British militaria

[kilted2000]

I’m going to Ireland, England, and Scotland soon and I am looking for shops to buy kilt accessories, militaria, etc., especially things not readily available in the USA or available for less in the UK. I am also interested in historical replicas. Maybe something like sources for vintage kilt accessories or British military cap badges, things like that.

[Troglodyte]

You don't say where in each country you will be, nor how much time you will be spending, so your choices may be limited.

If you have time, and they have a sale coming up, the specialist militaria auction houses are probably your best bet.

Otherwise, any antique or bric-a-brac shop would be worth looking in. The retailers at these are often general 'traders' looking for a quick turn-around of their stock, and sometimes have little interest or knowledge in Highland items and so will guess at the value. This can be well over what you might see on eBay, but sometimes well under also.

Military badges have a good following, and collectors know the price that needs to be paid, but Highland items in England can ofen be bought very cheaply, in my experiance. A solid silver clan badge may sell for just the scrap value of the silver, for example.

London and Edinburgh will have the highest prices, but provincial market towns, such as those in the Cotswolds of England, usually have a good selection of antique dealers. Here in Scotland, towns on the tourist trail, like Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Beauly, have something to attract the antique hunter.

But remember, most of the sellers will have a good idea of what they are selling, and what it's market value is.

And you won't be the first, or only, one on the hunt.

Good luck and happy hunting..!