Welcome to The Vault Militaria
Welcome to
The Vault Militaria
Authentic pieces. Timeless stories. Exceptional service.
The Vault Militaria is the UK’s newest destination for authentic wartime memorabilia and collectables. Specialising in rare and hard-to-find items from World War I and World War II, we offer history enthusiasts and collectors a carefully curated selection of genuine artefacts.
new items every week
Rare finds
Our team of experts meticulously sources, authenticates, and catalogues each piece, ensuring that you receive only the finest quality items with verified provenance. And we’re adding more and more items on a regular basis.
From battle-worn uniforms and medals to vintage weapons, field equipment, and personal effects, The Vault Militaria brings you closer to the tangible remnants of wartime history.
knowledge & experience
We buy & sell
The founders of The Vault Militaria bring over 50 years of combined collecting experience to the table. They have a pair of keen eyes for the unusual together with an extensive knowledge of wartime collectables to ensure that every item offered is both authentic and exceptional.
With decades spent honing their expertise, they’ve developed an unparalleled ability to source and validate rare military artifacts, making The Vault Militaria a trusted name in the field.
Contact Mark on 07471 058445 or Andrew on 07944 609319
Contact Mark on 07471 058445
or Andrew on 07944 609319
latest additions
Browse our latest items
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WW2 ARP Home First Aid Case (Home Front)
£80.00 SKU: 0112APlease see the bottom text for contents. This is a WW2 ARP First Aid Case for the home. These cases were typically used during WW2 to house first aid items and while most commonly used and kept in the home, were also kept in air raid shelters and even some businesses too. They are rather sturdy, and offered a safe and secure place to store essential first aid items. Everything from bandages to disinfectant. Issued by Britain’s Air Raid Precautions service for use in homes and workplaces during enemy air raids. Many, like this one, remained in use long after the war, refilled with newer supplies, a reminder of how wartime preparedness continued into everyday post-war life. This tin has seen some wear. There are some scratches on the bottom, and one or two dents as well. Generally speaking, the items inside as in a good condition, though again, some have seen some wear. Some of the cardboard has been dented. The hinge works as it should, as does the closing tab, though it's a little tight to close. Overall, this is a nice package of first aid items, wrapped up in a lovely and well known First Aid case. It screams Home Front and also, the effort the British put into WW2. This case contains: A pack of soap leaves, bottle of Surgical Dettol (half filled), unopened pack of aromatic smelling tubes, opened box of Maws absorbent gauze, unopened large mines dressing pack, unopened pack of Boots absorbent wool, unopened pack of Boots compressed bandage, empty Boots glass bottle, two unopened packs of Boots grey triangular bandages, unopened compressed triangular bandage, opened Certor white surgical bandage, a pair of scissors, pack of BPC sterilized white absorbent gauze, box of BPC absorbent cotton wool -
WW2 Mollé Brushless Shaving Cream
£42.00 SKU: 0111AThis is a WW2 era Mollé Brushless Shaving Cream box, complete with a tube of (full) shaving cream, but also, this is a special service pack which was for the armed forces specifically. Made by Glenbrook Labs in the US, it’s not like a traditional foam, but a cream. It has more emollient in it and this will help protect the skin. The term ‘brushless’ refers to the fact that no brush is needed to generate a thick lather/ foam, since this is a cream. The idea was, like shaving creams of today, you just apply onto wet facial hair and shave like normal. This makes the process of shaving MUCH easier especially in field conditions. This example here is in remarkable condition. The box looks almost brand new, with no dents or scuffs. There are also no rips or tears in the cardboard. The design is bright, colourful and clear and also, a VERY clear marker of ‘special service pack’ is visible on the box, and on the tube inside. The tube is also brand new, complete with cap. It’s metal, with a painted on design – typical for this ear. While there’s no actual damage to the tube (or box) a VERY minor amount of bubbling can be seen (see photos) on the tube – but it really is minor. The contents inside the tube are… past their best, but the tube itself has no splits or significant dents. Overall, this is an excellent example of a piece of US wartime history in amazing condition. -
