Soviet Need help on the hunt...

[Hauptmann]

Hi all,

Was hoping some of my fellow members might be able to help me out. I'm on a working vacation down in north Florida not far from where I used to live. Been here since late May and won't be heading back till the end of the July.

I'm looking for any militaria shops, antique stores, flea markets or surplus stores that generally carry Soviet or Soviet block militaria, specially Orders, medals and badges... although other items are always nice as well.

I have access to lower Alabama and lower Georgia. I've just been up to Monroeville, Alabama and did manage to find MP Surplus not too far from Enterprise. But they're mostly uniforms and field gear. I'm hoping to get up to Moultrie Georgia as there are quite a number of antique shops up there. But no idea if they'll have anything like I'm looking for. Also looking to head over to Ft. Walton Florida before I head back and probably another trip up to Dothan at some point as well.

Anyhow I'm hoping some of ya'll might be able to help me narrow down my search and make it worth the time and gas to head out on the prowl. I'm certainly open to any kind of militaria but mostly trying to stay focused on my Soviet/Soviet block collection and with smaller item I can carry back (by train) instead of having to ship. But if something really good pops up at a great price I do have to ship some items up to the house so I can always add a small bit to the pile if need be.

Any help would be deeply appreciated.

Dan

[Eric Gaumann]

Two spots I can think of in south Florida. One in Naples and one in Lauderdale...

[NavyFCO]

Anyhow I'm hoping some of ya'll might be able to help me narrow down my search and make it worth the time and gas to head out on the prowl. I'm certainly open to any kind of militaria but mostly trying to stay focused on my Soviet/Soviet block collection and with smaller item I can carry back (by train) instead of having to ship. But if something really good pops up at a great price I do have to ship some items up to the house so I can always add a small bit to the pile if need be.

My thought is that the "best" places aren't the ones that folks on here would be telling you about. (Everyone likes to have their "own" supplier...)

I've found that many militaria shops, particularly older ones where the folks aren't internet savvy (or at least don't check any of the big Russian dealer sites often) have some GREAT deals on Soviet awards because the prices have changed so dramatically so quickly! A local shop here in VA had a Homeland 3rd for $110 and a nice double Red Banner + OGPW2 + Red Star group for $220 just about a month ago. Needless to say, I pulled out my credit card in a heartbeat! (Made a nice profit listing 'em up on ePay!)

Just pays to look at the old shops from time to time....

Dave

[Hauptmann]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the reply. Sorry it's taken me a bit to get back on this. Just been extremely busy down here. Anyhow so far we've gone up into Alabama and into Georgia with no luck save some very overpriced pieces close to home... more souvenir type items than awards.

However, I've managed to grab a few things off Ebay and here in the club so yet again that's seemed to be the best option in my situation.

Had hoped to find something nice while down here but it just doesn't look like it's going to happen.

Many thanks,

Dan