War Relics Wanted
I Am Actively Buying:
World War I & II Memorabilia:
- German helmets, hats and caps
- Japanese and American helmets
- German uniforms, cloth insignia, medals, and badges
- American Paratrooper uniforms, helmets, and jumpsuits
- Camouflage uniforms and clothing
- And more
Nationally known artist and private military collector Don Troiani is actively buying items for his personal study collection. If you want your military antiques to be safe, well cared for, studied for historical interest, and possibly published – while also receiving a fair price – you’ve come to the right place.
Revolutionary War & 1812 Artifacts:
- British brown bess
- Cartridge boxes, belts, canteens and other equipment
- British and Loyalist belt-plates, cartridge box badges and buckles, Revolutionary War buttons, British, American Loyalist
- Drums
- Uniforms
- Gorgets
- Flags
- Hats and caps
- Hessian items
- Excavated relics
- And more
Artwork Appearances
On TV Productions:
About the Collector
Why You Should Sell to a Collector
A private collector is usually buying because of a love of history and the objects themselves, and is therefore willing to spend their own funds to indulge this passion. Also you have the peace of mind of being paid immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t I donate to a museum?
Museums and Historical Societies often have tens of thousands of items to be stored, taken care of, and inventoried. Only a very small fraction of their collections will ever be out on display for the public to see. Many institutions are understaffed and frankly, militaria is of little interest when compared to furniture, silver and other antiques. WWII German and Japanese items are particularly considered too "offensive" for most museums to even place on exhibit.
Do museums ever dispose of items from their collection?
Donating something to a museum with the belief that it will be preserved there for all eternity has proven for many to be a rude shock. Major museums (even the Smithsonian!) have sold huge amounts of unwanted items, duplicates, and lovingly donated things that no longer interest them.
Could I sell it to a museum?
Even if they want what you have, museums rarely have funding for purchases, and it can take years of meetings for them to even decide or actually pay.
I’m a WW2 veteran – should I share my items with my family?
If your family isn't interested, consider selling now to ease future responsibilities for your loved ones. Additionally, Don likes to hear and record the veteran's first hand untold stories that go with the relics. It's part of preserving our history.
Do you keep everything you buy for your own personal collection?
Like any collector, Don resells or trades items that don’t hold his interest as much. While some pieces have been in his collection for over 40 years, others may only stay for a day.
Contact
For over 55 years, Don Troiani has methodically built one of the greatest private artifact collections of Civil War, War of 1812, Revolutionary War, and World War II relics. His collection includes uniforms, equipage, insignia, and weapons which he calls on to add the unique dimension of realism his artwork is well known for.
Hollywood has enlisted him as consultant on the feature film "Cold Mountain" starring Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger and Jude Law. Troiani has also been a military advisor (and made appearances) on A&E, The Military Channel and History Channel.
Because of his extensive knowledge of military artifacts, Troiani is regularly contacted by major museums and collectors worldwide. He has conducted military memorabilia appraisals for the Connecticut State Capitol, Connecticut State Library, Atlanta History Center, auction houses, and private individuals.
Publications including: "The Washington Post", "US News and World Reports", "American Heritage", "American Rifleman", "Los Angeles Times", "The Arizona Republic", "USA Today", "The Boston Globe", The New York Times", "Smithsonian", "Warner Brothers Productions", and "Antiques Roadshow FYI Magazine".
Troiani has also authored or co-authored numerous books including "Soldiers in America 1754- 1865," "Insignia of Independence,” and "Regiments and Uniforms of the Civil War," in addition to numerous including "Antiques Roadshow FYI Magazine."
In 1995, he designed the three Civil War battlefield commemorative coins for the United States Mint and a U.S. postcard commemorating the 350th anniversary of the U.S. National Guard. Troiani is also a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award of the United States National Guard.
