what is the oldest item you have in your collection?

[GreekMilitaria]

This is the oldest item I have in military , an old hand forged sword and leather scabbard. I don't know which country it came from but I am guessing it is Scottish. Anyone with info on it I would appreciate knowing more about it.Attachment 627927Attachment 627930Attachment 627931Attachment 627934Attachment 627945Attachment 627944Attachment 627943Attachment 627948Attachment 627949

Nice sword! i like it

[herrzark]

Actually if you use a metal detector here in Greece even in some parks in Athens
you will find dozens of coins swords armor almost everything and everywhere! so to prevent illicit trade in antiquities we have very strict laws about buying ancient coins etc.
Also if you find something that's from ancient Greece you have to immediately give it to a museum otherwise if the authorities find it in your house you can go to jail for up to 10 years!!

Ιt is not so easy to find coins.Dont tried but it is not so easy.If it was beleive me everyone would have at least one little coin in their home

[Pryo]

I collect various items one being coins. While it is not militaria, I own a Washington cent from 1783. In regards to military, it would be a small verdun medal i own (without a ribbon)

[CAnnUK]

Thanks GreekMilitaria !

[Glenn66]

I also have this Roman coin I bought from a Bedu woman when travelling through Jordan 3 years ago. I think it is an antoninanus from the time of Emperor Aurelian, struck following the defeat of Zenobia around 271 AD. It seems too corroded to tell for sure but I think it was minted at Antioch.

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[don_kihotis7]

Great thread.
For me is a 19th century flintlock pistol and a Napoleon medal from 1821.

[Degens]

Certainly not my oldest but definitely the most treasured. My Grandfathers Queen Mary Christmas tin with original ration.
He was in the Royal Horse Artillery . Also have the silver headed bullet / pencil.

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[Dean]

I love how this thread has developed . Thanks to all of you for contributing your oldest treasures in your collection. I know I have already made two posts here but every few months or so , I remember something I have buried away or I just stumble upon something in my collection that would be a nice addition to this fine thread.

That being said, I have this German leather cartridge pouch with a couple stamped dates on it, the oldest stamp being, "1882" and the other , "1889". It is also unit marked nice and clearly.
The condition is simply incredible considering its age. The leather is very supple and the black polish is nice and dark. I may have posted it on the forum some time ago, but I thought it had a place here as well. I keep the straps unbuttoned so it prevents any damage when opening and closing multiple times over the years.

The stamps read as follows..

(Black ink stamps under lid):11K 1889. H (circled)
(Leather is stamped on back): G.R.123. 1882 (in a rectangle)
(Stamps partially obstructed by buckle tab) A.D____ (and just below that..) BAB___.
(Below that, two large letters): FB
(And finally there are some very faint stamps almost invisible that are partially covered by the buckle tab that appear to be a large circle about the size of a document stamp with writing on the inside and under it a barely noticeable date, "1882".

Any suggestions are welcome

[William1]

Fantastic thread. I've already posted this on a different thread but here it is again. A relic of Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army, c. 1650.

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[GreekMilitaria]

Fantastic thread. I've already posted this on a different thread but here it is again. A relic of Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army, c. 1650.

24 May 2012 030.jpg24 May 2012 029.jpg

Thanks William
Fantastic helmet!! thanks for showing it