History in the finding: Owner of Dookie Emporium Sol Sutherland will be at Shepparton’s Militaria and Collectables Expo.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
Sol Sutherland is an unforgettable character among the region’s trade and collector enthusiasts.
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As some hunt for military memorabilia – guns, uniforms, and the like (of which, he does have a substantial load) – tucked away in the Dookie Emporium, Sol holds something special.
In his private collection, he possesses a medley of memorabilia from Australian World War II hero Nancy Wake.
After using her wits and unique expertise to fight in the French Resistance, Nancy gave her medals, plaques, newspaper clippings, everything, to her best friend, Cheryl.
“Cheryl’s been carrying these around for 30 years ... I got a cold call about this,” Sol said.
“I was aware of (Nancy’s) story because it’s a bit of an Australian folklore of history – this woman’s as bad as Ned Kelly.”
Struck gold: In his personal collection, Sol Sutherland has memorabilia from Nancy Wake, a World War II hero who was part of the French Resistance.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
Too valuable to sell the puzzle pieces that make up the story of a woman in combat, Sol shows them off privately, much to the dismay of his customers.
For 15 years, Sol has owned the Dookie Emporium, trading, buying and selling historical items.
But his affinity for relics goes far beyond that.
“Ever since I was a teenager, there was something about it at the time,” he said.
“I’ve got an interest in army history, headdresses and military vehicles.
“Being of that generation, I was bombarded with it, and you could go down to your local disposal store and buy really good bits of history for very cheap.
“But of course, give it 30 or 40 years, the prices doubled, tripled, and the price of these collectables has gone through the roof – there’s a high demand for them.”
Fully stocked: A tour of the Dookie Emporium unlocked a time capsule of historical treasures.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
As a unique supplier of these time capsule treasures to the collector and museum market, it’s no surprise that Sol will have a few tables at the upcoming Militaria and Collectables Expo in Shepparton.
The annual event draws attendees from across Australia to peruse a diverse array of military uniforms, weaponry, coins, badges, and more.
“We’re expecting about 1000 people through the door for the two-day event – half of the audience will be from Melbourne at least, and the other parts will be local,” Sol said.
“Saturday morning is the big morning, that’s where it’s at.”
Although Sol enjoys the cards and other items on the tables, it’s the purpose behind such events that he looks forward to the most.
“We’ve got to try to keep collecting alive ... popularisation and normalisation, it keeps history alive,” he said.
“Keeping it a popular pastime – that is, the recording, collecting and passing on knowledge of history.
“So where are you going to get that? You’re going to get that from me or get it from this event called the Militaria and Collectables Expo.”
The Militaria and Collectables Expo is on Saturday, March 2, from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, March 3, from 9am to 3pm at the McIntosh Centre, Thompson St, Shepparton.
Admission entry is $10 for adults and free for children under 16 accompanied by an adult.
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