u/WW2GERMANCOLLECTION

I just received a pile of death cards from World War II, and what I uncovered shook me to my core—a tragedy so profound I had to read it twice. This family lost three sons to the chaos of war, and the last one died on May 12, 1945, a mere eight days after victory was declared in Europe. How heartbreakingly cruel is that?

Let me tell you about these brave brothers. The first to fall was Otto Moosbuchner, who lost his life in Poland on July 8th, 1942, at just 26 years old—stripped away far too soon. The second was Johann Moosbuchner, who died somewhere on the brutal Eastern Front. It’s haunting because Johann was part of the mountain troops, and on that day—a fierce battleground in the mountains—the Battle of the Dukla Pass, erupted. This savage clash between Soviet Red Army and Czechoslovak forces against Nazi German and Hungarian troops tore through the Carpathians, marking one of the most grueling struggles of the war.

And then there was Josef Moosbuchner, who succumbed to his wounds on May 12, 1945—just four days after the official end of the war in Europe. He died in Lübeck, Germany, his body battered and broken from the savage fighting.

I cannot even imagine the pain and devastation that must have engulfed their parents—a heartbreak so profound, it’s almost impossible to comprehend. Wouldn’t you agree? WE BUY MILITAIRA - CONTACT US Thanks for watching.

Today, I was truly touched to receive a beautiful 1938 Kreissieger Award along with the set of award documents. Every single item is preserved in remarkable condition, and as I carefully handled them, I discovered something surprising and deeply inspiring. The documents reveal that this award was issued to a woman named Maria Hoffmann. I had never imagined that girls of the BDM—the League of German Girls—competed for such honors during that era. But now I see that they indeed did, and it fills me with awe and admiration for their courage and spirit. It’s incredible how a little journey into history can unveil stories that touch your heart and challenge your perceptions.

Let me share more about this incredible chapter:

The Reichsberufswettkampf—meaning the National Trade Competition—was an annual vocational contest co-sponsored by the Hitler Youth and various other state organizations. The award I possess was part of this grand event, an embodiment of dedication and skill. Remarkably, female participants—whether girls in trade or commercial schools, young women working in various trades, or members of the League of German Girls—were fully eligible to compete and earn recognition.

Girls often participated in specialized vocational divisions such as home economics, agriculture, and commercial or retail trades. Achieving success at the local or district (Kreis) level meant earning the coveted bronze Kreissieger badge—an honor that acknowledged their talent, determination, and hard work. This history reminds us of the extraordinary stories of young women who broke barriers and proved their worth, inspiring us all to appreciate the strength found in perseverance and courage.

Today, I was honored to receive yet another Luftwaffe Honor Goblet—a symbol of bravery and dedication. This prestigious award, established by Hermann Göring to recognize the courage of aircrews and pilots, now stands as my 78th, and counting. Each one represents a moment of sacrifice, skill, and unwavering commitment in the skies. I wear it with pride, knowing it signifies more than just recognition—it embodies the spirit of those who dare to take flight, pushing the limits and risking everything. WE BUY MILITAIRA - CONTACT USVisit us Online

Another incredible showcase at the Saint-Avold Militaria Show in France this year! While these aren’t helmets I usually collect, I have to admit—they pulled at my heartstrings. Truly, they’re breathtakingly beautiful. Don’t you feel the same? WE BUY MILITAIRA - CONTACT US

Is the hangers right for it?

Hello all, new to the forum. Sharing my Luftwaffe NCO Cap by Carl Halfar. Late war, I believe.

Yesterday, I was thrilled to receive some truly original cap eagles and skulls. Every single one of them has all their prongs intact, and astonishingly, each is bearing a maker’s mark—except for one eagle. I know, I know, it sounds impossible, but I’m asking you—can you guess which eagle is missing its maker mark? The winner gets absolutely nothing, but honestly, this is about the fun of the challenge. Let’s see who can spot the difference! Thanks for checking it out.

I wanted to look to see if I can tell a story here So here we have a picture of a young man appears to be on his wedding day That man right there a set of glasses looks like his family Very nice picture And then I go to a second picture Kind of looks like a graduating class or maybe even a company And I looked for him extensively and found him right there Has his head turned there in the middle Still has his glasses on same uniform And then I back out and I go to the third picture And it looks like he went to some sort of training class because in this photo if you see him right there in the middle same glasses But if you look at his arm he has a radio operator patch there for the army So even with a little bit of photos no history no nothing you kind of put a little piece together there Anyways thank you for watching. WE BUY MILITAIRA - CONTACT US

