Military Surplus Value & Price Guide

Military surplus collectibles offer a tangible connection to global history, ranging from essential field gear like canteens and gas masks to specialized combat equipment. These authentic artifacts are prized by historians and enthusiasts for their rugged durability and the unique stories they tell about the soldiers who carried them.

Price Range: $70 - $83 based on recent sales

History of Military Surplus

The market for military surplus began to flourish following the World Wars, as vast quantities of government-issued equipment were sold to the public to recoup costs and clear storage. During the mid-20th century, these items transitioned from affordable utility gear for hunters and campers into highly sought-after historical collectibles. The evolution of surplus reflects changes in military technology, moving from the heavy canvas and steel of the 1940s to the specialized polymers and synthetic materials used in the late Cold War era. Today, the scarcity of well-preserved items from early conflicts like the Napoleonic era or WWI has created a robust secondary market where rarity and historical significance drive demand.

Value Factors for Military Surplus

The typical price range for Military Surplus is $70 - $83 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Conflict Era: Items from specific high-demand periods, such as WWII or the early 19th century, generally command higher prices than late-century surplus.
• Rarity and Issue Volume: Specialized equipment issued to elite units or items produced in limited quantities, like the M5 Gas Mask, are more valuable than mass-produced infantry gear.
• Completeness: Sets that include all original accessories, such as a rucksack with all its straps or a first aid kit with its original contents, fetch a significant premium.
• Physical Condition: The presence of original paint, clear date stampings, and a lack of heavy corrosion or field repairs greatly influences the final market price.

Tips for Buying Military Surplus

• Verify authenticity by checking for specific manufacturer stamps, date codes, and government inspection marks like the 'U.S.' or 'Broad Arrow' symbols.
• Assess the condition of organic materials such as leather straps on bayonets or canvas on rucksacks, as dry rot can significantly decrease value.
• Research the provenance of high-value items like M1942 machetes or early first aid kits to ensure they are not modern reproductions or 'fantasy' pieces.
• Prioritize items with original components, such as gas masks that still include their matching period-correct carrier bags and filters.

Items in This Collection

• Swedish Army M39 Rucksack
• M1 Helmet Liner
• M1 Carbine Magazine Pouch
• Military Shelter Half
• US Military First Aid Kit
• M9A1 Gas Mask Bag
• US Military Jerry Can
• M1VA1 Gas Mask Bag
• Military First Aid Kit
• Military Jerry Can
• Military Mess Kit
• M5 Gas Mask
• Official Trail Canteen
• M1942 Machete
• Vintage Military Canteen
• British Army Mess Tin
• Swedish M1896 Bayonet
• AK-47 Type 1 Bayonet
• Vintage Military Oil Can
• US Military M17 Gas Mask