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They are called The Greatest Generation… Alternatively referred to as the G.I. Generation, it refers to Americans born between 1901 and 1927. This generation grew up and lived through the Great Depression, followed by World War II. As the people who experienced this tumultuous time in history dwindle, finding ways to remember is more important than ever. That means the demand and importance of WWII memorabilia is huge these days. In this article, Judy’s Jewelry Antique and Estate Jewelry of Fort Myers will explore the world of WWII memorabilia—its value and its historical significance, even the artifacts that may provoke uncomfortable memories.
According to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, the average age of an American serviceman when the US entered World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, was 21 years old. That means, as we approach the end of 2021, those WWII veterans who are still alive are approaching their hundredth birthday or well into their nineties. It also means all the stories, details, and history of the war soon will become secondhand—told through textbooks, previously written accounts, or through memorabilia such as artifacts of the war.
These artifacts, and Nazi artifacts in particular, are becoming especially prized. In 2020, there was a string of heists and robberies targeting Nazi artifacts at museums throughout The Netherlands. One theft included a complete SS uniform with an estimated value of more than $31,000 in American dollars. The reason for these items becoming more coveted comes down to scarcity.
“After the war, everyone hated the Germans, so they threw away a lot of things. And that’s the reason it’s now so scarce,” Jan de Joonge, who manages one of the robbed museums, told CBC Radio.
The good and the bad, why it’s still important to remember
Many soldiers who fought in Europe during World War II came home with items that belonged to the opposition—Nazi Germany. These items can have significant monetary value as well. We know memorabilia from the time of Nazi Germany can provoke difficult feelings in many, especially those who have descended from the people who were persecuted by Germany during the war. However, those artifacts are still important reminders of what can happen if we forget the lessons of the past. At Judy’s we feel all history is important. After all, that old saying “Know your history or be doomed to repeat it,” can be very true. While we do not glorify Nazi memorabilia, which was often filled with hate propaganda, we feel it is important that everyone learns the lessons of that time period. Thus, artifacts from that time period of Germany are still a part of history and should be remembered—for the good and the bad. As such, you should not discard or destroy these items. In fact, you should bring them in to Judy’s Jewelry Antique and Estate Jewelry of Fort Myers, we promise to give you a fair price for the value of the item.