Today, I was thrilled to receive this original cap eagle marked RZM M1/167, proudly representing the craftsmanship of Augustin Hicke. Authentic eagles like this are becoming increasingly rare and hard to come by, making each one a truly treasured piece. There's an undeniable sense of excitement and pride in adding such a genuine artifact to my collection—it's a remarkable find that truly speaks to history and authenticity. WE BUY MILITAIRA - CONTACT US

Every day, I meet passionate collectors who pour their hearts into their collections. I am endlessly fascinated by the stories behind what they choose to gather and the deep reasons why these pieces resonate so profoundly with them. Sometimes, I am truly astonished by what they cherish—moments that reveal just how personal and powerful collecting can be. It’s rare to find someone who shares the same pieces I do, which only fuels my curiosity and passion even more.

Now, I want to ask you something from the depths of my heart:

This or that—collector’s edition. On the left, a striking Heer infantry officer’s visor cap, adorned with shimmering silver piping and a proud bullion eagle—an emblem of discipline, honor, and history. On the right, a stunning Luftwaffe piece in commanding blue-grey, evocative of the skies and daring missions. Two vastly different but equally significant corners of WWII German militaria, both treasured for their authenticity and storied provenance.

If you could add only one to your display case this week, which side would you choose? Cheer for Heer or Luftwaffe below, and tell us what about it stirs your soul and pulls you in. WE BUY MILITAIRA - CONTACT US

Another day of unboxing incredible militaria that just arrived at the shop. Today, we uncovered a stunning M42 TENO helmet, fully intact with its liner and chinstrap—such a remarkable find that truly sparks the spirit of history. We also received a striking Deutsche Reichsbahn train sign, along with an eagle, beautifully mounted on a wooden backing, ready to tell its powerful story. Some absolutely amazing pieces today that ignite a sense of awe and reverence. I can't help but wonder—what treasures will tomorrow reveal? WE BUY MILITAIRA - CONTACT US

This wasn't just any ordinary day at the store. I was here working on a Sunday—our usual day off—cleaning up and taking stock when suddenly, a young man approached me, holding out some helmets and asking if I’d be interested in buying them. From our conversation, I could tell he was a passionate collector, someone who truly cared about his treasures. He explained he was making room for other passions, thinning out his collection. As we talked, a spark of excitement grew between us, and in the end, we agreed on a price. I managed to acquire some incredible WWII German and American helmets. Honestly, it turned out to be an unforgettable day—full of unexpected connections and remarkable finds. WE BUY MILITAIRA - CONTACT US

Captured by Grandpop during WWII. I'm interested about who would wear it, it's significance, etc. Thank you in advace!

I love M&M candies. Been eating them for as long as I can remember. I wanted to know who thought of these delicious things and was happily surprised at what I learned. Thought I would share it. Did you know?

We've all eaten this famous candy at some point but 99% of people have no idea that it was born because of and for World War II.

To understand its origins we have to travel back to the Spanish Civil War Forrest Mars Sr son of the founder of the Mars chocolate empire was in Spain observing the conflict.

British volunteer soldiers were eating small chocolate beads coated in a thin hard sugar shell similar to the British candy Smarties, because the summer heat would melt regular chocolate in their pockets but that sugar shell kept the candy from melting in their hands Fascinated by the idea Mars returned to the United States and patented the concept in 1941 To secure a supply of chocolate during wartime rationing he partnered with Bruce Murrie son of the president of Hershey That's where the name comes from M for Mars and M for Murrie.

The entire production went straight into C rations for soldiers in rigid cardboard tubes like this one In 1941 M&M's were invented for American soldiers fighting in the war They wanted a chocolate that wouldn't melt in their hands.

Everyone eats M&M's but nobody knows they were made for war When the war ended in 1945 millions of veterans returned home with a taste for this candy which forced the company to release it to the civilian market with its famous slogan "Melts in your mouth not in your hand." A true piece of military history right in your pocket. Thanks for checking it out.

This November, history comes to Charleston in a way the whole community can experience together.
Join the Charleston Militaria Expo, November 21 and 22, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina,
for a free community event honoring military history, veterans, and the stories behind the artifacts.
Walk the aisles with family, friends, and fellow history enthusiasts.
Meet knowledgeable vendors at their tables.
Look closely at helmets, hats, medals, uniforms, field gear, and other militaria from different periods of conflict.
Each piece is more than an object. It is a connection to service, sacrifice, and the people who lived through defining moments in history.
Hear veterans share personal experiences, answer questions, and help keep important memories alive for the next generation.
Bring your curiosity. Bring your respect. Bring the whole family.
The Charleston Militaria Expo is free to attend. Plan your visit today.

Open to offers