WW2 German K98 Bayonet – S/172 (Carl Eickhorn) – 1936 – Near Mint Blade
£210.00 SKU: 0303MHere we have a very nice condition WW2 German K98 bayonet, produced by Carl Eickhorn of Solingen, one of the most recognised makers of edged weapons during the Third Reich era.Blade:
The blade is in near mint condition, and would be extremely hard to upgrade, retaining approximately 99% of its original wartime bluing, and remains unsharpened, leading into a sharp tip. One side of the blade is stamped on the ricasso with the serial number 9819, while the spine is stamped with the number 36, confirming production in 1936. The reverse bears the maker's code S/172 denoting Carl Eickhorn.Hilt & Grip:
The wooden grips are in very good condition, showing minimal service wear, and secured with two screw bolts. The rifle retaining button functions perfectly and is Waffenamt stamped, with two additional Waffenamt stamps visible above it on the hilt. There are also a further two more Waffenamt markings on the flash guard, which is not always seen. The crossguard and pommel retain most of their original bluing, showing only light use.Scabbard:
The scabbard shows surface rust and has a very faint indentation on the reverse, though you have to look quite closely to spot it. It's clear this example once was fitted with a frog, as the bluing beneath the frog area is better preserved. The throat screw is present, and the lower ball displays a Waffenamt stamp. The front bears the serial number 5623, while the reverse is stamped J.Sch 1938, identifying the maker as Jetter Scheerer Tuttingen. Overall, a very nice K98 bayonet with a superb blade.Historic Note:
The S-code system was introduced around 1934 by the German ordnance department to disguise Solingen blade manufacturers as Germany began its secret rearmament program, in breach of the Treaty of Versailles. Each manufacturer was assigned a code, with S/172 designating Carl Eickhorn. By 1937, this system was discontinued, and firms once again began using full-name markings.
We sell to the USA, Europe, and most worldwide destinations.
All items are securely packed for safe transit.
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Here we have an original Hitlerjugend (HJ) marching flute, also known as a Jungvolk or HJ fife, manufactured between 1936 and 1939. This fine pre-war example is constructed from dark ebonised wood with nickle fittings, retaining a very attractive finish throughout. It bears the ovel maker's stamp reading "Heinr. Moritz Schuster of Markneukirchen, together with the well-known HeMoSch trademark above the oval. A particularly nice feature of this flute is that the lower end section can be removed, revealing the internal corked fitting and bore. This design was likely intended to allow for easy cleaning and removal of condensation, a quality detail not often seen on later, simplified wartime examples. The tone holes are cleanly cut, and the mouthpiece remains in fine original condition with no cracks or chips. Another great plus is that this piece comes complete with its original fitted carry case, which still retains its original leather closing tab and buckle. Most HJ flutes are found without their original case, making this one a complete example. This HJ flute is in excellent condition throughout, with clear maker's mark and original carry case. An excellent piece for the HJ collectors.
Historical Note:
Heinrich Moritz Schuster was one of the respected instrument makers of Markneukirchen, Saxony. During the 1930s, the firm supplied fifes and flutes to youth and civic organisations, including the Hitler Youth (Hitler-Jugend) and Deutsches Jungvolk bands. Instruments marked HeMoSch from the mid-to-late 1930s are recognised today as authentic pre-war examples, valued for their craftsmanship and direct link to the cultural history of the era.
We sell to the USA, Europe, and most worldwide destinations.
All items are securely packed for safe transit.
