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
Browse our latest items
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WW2 German Iron Cross 1st Class ( maker marked)
£290.00 SKU: 0158MThe German Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse) is one of the most recognizable and historically significant military awards of the Third Reich, awarded for acts of bravery and leadership in combat. The cross is made from three parts: an iron or metal core painted black, with a silver nickel border that has developed a nice coloured patina. The centre has a swastika, which was added during the Nazi era, below which is the year 1939, marking the year the medal was re-instituted for WW2. On the reverse we have the pin, which is in working order and has the number 65, this corresponds to maker "Klein & Quenzer A.G." a company based in "Idar-Oberstein", Germany. They were one of the approved manufacturers of military decorations, including the Iron Cross 1st Class. -
WW1 Iron Cross & WW1 Merit Cross
£190.00 SKU: 0157MWW1 set of two medals, (Mecklenburg Schwering Friedrich Franz's war Cross for merit 2nd class FF2, Iron cross 1914 2nd class EK2). The iconic Iron cross has the black iron core with silver edges, a crown at the top, and the letter "W" (representing Kaiser Wilhelm 2nd) in the centre. Below the "W" the date "1914" marks the start of WW1. This 2nd class version was awarded for bravery. The gold medal (1870 Iron cross 2nd class) is a commemorative version of the Iron cross and awarded for merit. Both medals and ribbons are in good condition. -
WW2 Italian Fascist Belt & Buckle
£295.00 SKU: 0156MA very impressive Italian Fascist service dress belt and buckle. The buckle features a detailed eagle perched atop a fasces, a symbol of power and unity. The rear is marked "SAFS NAPOLI", indicating its association with the southern Italy Fascist Militia. The belt shows signs of wear, suggesting it has seen active service wear through out the war years. Belt measures 34inches 84cm. -
WW2 Japanese Navy Dirk (uncleaned)
£375.00 SKU: 0155MThis Japanese Navy dagger has never been cleaned, allowing it to develop a rich, aged patina that many collectors will appreciate. The shagreen covered scabbard is in very good condition and is quite unusual. The metal fittings are highly decorative and showcase intricate detail. However, due to the dagger never being cleaned, you'll need to examine it closely to fully appreciate it. The locking button mechanism is in place and functions well. The impressive ray-skin grip, wrapped with triple brass wire, adds to the overall appeal. Unfortunately, the top pommel cap is missing, which has been factored into the price. The grip features gilt brass Menuki on both sides in the classic five-petal pattern. The blade is in excellent condition and includes a one piece gilded copper habaki (blade collar). The next owner will have the option to restore it to its original look if desired. -
WW2 German Army Officers Dagger (Eickhorn)
£595.00 SKU: 0154MHere, we have an uncleaned example of a German army dress dagger from the renowned manufacturer Eickhorn. Eickhorn produced more army-pattern daggers than any other maker, known for their high quality and attention to detail. This dagger has not been cleaned for some time, which has resulted in a distinctive patina on its heavy nickel silver fittings. The grip is particularly noteworthy, with a slight ribbed effect that stands out if you look close into the grooves of the grip. A detail not often seen. small unique features, I feel, always add to the dagger's appeal. The crossguard is the recognisable Eickhorn pattern, as are the pommel, scabbard and scabbard bands. Eickhorn was known for making all of their parts in-house. The blade displays the rare Eickhorn small trademark that was only produced during 1940, making it scarce to come by. The blade has some slight cross grain remaining, more noticeable towards the crossguard. The blade does show wear and some light water damage in certain arears, but the blade forms a good point and fits the scabbard perfectly. To complete this piece, it comes with a good condition army knot. For anyone looking to learn more about army dress daggers, I highly recommend the book "Exploring the Dress Daggers of the German Army" by "Thomas Whittmann." -
WW1 German 98/05 Bayonet – Rare Double Maker Mark
£325.00 SKU: 0153MA genuine First World War German Model 98/05 bayonet displaying an uncommon double maker marked blade. While double maker marked examples are known to collectors, examples with both marks clearly struck to the same side of the blade are far less frequently encountered.
This bayonet is offered as a complete, honest example with correct period components throughout.
Blade
Full-length steel blade in very good condition, retaining a strong, clean profile. The blade carries clear maker markings to both sides, with J.A. HENCKELS ZWILLINGSWERK and ANKER-WERKE BIELEFELD both present. An inspection stamp is visible to the spine, correctly positioned and consistent with wartime acceptance practices.The blade shows light age toning and service wear, with no evidence of later grinding or reshaping.
Hilt & Grips
Wooden grip plates are in excellent condition, showing an attractive medium-brown tone and no damage. The grips are secure, and the crossguard and upper pommel show matching, honest wear. The rifle retaining button functions correctly.Scabbard
Original steel scabbard in very good condition, remaining straight and undented. The fit to the blade is correct.Frog
Period-correct leather frog dated 1915, a desirable accompaniment to a First World War bayonet. The leather remains intact and displays appropriate age and wear.Overall
A very good example of a WWI German 98/05 bayonet featuring an uncommon double maker marked blade. A strong collector piece combining condition, maker interest, and originality.
We sell to the USA, Europe, and most worldwide destinations.
All items are securely packed for safe transit. -
WW2 Lucas ARP Cycle Headlamp Shield
£55.00 SKU: 0037AThese Lucas ARP cycle headlamp shields were used during WW2 in the UK, as a sort of mask that you put over your bicycle headlamp. It allowed enough light through so you could still see where you were going at night, but it limited the amount of light so you didn’t break any blackout regulations. This one comes in original paper packaging, and despite a little rusting with most of the chrome being absent on the half cylindrical piece, it remains undented and the front is in very good condition. The packaging also has instructions printed on it, and is in excellent condition. All writing, both on the shield itself, and packaging is clearly visible and readable. -
WW2 Tommy’s Tin Hat Money Box
£60.00 SKU: 0036AThese money boxes became popular in Britain during and after World War 2, serving both as a functional item and as a symbol of national pride and support for the war effort. This one, while well loved, doesn’t have any dents or major damage to it. Though it has some rust though the paint. The bottom bung comes out with GENTLE persuasion so this piece is still perfectly functional. On the front, just above the brim there’s a painted on marking. While faded, it reads, “Tommy’s Tin Hat”. The lettering is on a scroll like backing. Despite the paint and minor rust, it really is a lovely little piece and it’s rare to find thin metal items like these devoid of any dents. Just bare in mind, this isn't a full sized helmet! It's circa four inches across.
