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Step 1
Know the market. Medals are the most widely collected item of all war memorabilia and are much more valuable if something is known about the recipient, or if the recipient was well known. Written records, paperwork or photographs accompanying a medal usually increase its value. Items with personal stories appeal to a wide range of buyers.
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Step 2
Choose a particular war, era or type of item to collect. Weapons, helmets and artillery gear are highly collectible, as are Revolutionary War relics, Vietnam Era patches and Gulf War trading cards. Field gear, maps and personal correspondence can also make a good addition to your collection.
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Step 3
Consult online auction sites like eBay for current bids on items, or read price guides such as "Warman's Civil War Collectibles: Identification And Price Guide" by John F. Graf.
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Step 4
Learn the history surrounding the war memorabilia you're collecting. Resources such as Warman's also provide historical information crucial to understanding the value of collectibles. The more history you know the savvier collector you'll be.
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Step 1
Search for war memorabilia through online auction sites like eBay and online retailers.
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Step 2
Attend collectors' shows in your area, swap meets, estate sales and local auctions to find war memorabilia. Local historical societies will often have information about upcoming antique shows or war memorabilia relevant to their area.
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Step 3
Advertise in newspapers and auction magazines to find the memorabilia you're looking for.
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Step 4
Know your seller. Find out where the object was obtained and ask for proof of authenticity. Consult war memorabilia authenticators like those at The Birks Foundation. If several similar items are being sold by the same source at very low prices they are probably replicas.
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Step 5
Take care of your collection. Military collectibles should be stored out of the reach of children in well-ventilated areas protected from extreme temperatures.
