Every Thursday we compile a list of militaria events and shows that will take place over the weekend. This weekend (18/11/22) is a fairly quiet one. There are a couple of shows in the US, a couple in the UK, and one in Belgium. Regardless, if you happen to live near one of these, make sure you go and support your local show. Militaria fairs are one of the best opportunities to browse and handle militaria, and to help our beloved hobby thrive.
We would also like to take this opportunity to apologise for the events calendar at the moment. We are having some technical difficulties which mean that in some cases it isn’t functioning like it should be. Again, we are really sorry, but it is something we are aware of and are actively working on behind the scenes. We are also going through our ever-expanding events list and adding new dates for 2023 where these have been confirmed by the organisers, as well as adding even more reenactor and military vehicle events, all over the world. If you have an event you think we may be missing, please don’t hesitate to let us know!
United Kingdom – International Birmingham Antique Arms & Militaria Fair
The International Birmingham Antique Arms & Militaria Fair is billed as the largest and best UK antique and vintage arms fair. It showcases deactivated guns, vintage sporting guns, edged weapons, bayonets, daggers, uniforms, armour, headgear, medals, badges, decorations, books, militaria and much much more on related subjects.
It is very well located centrally in the UK at the National Motorcycle Museum at Junction 6 of the M42 Birmingham. Plus, easy access via the air as it’s just adjacent to Birmingham International Airport. With shows running all year round and a great central location, this has always been a popular event.
Entry starts at 8:30am and the show closes at 3.00pm. Entry between 8:30 and 10.00 is £8 per person as a “dealer & keen collector preview”. From 10am onwards the entry price is £5 per person. Children under 13 are free to enter.
For more information:
United Kingdom – Britannia Medal Fair
The Britannia Medal Fair is touted as Europe’s largest medal bourse. It is graciously hosted by Noonan’s medal auction house in London as a non-profit show aimed at aiding and growing the medal collecting community. Entry is entirely free, and the fair is open from 9.30am until 2pm.
Organised by Mark Carter who handles all of the administration, bookings and is the point of contact for the fair. Located in central London, this medal specialist fair really is the get-together of “who’s who” in the medal world. This year’s stall holders include:
- Bostock Medals
- Woolley & Wallis Auction House (who are actually also having a Medals, Coins, Arms, Armour & Militaria auction next Wednesday, 23rd of November)
- London Medal Company
- Charlie’s Medals
- Chester Medals and The Medal Centre (both of whom are also on our partner list)
- OMRS or Orders and Medals Research Society
- Noonan’s themselves
- Mark Carter (who organises this fair, as well as the Bristol and the Stratford upon Avon militaria fairs)
- Baldwin’s Numismatics
- Stephen Wheeler
- Morton & Eden
- Great War Medals
- and Scotmint
For a full list of traders attending the fair, please refer to fair’s website.
It’s worth having a look at the traders’ website before going, to see if there’s something you’re interested in buying. It may also be worth contacting them to make sure they will bring the item to the fair for you to look at and examine in person.
For more information:
Belgium – Antwerp Expo
The Antwerp Militaria fair in Belgium has been running for almost 20 years. This event is the largest indoor militaria show in Northern Belgium, with more than 10,000 square meters of space filled with militaria. Uniforms, helmets and hats, equipment, books, flags, posters, and much more. The sale of deactivated weapons is allowed but please note that all local laws and regulations must be followed.
The show is held at the huge Antwerp Expo building twice a year – typically end of March and end of November. It is organised by Gent Militaria and Dipro Events in Belgium. Aside from Antwerp Militaria, they also organise the Kortrijk Militaria Fair. Belgium is an excellent location, where quite a few large militaria shows are held every year. Antwerp is only a 5-6 hour drive from London, 4 hour drive from Paris, and within driving distance to many other large European cities as well. On top of that, the Antwerp Expo building is only a 15 minute drive from Antwerp International Airport.
Entry starts at 9.00am for €10. If you enter at 10am, this drops to €8, and if you wait until 12, it is only €7 to visit the show. You can either purchase your tickets online, or at the door upon entry.
For more information:
United States, IN – Newburgh Military Collectibles & Gun Show
The Newburgh Military Collectibles & Gun Show is organised by the Evansville Military Collectors Club. Operated out of the American Legion Post 44, the Newburgh Military Collectibles & Gun Show is billed as “Guns! Ammo! Military Collectibles! Knives! and more!” What more can we say!
As with any gun show, all federal, state and local laws must be followed.
The show is an ideal place to sell and trade your items with most traders always on the look out for new items. Rumour has it the American Legion makes a great breakfast and lunch on the Saturday of the show so don’t miss out.
Prices
$5
For more information
Website – CLICK HERE
Facebook – CLICK HERE
United States, IL – Greater Rockford Military Show
The Greater Rockford Military Show is organised by Chicago Military Shows, in Illinois, USA. The show is on twice a year, typically in April and in November. Entry is $6 per person. This weekend’s show will also be a train show.
For more information
Website – CLICK HERE
Facebook – CLICK HERE