Dust off military relics and bring them to Artifacts Roadshow for review

Head to the attic and bring out those old military items to be reviewed by experts at the Virginia War Memorial this Saturday.

June 10, 2013; 6:57 AM • by Nathan Cushing

People are encouraged to bring military relics to the Virginia War Memorial on Saturday, June 15th where they’ll be reviewed by experts who will provide information about those items during the 4th Artifacts Roadshow.

“We really enjoy seeing the items that people bring in for us to review,” said War Memorial curator, Jesse Smith, who, along with military collectable expert Robert House, will review memorabilia. “The Artifacts Roadshow gives everyone the opportunity to rummage through their closets and attics and learn more about the military items that may have belonged to a relative or other family member.”

Smith and House will review items to provide historical context, as well as offer tips on preservation, but they will not offer estimates as to any item’s monetary worth.

“During previous Roadshows, folks have brought in rare swords from the French and Indian Wars, the War of 1812, and the Civil War; a complete World War I doughboy uniform; and a Japanese rifle picked up on Iwo Jima during World War II–not to mention all sorts of service medals, patches, pistols, maps, and more,” Smith said.

Attendees may bring firearms and weapons to the Roadshow. They’ll be inspected for safety by trained representatives from Green Top Hunting and Fishing.