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WW2 1944 Dated Padlock
£70.00 SKU: 0109AThis WW2 era, 1944 dated padlock is made by Walsall Locks & Cart Gear Ltd, and comes complete with the original key. Founded in 1873 as a workers’ cooperative, Walsall Locks & Cart Gear Ltd grew from the heart of Britain’s Black Country lock-making industry. The company produced a wide range of padlocks and hardware, including wartime utility locks during WW2. Renowned for their solid construction, Walsall locks remain symbols of British craftsmanship and industrial heritage. Around four inches across, and six and a half inches tall with an overall thickness of around one inch, this piece certainly has some weight and heft to it. It comes with the original key, attached with some string and works perfectly well. It opens, closes, locks and unlocks nicely. Cosmetically, this piece has CLEARLY been used, but in terms of function, it’s perfect. The dust cover is of the sliding variety, and the cover is marked: “Secure 4 Lever”. This refers to the locking mechanism, not a model or maker. To the left of the dust cover, there are some markings. Notably, “Walsall Locks & Cart Gear Ltd” and below that, a date stamp of 1944 and then “G R” with the war-mark in the middle. -
French Model 1831 “Cabbage Chopper” Artillery Short Sword (Dated 1834)
£480.00 SKU: 0300MHere we have an exceptional example of the famous French Model 1831 Artillery Short Sword, often affectionately known as the "Cabbage Chopper" (Coupe-Choux), owing to its heavy, gladius-style blade. This weapon was adopted by the French Army for artillerymen, engineers, and pioneer troops.Blade:
The blade on this example is absolutely superb - about as good as it gets, with an outstanding bright finish showing only minimal signs of age. The sawback teeth along the spine are exceptionally crisp, sharp, and complete. The 486mm steel blade has a broad single fuller on each side that terminate to a double-edged spear point. The markings on the ricasso show B.K inspector's stamp and crown proof marks, typical of the Manufacture d'Armes de Chatellerault.Hilt & Grip:
The hilt is made of solid cast brass with the distinctive ribbed grip associated with the Model 1831. The brass retains its original golden tone and has developed a rich, aged patina. The crossguard is dated 1834 and has attractive disc shape finials. The overall fit and finish reflect early 19th-century French armoury workmanship at its best.Scabbard:
The sword is complete with its original black leather scabbard, that fits the blade snugly and securely. These are becoming increasingly hard to find undamaged. The brass chape mounts are undamaged and in very good condition, showing an attractive aged tone that matches the hilt perfectly. The original mount staples are also still present and secure. The black leather is in excellent condition, and free from any rips or tears. The overall length of this piece is 680mm.Summary:
A superb example that would be make an excellent display, and very hard to upgrade.Historical note:
The French Model 1831 Artillery Short Sword was introduced during a period of reorganisation within the French Army following the Napoleonic Wars. Designed to replace the outdated infantry hanger, it became the standard issue for artillerymen, engineers, and pioneer troops. Its distinctive gladius-style blade symbolised discipline and strength, drawing inspiration from the weaponry of ancient Rome - a design choice reflecting France's admiration for classical ideas of order and power.
We sell to the USA, Europe, and most worldwide destinations.
All items are securely packed for safe transit.
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WW2 War Cookery Leaflet
£30.00 SKU: 0108AThis War Cookery leaflet from the WW2 era is jam packed with information. Literally, as it’s full of various jam recipes, information, tips and variations on flavour. Created in September 1939, the Ministry of Food was responsible for controlling food production, distribution, and consumption across Britain during wartime. Its main goal was to make sure everyone, regardless of income, had access to enough nutritious food. This particular leaflet is dated August ‘44 and has more than meets the eye. It folds out and covers TWELVE different jams. It’s labelled as Ministry of Food, and it also has their logo too. It’s formatting is nice and simple, with a summary on the front of how to make jam, and as you look through it specific recipes for specific types and flavours. It’s in excellent condition, with one small fold on one of the corners. All the writing is nice and clear, and there are no rips of tears whatsoever. This goes along side other pieces for Home Front collections, and is an important part of rationing culture during WW2. -
WW2 German K98 Bayonet by Berg & Co (1940)
£225.00 SKU: 0299MHere we have a very tidy example of a WW2 German K98 bayonet, manufactured by Berg & Co, a less commonly encountered Solingen maker compared with the larger firms of the period. The grips are dark bakelite, showing no signs of damage or cracking, and are secured firmly by two screw bolts. The blade remains unsharpened, retaining over 90% of its original wartime bluing, with only some loss towards the tip. On the spine, we see the date 40, (1940) and the serial number 1900 appears on one side of the ricasso. The reverse side is stamped Berg & Co. The top of the hilt displays the usual two Waffenamt stamps, while the rifle retaining button is fully functioning and bears an additional Waffenamt stamp. Moving to the scabbard, it retains approximately 80% of its bluing and remains undented, with the throat screw present. It is numbered 570, which does not match the blade, though both are by the same maker, Berg & Co, with the scabbard dated 1937. The bayonet comes complete with the correct K98 leather frog, which has all stitching and rivets intact. There is a rip in the usual place, near the scabbard lug. Overall, a very presentable K98 bayonet with a very nice blade.
We sell to the USA, Europe, and most worldwide destinations.
All items are securely packed for safe transit.
