Military & War Value Guide — Prices & Appraisals (2026)

Military & War: An Overview

Military & War items are collected and valued based on maker attribution, condition, age, rarity, and current market demand. Our archive spans the full range from affordable everyday pieces to rare, museum-quality examples.

We've appraised 900 items in the Military & War category, giving us deep insight into what drives value across this market.

Typical Military & War Values

| Metric | Low | High | |--------|----:|-----:| | Median value | $200 | $500 | | Average value | $241 | $484 | | Range | $15 | $1,500 |

Popular Item Types

• Firearm (6 appraised) — typically $350 to $700
• Sword (5 appraised) — typically $200 to $500
• Military Memorabilia (2 appraised) — typically $322 to $625
• Military Collectible (2 appraised) — typically $120 to $240
• Medal (1 appraised) — typically $75 to $125
• Commemorative Medallion (1 appraised) — typically $55 to $125
• Flag (1 appraised) — typically $420 to $700
• Military Insignia Button (1 appraised) — typically $15 to $50
• Historical Document (1 appraised) — typically $55 to $125
• Dagger (1 appraised) — typically $150 to $300
• Military Artifact (1 appraised) — typically $100 to $275
• Beer Stein (1 appraised) — typically $100 to $150
• Jambiya (1 appraised) — typically $300 to $800
• Cigarette Pack (1 appraised) — typically $50 to $150
• Rifle (1 appraised) — typically $500 to $1,000

Notable Military & War Appraisals

These are real examples from our archive showing the range of values:

• SA Dagger by Eickhorn — $800 to $1,500
• Ww2 k98 by Mauser (or other manufacturers) — $500 to $1,000
• Antique jambiya by Unknown (Yemeni Artisan) — $300 to $800
• Polish wz29 by Polish Military Manufacturer — $300 to $600
• USS MAINE NAVY BATTLESHIP frosted glass windows pane in original by M A Disbrow & Company — $300 to $600

What Drives Military & War Value

The key factors that determine value in military & war are:

1. Maker attribution — identified makers command 2-10x premiums over generic pieces 2. Condition — excellent original condition is worth 2-5x more than damaged examples 3. Rarity — uncommon forms, limited editions, and unusual pieces attract collector competition 4. Period — certain eras are more desirable depending on current market trends 5. Provenance — documented history adds measurable value

Notable Military & War Makers

| Maker | Items Appraised | |-------|----------------| | [Unknown (likely a state mint in East Germany)](/maker/unknown-likely-a-state-mint-in-east-germany) | 1 | | [W. H. Horstmann & Sons](/maker/w-h-horstmann-sons) | 1 | | [Pearl Harbor Navy Yard](/maker/pearl-harbor-navy-yard) | 1 | | [Unknown Yemeni Artisan](/maker/unknown-yemeni-artisan) | 1 | | [Kaiser](/maker/kaiser) | 1 | | [Various German Manufacturers](/maker/various-german-manufacturers) | 1 | | [Unknown (Yemeni Artisan)](/maker/unknown-yemeni-artisan) | 1 | | [Eckstein](/maker/eckstein) | 1 |

How to Identify Authentic Military & War

Before investing in or valuing military & war, check these key indicators:

• Maker's marks and labels — check the bottom, back, underside, and inside for stamps, signatures, or paper labels
• Materials and construction — premium materials and hand-crafted construction indicate higher quality and value
• Period-appropriate features — design elements, hardware, and techniques should match the claimed era
• Condition assessment — note any damage, repairs, or modifications that affect value

For detailed authentication guidance, see our [Military & War Identification Guide](/identify/military-war).

Common Mistakes in Military & War Valuation

• Relying on style alone — a piece that *looks* old may be a reproduction. Always check construction and marks.
• Ignoring condition — damage can reduce value by 50% or more, even for desirable items
• Overvaluing without attribution — unmarked pieces are almost always worth significantly less than attributed ones
• Assuming all old items appreciate — market tastes change. Some subcategories are declining while others are rising.

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--- *Based on 237 appraisals in the InstAppraisal archive. Updated 2026-04-05.*