When it comes to war artifacts, no matter which war they may have been from, preservation of the condition of the artifacts is important to their integrity, and value. Maybe your grandfather kept their World War II artifacts in a place of prominence in their home. For many military veterans, who might feel stress or trauma from their experiences in combat, those artifacts may have been stuffed into a box, placed in the attic, basement, or a closet, and then forgotten. Sorting through the belongings of a departed love one can be difficult. If you come across items you believe date back to World War II, here are a few tips from Sal, owner of Judy’s Jewelry Antique and Estate Jewelry of Fort Myers, FL.
Have the Proper Documentation
Knowing the story behind the war memorabilia you have adds to the value of the item. Having a written account of the details of a war artifact go a long way toward determining its value and historical significance. The documentation should have at minimum, a summary of the individual’s service with basic details: name, hometown, branch of service, rank, and when and where they served. As for the historical objects in question, what are they? Were they used in combat, in training, or are they souvenirs captured from the other side? The more detailed the documentation, the better. You could include any specific memories or stories of the war the veteran wishes to preserve, or if they participated in a larger military campaign or battle. You can anticipate the WWII memorabilia of a veteran to represent a mixed assortment of items. It helps to organize the items and attach photographs and a brief written background to them. For example, you may want to keep a dress uniform and items separate from combat gear. Firearms and other weapons used are at a higher risk for theft, so be sure to photograph these, write down the serial numbers, and place a copy of this information separate from the weaponry, which should be stored in a safe or locked cabinet. All these steps are important, especially if you are wanting to bring your items in to Judy’s to be evaluated or sold. The more information you have about them the better the value you may receive for the items.The risk of forgeries
World War II memorabilia is becoming both more popular and valuable, but this also means there has been a rise in counterfeit artifacts. A recent exhibit of Nazi-era memorabilia at the Holocaust Museum in Buenos Aires was revealed to be comprised mostly of fake artifacts, following investigation by European experts. Forgeries and objects that lack authenticity have become more widespread, in response to the general increase in demand for WWII collectibles. And for good reason—certain artifacts such as helmets, medals, and daggers could go for as much as six figures, depending on the condition of the item and the importance of whoever previously owned it. Knight’s Cross medals, for example, can sell for major money if they are accompanied by documents that validate the medal and who received it.
To make sure you are not buying or selling a forgery, it is best to work with an expert in antiquities… an expert like Sal and John at Judy’s Jewelry Antique and Estate Jewelry of Fort Myers, FL. Sal specializes in all types of antiques and artifacts, including military memorabilia from the World War II era. In fact, Sal has several artifacts from his own family members who served in Europe during the war. He loves artifacts from World War II and has done extensive study on them.
Your loved one could have left a goldmine of treasures from their military service during the Second World War. In addition to rare medals and weapons, Asian ceramics and verified documents from the war also can sell for more money than you might expect. To get your items appraised or let us handle all the hassle and sell them for you, just give Judy’s Jewelry Antique and Estate Jewelry of Fort Myers, FL a call at (239) 481-9600. You can also visit our website or come by our store, located at 12710 McGregor Boulevard in beautiful Fort Myers in Southwest Florida.
