10 Modern Collectors With World-Famous Military Collections
For numerous collectors, military artifacts are not just items; they are meaningful pieces of history. Some modern collectors have curated world-famous collections filled with rare and historically valuable pieces. These collections span from military uniforms to vehicles and weaponry. The motivation behind these collectors comes from a deep desire to preserve and protect important parts of history.
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Don Troiani
Don Troiani, born in 1949, is an American artist and collector specializing in military history, particularly the American Revolution, War of 1812, and Civil War. He began his collection in the 1970s and has since amassed an extensive array of original uniforms, weapons, and other artifacts from these periods. Troiani is renowned for his historically accurate paintings, which are informed by his own collection. His artwork has been displayed in museums across the country and is highly regarded by both historians and military enthusiasts. Troiani continues to collect and paint, with many of his works being sought after by collectors and museums.
Troiani’s collection offers a unique glimpse into the military history of the United States, and his work is known for its precision and historical accuracy. The artifacts he owns provide valuable context for the battles, soldiers, and strategies that shaped American history. While the financial value of his entire collection is not widely available, his contributions to military history are invaluable. Troiani continues to collect and paint, with many of his works being sought after by collectors and museums. His artistic work remains an essential reference for those studying the military history of the United States.
Kevin Wheatcroft
Kevin Wheatcroft is a UK-based collector renowned for his collection of military vehicles. His Wheatcroft Collection is one of the largest private collections of tanks, with over 130 vehicles, including iconic tanks like the German Panther and American Sherman. Wheatcroft began collecting in the early 1980s, and his passion for military vehicles grew into an extensive museum-quality collection. The value of his collection is considered to be in the tens of millions, with rare pieces commanding record prices at auctions. The collection also includes a variety of military equipment and memorabilia from both World Wars.
Wheatcroft’s vehicles are among the best-preserved in the world, and his collection is highly regarded by military enthusiasts. Some of the tanks have been restored to operational condition, and his expertise in tank restoration is unmatched. While the collection is private, it has been showcased in media and exhibitions, attracting visitors and collectors from around the globe. Wheatcroft’s dedication to preserving military history through his vehicles and memorabilia is a key part of his legacy. His collection continues to be one of the most impressive in the field of military vehicle collecting.
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee, an avid military history enthusiast, began his collection after purchasing a Civil War-era weapon in the 1990s. His collection now includes an extensive range of Confederate and Union memorabilia, including flags, weapons, and personal items once belonging to Civil War generals. One of his prized possessions is a letter written by General Lee himself, which is valued at approximately $500,000. This collection is one of the largest private assemblages of Civil War artifacts in the world.
In addition to the written documents, Robert E. Lee’s collection includes rare swords, uniforms, and cannons used during the Civil War. His items are often displayed in museums and historical societies, offering a rare look into the lives of those who fought in America’s Civil War. The collection’s total estimated value is well over $10 million, making it one of the most important private collections in the field. Lee’s focus on preserving the Civil War’s legacy has made his collection highly regarded by both collectors and historians. His collection continues to grow, and he remains active in acquiring new items.
Craig Gottlieb
Craig Gottlieb, born in 1971, is a prominent American militaria dealer and reality TV personality. He began collecting military artifacts in the 1990s and has since amassed a significant collection, including items associated with Adolf Hitler. Notably, he acquired a desk set used by Hitler during the Munich Agreement, valued at approximately $1 million. Gottlieb’s collection also includes Benito Mussolini’s hat and paintings of Hitler’s parents. In 2014, he purchased a collection of eight items linked to Hitler for $3.5 million.
In addition to his appearance on Pawn Stars, Gottlieb’s collection has been featured in numerous auctions and historical exhibitions. He is widely respected for his ability to authenticate rare pieces and his dedication to educating others about military history. The items in his collection range from personal artifacts belonging to military leaders to rare weapons and uniforms. Gottlieb’s military collection is valued in the millions, and many of his acquisitions have been sold for significant amounts at auctions. His contributions to preserving military artifacts have solidified his status as a key figure in the world of military collectors.
John and Kathryn Shapland
John and Kathryn Shapland are Australian collectors who have dedicated their lives to preserving military history through their private collection, “Recollections of War.” Their collection includes an impressive range of military memorabilia, from World War I to modern conflicts. The Shaplands have a particular interest in items from the Australian military, including rare uniforms, medals, and weapons. One of the most valuable pieces in their collection is a German officer’s sword, valued at around $1.2 million. The Shaplands began collecting in the 1980s and continue to add new items to their impressive collection.
