I have noticed a number of dealers that handle Vietnam items have advertised used dog tags. I questioned one dealer if he had tried to locate either the owner or the next of kin. No reply. What do the members think of trying to locate the owners or just leave well enough alone?

Doing research is always great, although I wouldn't contact the original owner just out of privacy concerns.

What do the members think of trying to locate the owners or just leave well enough alone?

 

You should only contact the original owner or their family if you want to give it back, because that's what is going to happen when you get hold of them, they will want the item back. This can get really ugly with them saying the items are stolen or lost, an argument you will always loose with the cops and the courts. Many a collector has thought how cool it would be to track down the original owner, and then ended up loosing or giving the item back in the end.

What do the members think of trying to locate the owners or just leave well enough alone?

 

Well, look at the thread about the dog tags in http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?showforum=9 and you will have your answer.

Out of the 6 pages you don't get any VN era dog tags. Collectors don't want to lose their stuffs.

I personnally like tracking down the uniforms and other items, but since I paid for it I don't want someone to claim it back.

 

NTS

You should only contact the original owner or their family if you want to give it back, because that's what is going to happen when you get hold of them, they will want the item back. This can get really ugly with them saying the items are stolen or lost, an argument you will always loose with the cops and the courts. Many a collector has thought how cool it would be to track down the original owner, and then ended up loosing or giving the item back in the end.

 

Ditto, leave well enough... alone.