Perhaps you have a fascination for American Civil War swords, or 10th century Knights Templar shields, or World War I ‘‘death pennies’’.
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Whatever your curiosity, John Harrington of the Shepparton branch of the Northern Victorian Arms Collectors Guild reckons you’ll find something of interest at the annual Militaria and Collectables Expo in Shepparton early next month.
‘‘We try and make it a show for the whole family,’’ Mr Harrington said.
‘‘There are always plenty of surprises — we could have antique sewing machines, or carbide bicycle lamps, or a display from the Australian Light Horse Association — we never really know what the stallholders might bring,’’ he said.
Featuring among this year’s displays will be Shepparton collector Rodney Davidson’s highly polished bronze ‘‘death penny’’ — which were given to the bereaved families of World War I Australian soldiers.
Mr Davidson’s example bears the name John Bede Moylan who served in the Imperial Camel Corps during the Boer War and in Egypt during World War I.
Captain Moylan died from disease at the end of the war and is buried in Gaza.
Mr Davidson bought the item at a collectables expo and went on to track down Captain Moylan’s medals which include a Military Cross and South Africa Medal.
He said the government issued ‘‘death pennies’’ to loved ones for use as gravestone plaques, but many families kept them as polished pieces for their homes.
Kyabram family history fanatic and American Civil War arms collector Carl Webster will also attend this year’s Shepparton expo.
‘‘It’s great to have a dig around in the boxes — sometimes you find a piece you just have to have. I bought a bottle opener set from the 1960s last time,’’ Mr Webster said.
Kyabram’s John Miller is another military history buff who will be there.
Mr Miller’s interest goes back a little further than most — to the 11th century Knights Templar and the Crusades.
He has a collection of replica swords, shields and helmets from the era.
Mr Harrington said the expo regularly attracted more than 2000 people during the weekend.
He said the hope of a surprise discovery was a big drawcard for many.
‘‘You just might find that little piece you’ve been searching for for 10 years,’’ he said.
Among a huge list of items on display will be coins, badges, medals, swords, rifles, shotguns, knives, helmets, bottles, post cards, fishing gear and scrimshawed objects (fine ivory carvings).
Mr Harrington said professional valuers would also be on hand to put a price on people’s treasures.
The Shepparton Militaria and Collectables Expo 2019 takes place at Shepparton’s Eastbank Centre in Welsford St on Saturday, March 2 from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, March 3 from 9am to 3.30pm.
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