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  1. FORUM NEWS & HELP

    1. NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS

      If you've just signed up as a member, feel free to stop in here and post an introduction about yourself, your collection, or any other information you wish to share with this community. *Posts in this forum do not increase your content count

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      posts

    2. FORUM ANNOUNCEMENTS

      Check in for announcements, important alerts, and new feature intros from the Administrators.

      17
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    3. FORUM HELP

      Having trouble with a portion of the board? Go ahead and post it here so we can help.

      148
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      • landingbeach44
      • By landingbeach44,

    4. SUGGESTIONS & COMMENTS

      Have a suggestion or comment about the website? Feel free to post it here.

      29
      posts
      • Woldw1woldwa2
      • By Woldw1woldwa2,

  2. COLLECTION ASSISTANCE

    1. CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS?

      "What is it?" This is the place to ask that question about all unknown military items. Once satisfactorily identified, topics will be locked for further replies. *Please note that this board is for IDENTIFICATION HELP ONLY. Once an item has been IDed, please post a new thread in the item's appropriate board and refrain from further discussion in this board.

      3.7k
      posts

    2. REAL, REPRO OR FAKE?

      It's sometimes hard to tell the real from the fake, especially when you only have online photos for reference. If you have a question or suspicion, post it here and other members will try to help. 

      1.8k
      posts

    3. LATEST FINDS

      Been to a sale and got a great haul to show off? Any country or multiple countries . . .  Feel free to post pics here! *Please note that ALL posts in this board are deleted 30 days after posting. Any discussion should be done in separate thread(s) posted in the proper section.

      ⭐ In Memory of Bob Hudson ⭐

      429
      posts

  3. UK, BRITISH EMPIRE & COMMONWEALTH NATIONS

    1. The Army

      For general discussions on the Armies, regiments and soldiers of the UK, British Empire, and Commonwealth.

      330
      posts

    2. The Navy & Marines

      For general discussions on the Navies and Marines across the UK, British Empire, and Commonwealth, including specific people, ships, bases and units.

      43
      posts

    3. The Air Force

      For general discussions on the Air Forces of the UK, British Empire and Commonwealth, including specific aircraft, squadrons, bases and people.

      144
      posts

    4. Wars, Campaigns & Conflicts

      For all discussions relating to military activities in war and conflict throughout the United Kingdom, British Empire and Commonwealth. Post era-related discussions in the appropriate sub-boards.

      155
      posts

    5. Uniforms, Insignia, Equipment & Medals

      For all discussions relating to military uniforms, insignia, equipment and medals of the UK, British Empire and Commonwealth.

      2.8k
      posts

    6. Weapons, Vehicles & Tactics

      For all discussions relating to military weapons, vehicles and tactics of any era.

      545
      posts

    7. Researching Individual Soldiers & Sailors

      For all research regarding individual soldiers and sailors, including requests for information! Feel free to post any reviews or recommendations for books and other reference materials of interest.

      209
      posts

  4. GERMANY

    1. IMPERIAL / WEIMAR REPUBLIC (Pre-1933)

      Anything not covered in the listed sub-boards should be posted directly in the 'Imperial / Weimar Republic (Pre-1933)' board.

      2.5k
      posts

    2. THIRD REICH (1933 - 1945)

      Anything not covered in the listed sub-boards should be posted directly in the 'Third Reich (1933 - 1945)' board.

      10.3k
      posts

    3. BUNDESWEHR (1955-Today)

      Anything not covered in the listed sub-boards should be posted directly in the 'Bundeswehr (1955 - Today)' board.

      924
      posts

    4. NATIONALE VOLKSARMEE (1956-1990)

      Anything not covered in the listed sub-boards should be posted directly in the 'Nationale Volksarmee (1965-1990)' board.

      683
      posts

  5. EUROPE

    1. AUSTRIA

      301
      posts

    2. BELGIUM

      330
      posts

    3. FRANCE

      Anything not covered in the listed sub-boards should be posted directly in the "France" board.