Their collection is not only a personal passion but also serves as an educational resource for those interested in military history. They regularly host private exhibitions and share their knowledge with visitors, providing insight into the lives of soldiers during wartime. The Shaplands’ dedication to preserving military artifacts has made their collection one of the most respected in Australia. The collection is valued at approximately $5 million, and the Shaplands continue to acquire rare and historically significant items. Their work has helped educate the public about the sacrifices made by soldiers and the impact of war.
Alvin Lee
Alvin Lee is a Singaporean collector known for his extensive collection of military memorabilia, including over 300 army uniforms from around the world. He began collecting in the early 2000s and has since amassed a collection valued at over $80,000. His collection spans several periods of military history and includes a variety of items such as medals, insignia, ammo pouches, and rations. Lee and his wife share their passion for military history through their social media account, where they showcase their rare finds.
Lee’s collection offers a comprehensive look at the conflicts of the 20th century, from the trenches of World War I to the Pacific battles of World War II. His dedication to preserving military history has garnered attention from fellow collectors and historians. By sharing his collection online, Lee makes these valuable artifacts accessible to a wider audience, educating the public on military history. His work contributes to the ongoing preservation and appreciation of military history.
Jerry Lee
Jerry Lee, an American businessman and philanthropist, began collecting military artifacts in the early 1980s. His collection is focused on World War II, featuring rare items such as Nazi uniforms, medals, and weaponry. One of his most significant acquisitions is Adolf Hitler’s personal desk, which is valued at around $1 million. Lee has dedicated decades to building one of the largest private collections of WWII memorabilia. His collection is housed in a private museum, and it provides a rare glimpse into one of the most pivotal periods in modern history.
Lee’s collection includes rare military documents, posters, and weapons that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere. He has been praised for preserving these artifacts and sharing them with the public. The estimated market value of his entire collection is in the tens of millions of dollars, with some items, like the Hitler desk, reaching extremely high prices at auctions. Lee’s collection has been featured in several documentaries, and he has collaborated with historians to showcase his items in educational settings. His passion for military history has made him a recognized name in the world of military collectors.
Harris Gilroy
Harris Gilroy is a collector based in Vista, California, known for his extensive military collection, including over 2,000 artifacts. He began collecting in the 1990s and has since amassed a diverse range of items from various military periods. Gilroy’s collection includes uniforms, weapons, and military equipment, each with a unique story to tell. His dedication to preserving military history is reflected in his careful attention to the details of each piece. Gilroy shares his collection on social media platforms, where he showcases rare military items and provides insights into their historical significance.
Gilroy’s passion for military artifacts is evident in the scope and quality of his collection. His work as a collector has made him a respected figure in the community, with other collectors and historians appreciating his dedication to preserving history. While the total value of his collection is not readily available, his vast array of items makes his collection one of the most impressive in the United States. Gilroy continues to add new pieces to his collection, with a focus on rare and significant artifacts.
Lord Ashcroft
Lord Ashcroft, a British businessman and philanthropist, is famous for his vast collection of Victoria Crosses (VCs), the highest military honor awarded for valor. His collection includes over 200 VCs, spanning from the Crimean War to the Falklands War. Ashcroft began collecting in the 1980s and has since amassed the largest private collection of these prestigious medals. In 2008, he donated £5 million to the Imperial War Museum to create the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, which houses his collection. The gallery opened in 2010 and serves as a tribute to the bravery of military personnel who earned the VC.
Lord Ashcroft’s VC collection is valued at over $20 million, with individual medals reaching astronomical prices at auctions. His dedication to preserving the legacy of those who earned the VC has made his collection a valuable educational tool. The Lord Ashcroft Gallery continues to attract visitors, offering a chance to learn about the heroes who served in various wars. His contributions to the museum and his dedication to military history have made him a key figure in the world of military memorabilia. Lord Ashcroft continues to collect and preserve the VCs, ensuring their historical significance is maintained for future generations.
Warren Motts
Warren Motts is an American collector who has spent decades curating a remarkable collection of military artifacts. His collection spans from the American Civil War to modern conflicts, featuring over 5,100 square feet of exhibits. The Motts Military Museum, located in Groveport, Ohio, houses items like uniforms, medals, and personal items from soldiers. One of the collection’s most notable pieces is a Confederate battle flag, valued at over $1 million. Motts began his collection in the 1980s and has since become a prominent figure in military history preservation.
The museum is open to the public and offers educational tours showcasing the breadth of Motts’ collection. His dedication to preserving these artifacts is evident in the detail and care with which each item is displayed. The collection is estimated to be worth over $10 million, and it continues to grow as Motts acquires new pieces. His work has earned him recognition within the collector community, and his museum serves as an important resource for historians and educators alike. Motts remains passionate about sharing his collection with the public, contributing to the education of future generations.
Collectors of military artifacts play a crucial role in preserving the rich history of global conflicts. Their work ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to experience and learn from these important pieces of history.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.