For those that have had the pleasure of attending, they will know that Normandy during the week of the D-Day celebrations is a fantastic experience. Military vehicles all over the roads, militaria fairs on most days, reenactments in most towns and moving commemorations at all the major sites and monuments. It really is the place to be early June.

As we head towards the 79th anniversary, there is so so much to look forward to, but today we will be concentrating on the auction at Classic Military Auctions in Grandcamp-Maisy. The auction contains a wide array of items in varying price ranges from €20 up to €150,000 and includes anything from an ammunition pouch right the way up to tracked vehicles and even an M7 Priest! So in this article I am going to pick out a few pieces to look at that have caught my eye.

Where and when is it?

The auction is held at the Military Classic Center just outside the town of Grandcamp-Maisy in Normandy, famous for the German defensive gun battery know as the Maisy Battery. It is easy to find, as it is just off the side of the D514 main coast road leading from Isigny sur Mer, through Maisy and onwards to Omaha Beach.
It will be held over 2 days on the 3rd and 4th of June 2023 with the days already planned.
-Saturday, 3rd of June: ‘Memory of GI’s’, military & memorabilia
-Sunday, 4th of June: ‘Battle of Normandy’, automobiles, motorcycles & armoured vehicles, militaria.

What is in the auction?

So the straightforward answer is, loads! There is a great selection of US helmets, including some very nicely marked examples. A few German helmets that would look good on any collection shelf, plus a smattering of soldier’s equipment. There are also the vehicles that include kettenkrads, an M7 Priest, a few halftracks and some interesting variations of Jeeps.

Rather than try to explain each item, here I will be highlighting some great items with their photos and a direct link straight to the live auction, where – should you chose to – you can bid. I would also recommend you have a deeper dive into the other items in the auction because all are worth the time! Of course if you are lucky enough to be in Normandy over the next week or so, you can always head down in person.

So, who will we be seeing there?

As you can see, there are some truly amazing items going into the auction. My personal favourite is the tan IF8 trailer, simply because of how untouched it is. To conclude this article I come with a general warning. When it comes to buying any item, it is always best to get a second or third opinion or to handle the items in person. We have yet to visit the items at the auction (Although will be doing!) so make no guarantee on any item. It is always prudent with any sales platform to contact the sellers and investigate it all thoroughly.
But with the warning out of the way, I hope you enjoyed this bit of eye candy as much as I did gathering the items!

Click HERE for a direct link to Classic Military Auctions for any further questions or details you may require.