      1.1k
      posts

    4. ITALY

      641
      posts

    5. THE NETHERLANDS (Includes Holland)

      228
      posts

    6. SCANDINAVIA

      For any Scandinavian nation - Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Åland Islands, the Faroe Islands, Finland, and Iceland.

      356
      posts

    7. SPAIN

      131
      posts

    8. SWITZERLAND

      97
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    9. OTHER NATIONS OF EUROPE

      For other European nations not listed above, including Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Malta, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, The Baltics (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia), etc.

      731
      posts

  6. RUSSIA

    1. RUSSIA - IMPERIAL

      Anything not covered in the listed sub-boards should be posted directly in this "Russia - Imperial" board.

      163
      posts

    2. RUSSIA - USSR

      678
      posts

    3. RUSSIA - 1991 TO PRESENT (Post-Soviet)

      94
      posts

  7. ASIA

    1. KOREA

      337
      posts

    2. VIETNAM - ARVN/SOUTH VN

      Anything not covered in the listed sub-boards should be posted directly in the "Vietnam - ARVN/SOUTH VN" board.

      225
      posts

    3. VIETNAM - NVA/VC

      Anything not covered in the listed sub-boards should be posted directly in the "Vietnam - NVA/VC" board.

      558
      posts

    4. CHINA

      650
      posts

    5. INDIA

      Historical and topical discussion concerning all things military in India, the Dutch East India Company, and the French East India Company. Anything not covered in the listed sub-boards should be posted directly in the "INDIA" board.

      34
      posts

    6. OTHER ASIAN NATIONS

      Includes the Philippines, Indonesia, Turkey, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, and others.

      209
      posts

  8. JAPAN ~ In Memory of John Egger

    1. JPN Pre-1900

      For pre-1900 militaria of Japan

      19
      posts

    2. JAPAN (1901-1944)

      Anything not covered in the listed sub-boards should be posted directly in the 'Japan' board.

      4.7k
      posts

    3. JPN 1945-Present

      For all post-1944 militaria of Japan.

      93
      posts

  9. AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

    1. ALL AFRICAN NATIONS

      1k
      posts

    2. MIDDLE EAST

      Includes Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and others.

      894
      posts

  10. THE AMERICAS

    1. CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

      526
      posts

    2. UNITED STATES of AMERICA   (35,304 visits to this link)

      NOTE: Clicking here takes you to our sister forum, the US Militaria Forum, which requires a free USMF account to post.

  11. HOBBIES, ENTERTAINMENT & REENACTING

    1. MODELING

      Like military models and modeling? Then this is the place for you! Share your creations, learn techniques, and just have fun!

      2k
      posts

    2. TOYS & GAMES

      Post your military-themed toys and games! Including Toy soldiers, Soldier dolls, Board games, Spotter card games, GI Joes, etc.

      315
      posts

    3. REENACTING

      Are you a reenactor and want to connect with other reenactors or just share pictures and information about your reenacting group and /or impressions? Stop by here!

      18
      posts

    4. REPRO MILITARIA

      Want to discuss, review, or show off any repro militaria item? Post it here! Do you create repros of any militaria item? Post it here! 

      45
      posts

    5. BOOK REPORTS

      Got a fiction or non-fiction book you wish to tell others about? Be it a good or bad report, we'd love for you to post your thoughts here.

      ⭐ In Memory of Roger Bender ⭐

      177
      posts

    6. MOVIE & TV REVIEWS

      Got a movie or television show, series or documentary that you wish to tell others about? Be it a good or bad report, we'd love for you to post your thoughts here.

      459
      posts

  12. COLLECTION MAINTENANCE & DISPLAY

    1. DISPLAYS

      Want to post your collection so that others can see? Have a great display or a great idea for one? Feel free to post those things here!

      870
      posts

    2. PRESERVATION

      Have a great preservation / conservation idea or need advice on preservation / conservation? If so, then this is the place. So, go ahead and step inside!

