Hidden Treasures in Your Attic Could Be Worth a Fortune

Additional Coverage:

10 Military and War Memorabilia Items That Are Worth a Small Fortune (financebuzz.com)

Your Attic Could Be Hiding a Fortune: 10 Military Memorabilia Items That Command Big Bucks

**Are you a history buff with a soft spot for military tales? Good news!

That old box of family keepsakes in the attic or garage might just be a treasure trove, especially if it contains military and war memorabilia. What you might see as dusty relics, collectors see as invaluable pieces of history, and they’re willing to pay a pretty penny for them.

We’ve delved into the archives to bring you 10 fascinating military and war memorabilia items that are combining history with serious intrigue (and serious cash).

1. U.S. Army Field Uniforms

Imagine holding a piece of D-Day history in your hands. A complete U.S.

Army field uniform from that pivotal day, including an M1 helmet, M41 jacket, canteen, M4 bayonet, and full field gear, could fetch a sweet sum. These were the very outfits worn by 3rd U.S.

Army troops as they stormed Normandy under German fire. A complete set, paired with period photos showing identical kits on soldiers coming ashore, recently sold for $3,400.

2. U.S. Army Ranger Medic Helmet

Another D-Day artifact that could surprise you with its value is a medic helmet from the landings and Point du Hoc attacks. The bright red cross on these helmets wasn’t just for show; it signaled to enemy troops that these unarmed medics were not targets. Even a battle-scarred version of this helmet brought in $2,250 at auction in 2015.

3. D-Day Dispatch Radios

Got some vintage D-Day tech lying around? These crucial communication devices, used to relay messages between shore and ships, were marvels of engineering and played a vital role in saving lives. Fully restored units have been known to sell for as much as $4,000.

4. U.S. Navy Naval Dungarees

Who knew old work pants could be worth a fortune? World War I-era dark denim dungarees, issued to U.S.

Navy sailors for ship cleaning and maintenance, are surprisingly rare and highly sought after. One such pair recently sold for a whopping $13,000 on eBay!

Keep your eyes peeled for these elusive pieces.

5. Splatter Mask

From the trenches of World War I comes the splatter mask, designed to protect tank crews from shrapnel. These unique masks featured two curved steel plates, a leather and chainmail nose section, horizontal eye slits, and cotton ties. One of these historical oddities recently commanded $3,500 on eBay.

6. Destroyer Commissioning Pennant

Even if you’re not a hardcore history enthusiast, a destroyer commissioning pennant is a truly cool piece of memorabilia. A USS Ward commissioning pennant from a U.S.

Navy destroyer that served in WWI, WWII, and Pearl Harbor recently sold for approximately $3,800 on eBay. Similar pennants can be found, so it’s worth checking if your family’s military collection holds one.

7. World War II Iwo Jima Photos

Original photos from wartime can become incredibly valuable decades later. Two 1945 Associated Press photos depicting Marines at Iwo Jima, in good condition, sold for $6,000 on eBay. As you sift through your own collection, prioritize older, especially original, photographs.

8. World War II Patches

A collection of military patches can be a hot commodity. A lot of 96 original World War II patches, featuring designs from units like Airborne, the 45th Infantry, and the Rangers, sold for nearly $4,000 on eBay. The sheer number and variety of patches likely contributed to this impressive sale.

9. World War II Bomb Sight

An original Norden Bomb Sight M9, a crucial tool used by the United States during World War II to calculate and guide bombing missions, is a significant piece of militaria. One of these historic instruments recently sold for over $5,000 on eBay.

10. Korean War Parachute Pack

Parachute packs from the Korean War era can also bring in a good sum. A vintage Korean War-era parachute pack, in good to fair condition and dated either 1953 or 1959, recently sold for $1,200 on an online auction site.

The Bottom Line

With inflation and a fluctuating stock market, many are looking for new ways to make extra cash. If your home or storage unit holds military and war memorabilia, you might be sitting on a small fortune.

While online platforms like eBay are popular for selling these items, it might be beneficial to explore local brick-and-mortar businesses that specialize in collectibles. They can offer expert appraisals and connect you directly with eager collectors, ensuring you get the best value for your historical treasures.