World War II is still probably the most thought-about, widely discussed war involving America, and so there’s a thriving market for World War II historical collectibles.
You or your family members may have valuable memorabilia tucked away in various places in your home, or a relative’s home.
Discharge papers and other documentation of a World War II soldier who fought at Iwo Jima
If you don’t want to keep those items because you have inherited them, or because you want to downsize or free up space, we can help. We can help you get fair market value for your pieces of WWII history, and we can help make sure they go to collectors – or historians or museum curators – who will treat them with respect and reverence.
WWII aircraft engine sold (via online estate auction) to Virginia museum from Swansea MA estate
We work throughout Central Mass, Greater Boston, New England, and beyond. Contact Central Mass Auctions today, or read on to learn more about what you’ve got and what may be in store for its future.
What makes WWII memorabilia valuable?
Extra-popular items include flags (especially from captured German and Japanese personnel), uniforms, helmets, and weapons. American flight jackets also are sought-after.
The condition of the memorabilia always matters, of course, as does the story. Many of the people who collect WWII memorabilia are especially attached to the stories of the people who used them. If you know that story, or have documentation on the relevant people, then you might get a higher price for the item(s).
Values can change over time. A weapon may go for $1500 to $5000 if it’s in particularly good condition. A patch may go for $30 to $100.
What counts as WWII memorabilia?
Anything from the era might be considered memorabilia, even if it did not see combat overseas. Weapons, banners, posters, medals, insignia, patches, films, diaries, personal gear, and other items all can represent part of the history – history of the War, of America or other countries, of a branch or unit of the military, or of a family or person. If it came from a unit that saw heavy action or that was involved in a famous battle it could be worth even more. Relics from famous or high-ranking soldiers is also particularly desirable.
For example, as of this writing, we’re currently auctioning this memorabilia from a soldier who fought at Iwo Jima.
And this diary with battle accounts:
And this Iwo Jima poster:
In the past we’ve auctioned several officers’ swords, belonging to American officers and German officers. We have also auctioned uniforms.
As you can see, a piece of memorabilia doesn’t have to be a weapon, flag, uniform, or helmet to be of interest to collectors and valuable at auction. To some collectors or historians, documents may be of far greater interest.
A new station for your piece of WWII history
Getting a good price for your WWII memorabilia means getting it in front of people who understand its value and who are willing to pay top dollar for it. We market your pieces to enthusiastic military-history collectors. We tell the story, adding the context that makes those pieces all the more interesting and vital.
Get started today by calling (508) 612-6111. We’ll appraise your items, get them ready for sale, and make sure that you’re getting fair market value for any pieces you have.