      73
      posts

  13. SOCIAL MISC AND THE 'LAST CALL'

    1. TAPS: SOUNDING THE LAST CALL

      A section for members to post memorials and in memoriam posts.

      63
      posts

    2. EVENTS CALENDAR

      Know of a militaria show, veterans reunion, or other interesting event? Feel free to post it here.

      337
      posts

    3. WHERE TO VISIT

      Places to visit - whether historical sites, museums, or somewhere to go shop for militaria.

      337
      posts

    4. MISC MILITARIA

      Misc. Militaria and Multi-National topics. Want to discuss something that crosses over multiple Countries? Post it here!

      109
      posts

    5. NON-MILITARIA MISC.

      Anything that doesn't fit the above categories, feel free to post here - and that even includes movie reviews, social chat, etc. Just make sure you keep it clean though!

      312
      posts
      • mikie
      • By mikie,

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  • Recent Posts

    • JohnKris
      Gold airplane award for Japanese pilots

      By JohnKris · Posted

      I saw this on Facebook. Not sure if it's real but here's the pic.   This is the text that came with the pic: I picked this up a few years ago. Not sure what forum to post it on. But it is apparently from the estate of IJN ace saburo sakai. I got it from a buddy who does estate sales and real estate in California. I was told the Japanese govt only gave out a few of these gold airplanes after the war. The calligraphy was done by saburo sakai.  
    • Valerio
      Corporal of the Arditi

      By Valerio · Posted

      Hi everyone,   with this post, I would like to share with you the history and memorabilia of my great-grandfather, a soldier who served Italy within the elite troops of the Great War. This is a collection of documents and items that belonged to a member of the XXVII Reparto d'Assalto, one of the most famous and decorated units of the entire Arditi corps. Through this grouping, we can retrace not only his military career but also his private life and the recognition the State bestowed upon him in the years following the conflict. Here is a detailed look at the elements that make up this extraordinary historical testimony: 1. Personal Documents: A collection of official records, including his birth certificate, marriage certificate, and subsequent pension applications. 2. Service Record: The fundamental document for any historical research, where promotions, campaigns, and the soldier's performance notes are recorded. 3. Letter of Commendation (1918): A very rare and touching piece. It is a handwritten letter from the battalion commander (Luigi Freguglia) shortly after the end of the war, expressing honor and deep esteem for the courage shown by my great-grandfather. 4. Pension Books: Documentation regarding social security and economic support post-conflict. 5. The Arditi Dagger: The symbolic weapon of these units. As per tradition, it was made by shortening old bayonets to create an agile and lethal close-combat weapon, perfect for trench raids. 6. Identity and Annuity: His identity card and the official certificate of enrollment for the annuity linked to the decorations earned in the war. 7. Uniform Insignia: The iconic black "two-point" collar patches and the Arditi arm badge (the gladius with a laurel wreath), which identified him as assault troops. 8. Knight of Vittorio Veneto: The original diploma certifying the honor of Cavaliere dell'Ordine di Vittorio Veneto, awarded to veterans who fought for at least six months during World War I. 9. Medal for Military Valor Diploma: The official document for the award of the Bronze Medal for Military Valor, certifying an act of bravery performed on the field. 10. Complete Medal Set: The display case containing all his original honors and decorations.     Analyzing the Medal Display (Point 10)   In the left quadrant: We find the War Merit Cross (Croce al Merito di Guerra), followed by the Volunteer Merit Medal (Medaglia di Benemerenza per i Volontari), characterized by its red ribbon. Below is the Commemorative Medal for the Italo-Austrian War, known as "Enemy Bronze" (Bronzo Nemico) because it was struck from the metal of captured enemy cannons; this piece features 4 bronze bars, one for each year spent in the war zone. In the bottom right of this section, the quadrant concludes with the Medal in Memory of the Unification of Italy, with its classic tricolor ribbon.   In the right quadrant: In the top right stands the Cross of the Order of Vittorio Veneto (Croce dell'Ordine di Vittorio Veneto), while to the left we find the Allied Victory Medal (Medaglia Interalleata della Vittoria). Positioned at the bottom is the Gold Medal for the Anniversary of the Victory and, finally, in the bottom right, the Arditi Cross. The latter is not an official state honor, but an exclusive and highly prestigious award granted only to those who served in the assault units.   In the center: At the bottom center of the display is the ANMIG badge (National Association of Wounded and Disabled Veterans). This symbol certifies that my great-grandfather was wounded in combat specifically, he was shot in the chest. Historically, this badge is roughly comparable to the Purple Heart, as it identifies those wounded in action for their country. At the top center, with the blue ribbon, is the most important honor: the Medal for Military Valor (Medaglia al Valor Militare). It was awarded to him for an act of immense bravery: saving a fellow soldier, on his own initiative and alone, voluntarily exposing himself to direct fire from an enemy machine gun. The Medal for Military Valor is comparable to high-level U.S. decorations such as the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, or Silver Star.     Random pictures of Arditi in the WWI         As I previously mentioned in a post on USMF, my great-grandfather and my entire family collaborated with the partisans and the Allies during World War II for the liberation of Italy.   I hope this grouping is of interest to you. It is an honor for me to be able to preserve the memory of a man who was part of such a legendary unit.  
    • patches
      KATCOM Korean War

