South Canterbury locals have the rare opportunity to see unique military items and displays at a military fair on Saturday.
The fair, being held at Phar Lap Raceway, will have a range of collectors from around New Zealand displaying their military collections which include items from WW1, WW2, the New Zealand Land Wars and pieces from other wars.
Military collector Malcolm Brady said some collectors will be selling some of their collections.
‘‘A lot of people will be selling their private collections, bits and pieces. They’re all getting older and some people are thinning out their collections.’’
The items available for sale are ones the public would not normally get to see or purchase, as most auctions are only open to members of the NZAHAA (New Zealand Antique and Historical Arms Association).
Military collector Michael Sugrue said there used to be a military fair in Christchurch but since that one stopped, he decided to hold one in Timaru.
‘‘This is the first one being held in Timaru and there are 20 sales tables that we know of already.’’
Some items the public may be able to purchase include military tools, helmets, knives and daggers.
‘‘It will be good for the public, the public never gets to see this kind of stuff, you can’t go to the local museum to see this,’’ Mr Brady said.
Both collectors emphasised that the public might find something they had never seen or heard about before and be able to learn the history behind the item.
‘‘It’s not just showing things off but it’s also research. I know the history of this stuff, it’s fascinating when you find the history about some of this stuff,’’ Mr Brady said.
Specialists will be at the fair so members of the public can bring in items they have inherited or picked up and have them evaluated.
Mr Sugrue said it was a good place for him to be able to sell some of his own collection.
‘‘At the same time we can get the public in and they can see all these things, because where else can you see this? It’s about sharing it.’’
Mr Sugrue and Mr Brady agree it would be a bit of a gathering for collectors, saying people put hours into their displays to show off their collection.
‘‘I’ve always said, and not every collector agrees with me, but what is the point of collecting this stuff and shoving it in your shed if you don’t dig it out and show it off?’’ Mr Brady said.
They hope members of the public come along to view the collections to view and learn something, as well as potentially buy something.
‘‘This is something I think that has been denied from the public, since the Christchurch one stopped and this normally being [held] behind closed doors,’’ Mr Sugrue said.
The military fair will be held on October 15 at Phar Lap Raceway from 9am-4pm, with tickets for adults being $10 and children under 12-years-old can enter for free.
