South Canterbury locals will once again have the rare opportunity to see displays and buy unique military items at a military fair on Saturday.
After a successful event last year, Phar Lap Raceway will once again play host to a range of collectors and collections.
Militaria collectors Michael Sugrue and Malcom Brady hoped to build on the success of last year’s event.
Mr Brady said they were both overwhelmed last year and could not believe its success.
Mr Sugrue added that they initially had no idea if it would be successful or not.
Mr Brady — an avid collector of mostly British militaria — was in it for the history.
‘‘With me it’s the history, not just having the item but doing the research and talks.
‘‘It’s just about being able to share.’’
Mr Sugrue owed his fascination to a publication he read in the 1970s.
‘‘I used to read Commandos and they always had cool uniforms. Obviously I was too young to understand the history but I always thought they just had cool uniforms.
‘‘Then I saw all this stuff on Trade Me and thought ‘oh wow’.
‘‘First thing I bought was a gas canister and it was like getting tattoos, I just wanted another one and another one.’’
Mr Sugrue said they were hoping to make this year’s fair more of a family outing.
At last year’s military fair it was $10 for anyone over 12 years old, but this year only men would be charged entry.
‘‘We felt most men would like to bring their partner as a companion, not for them to buy militaria, so now you can bring dad, mum and three children all for just $10.’’
Collectors and experts would be present to give estimates and valuations on items the public brought along.
Mr Brady likened it to a popular television show.
‘‘It’s going to be like an antique roadshow. If you’ve got stuff to bring along that maybe belonged to your grandfather you can ask ‘what is it?’ and there will be experts there on every subject.’’
Ultimately, the pair believed it was not about the profit but about saving and showing history and giving a platform for like-minded individuals to buy, sell and exchange.
‘‘We’ve got more displays this year and even people coming from as far as Southland with displays.
‘‘The military fair is the best opportunity to go further, look, talk and find out more about such important parts of history.’’
Some items the public might be able to buy included uniforms, badges, military tools, helmets, knives and daggers.
The gates will open at 9am and close at 3pm, and entry is off Pleasant Point Highway.
