have fun, and leave feeling good about things. Reasonable offers will be given due consideration.

 

4. If you’re going to the show with someone else I’ve found two simple things helpful: A.) Agree on a time and location to meet up. Then be there. And B.) Use an agreed upon search plan. I always ‘do’ a right-hand search pattern. That way a buddy will have a rough idea of where I will be.

 

5. Wear comfortable shoes. Most of these shows will involve a lot of walking so the old Infantry saying is pertinent here: You take care of your feet and your feet will take care of you.

[UndeadSlayer]

The best sellers of militaria and vintage firearms at shows only accept cash, learned the hard way at the Ontario gun show. I will definitely pull money out at the bank on the way there and bring a hard case with me. I am trying to add a Japanese shin gunto and a couple helmets to to my collection.