      By patches · Posted

      Just noticed this now. It seems the Troops are all wearing the Royal Canadian Regiment Regimental Ascot.
    • Marine_corps34
      apparent north Vietnamese explicit propaganda cards

      By Marine_corps34 · Posted

      These look very fake to me. Does anyone else have any input.  
    • ww1czechlegion
      Chicago Military Show @ Countryside IL, March 21, 2026

      By ww1czechlegion · Posted

      The upcoming Countryside (Chicago) Military Show will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Local 150/Countryside Banquets: 6200 Joliet Rd Countryside, IL 60525 Located close to I-294 & I-55 on Historic Route 66. (Door is located behind the building. Follow signs in parking lot.) 2026 Dates: March 21st, 2026 August 8th, 2026 October 10th, 2026 Friday Setup: Dealers: 4:00pm to 7:00pm *No Public or Early Entry Will Be Allowed On This Day. Saturday: Dealers: 7:00am to 4:00pm Early Access Allowed in at: 7:45am Public: 8:30am to 3:00pm Admission is $5.00 Kids Under 10 Free. Early Access Saturday: $20.00 (7:45am) Parking at the show is free. Follow onsite signs and the directions of our parking staff. For Tables Contact Austin or Mike:  Phone:  Austin: (248) 342-2594 (Evenings) Mike: (310) 779-3529 (Daytime/Evenings) Email: ChicagoMilitaryShows@Gmail.com  
    • Colt.45-94
      German Ottoman trench art shell from British occupation of Palestine

      By Colt.45-94 · Posted

      Yes, I came across it at an antique market I frequent. Recognized it as something pretty unique.
    • jmd62
      Close combat badge

      By jmd62 · Posted

      I agree with Mike, the clasp is incorrect as well as the hinge I believe. 
    • SARGE
      Luftwaffe boot knife

      By SARGE · Posted

      The distinctive inspection down-wing eagle identifies this as Luftwaffe issue.   Nice.   
    • SARGE
      They're In The Wehrmacht Heer Now

      By SARGE · Posted

      Nice!  
    • SARGE
      Close combat badge

      By SARGE · Posted

      The black background at the center does not appear to be crimped in.  Is this square piece glued or painted ?  
    • SARGE
      German Police Schambach & Co Holster

      By SARGE · Posted

      I see no red flags with your holster.  It appears to be un-issued and in nice condition for a 7,65 police pistol.     Here is a similar police holster in black leather. 
    • SARGE
      Greetings from Italy

      By SARGE · Posted

      Welcome.  
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