Military Traders
Step into our bustling Military & Vintage Traders area and prepare to be amazed. With over 40 dedicated traders spread across the historic grounds of Cressing Temple Barns, you’ll find yourself in what can only be described as a paradise for history enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone with a passion for military heritage.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector hunting for that elusive piece to complete your collection, a re-enactor seeking authentic gear, or simply a family looking for a unique souvenir, our traders market offers something special for everyone. The atmosphere is electric, friendly, and filled with the kind of discoveries that make your heart skip a beat.
What Makes Our Traders Special
Our military traders aren’t your typical market vendors – they’re passionate historians, collectors, and experts in their own right. Many have been collecting and dealing in militaria for decades, bringing with them not just incredible stock, but a wealth of knowledge that they’re genuinely excited to share.
Walk through the stalls and you’ll quickly realise this isn’t about hard selling. Our traders love talking about their items, sharing the stories behind pieces, and helping you understand the historical significance of what you’re looking at. Got a question about a particular badge? Curious about the authenticity of a uniform? Want to know more about a piece of equipment? Just ask – you’ll often find yourself in fascinating conversations that bring history to life.
A World of Military Heritage at Your Fingertips
The variety of items available is simply staggering. From the moment you enter the traders area, you’ll be greeted by stalls overflowing with military memorabilia spanning over 150 years of history. Whether your interest lies in Victorian campaigns, the Great War, World War Two, or more recent conflicts, you’ll find authentic pieces that tell the stories of those who served.
Uniforms and Kit
One of the most popular sections among visitors is the extensive selection of military uniforms. From complete dress uniforms to individual pieces, you’ll find items representing various nations, time periods, and military branches. Re-enactors particularly appreciate the attention to detail and authenticity that our traders provide – many pieces are genuine military issue or expertly crafted reproductions that meet the highest standards.
Personal equipment is equally well represented. Webbing, packs, canteens, mess tins, and field gear from different eras give you a tangible connection to military life. Handling a genuine World War Two mess tin or examining the construction of a Victorian soldier’s kit provides insights that no textbook can match.
Badges, Medals, and Insignia
For many collectors, military badges and insignia represent the most accessible entry point into militaria collecting. Our traders stock an impressive range of cap badges, collar badges, shoulder titles, and formation signs. Whether you’re interested in British regiments, Commonwealth forces, or international militaries, you’ll find pieces ranging from common examples perfect for new collectors to rare variants that will excite seasoned enthusiasts.
Medal groups tell particularly poignant stories. Each set represents an individual’s service record, and our traders often research the recipients, providing fascinating insights into the lives of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary times.
Books, Documents, and Ephemera
Military history comes alive through contemporary documents, photographs, and publications. Our book dealers stock everything from official military manuals to personal memoirs, regimental histories to technical specifications. Original photographs, letters, and documents provide windows into military life that published histories sometimes miss.
Many visitors are surprised by the emotional impact of handling a soldier’s personal correspondence or examining original training manuals. These items transform abstract historical events into personal human stories.
Beyond Traditional Militaria
What sets our traders apart is the breadth of items available. Alongside traditional military collectibles, you’ll discover a fascinating array of related items that appeal to broader interests.
Vintage and Period Items
The vintage aspect of our market extends beyond purely military items. You’ll find period civilian clothing, vintage accessories, antique tools, and household items that help complete historical understanding. These pieces are particularly valuable for re-enactors and living history enthusiasts who want to create authentic period impressions.
Unexpected Discoveries
Some of our most memorable visitor stories involve unexpected discoveries. That unusual piece of equipment that turns out to be incredibly rare, the photograph that provides a missing link in someone’s family history, or the book that becomes the foundation for a new collecting interest. Our traders have eagle eyes for interesting items, and their diverse stock means you never know what treasures await.
Sweet Treats and Comfort
Even shopping for history can work up an appetite! Several of our traders stock period-appropriate sweets and treats, adding a fun element that families particularly enjoy. There’s something wonderful about enjoying vintage-style confectionery while browsing military antiques – it adds to the immersive historical atmosphere.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To get the best experience from our traders area, we recommend allowing plenty of time for browsing. Unlike typical retail experiences, military collecting rewards patient exploration and conversation. Don’t rush – take time to examine items properly, ask questions, and listen to the stories.
Bring cash if possible, as many of our smaller traders prefer cash transactions, though most accept cards. If you’re traveling from far away, consider bringing a sturdy bag for purchases and don’t forget that many items have fascinating stories that make excellent conversation starters back home.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there are no cash machines available at Temple At War. We recommend bringing cash with you.
Many of our traders now take card payments, but not all. If you’re after something special, having some cash on hand is always a good idea!
You’ll find militaria, uniforms, collectibles, equipment, vintage clothing, books, and more.
Absolutely! Our traders are friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to share tips or answer questions about collecting.
Definitely. The military traders area is a fun place to browse and discover history together.