Show of Shows: First Experience

For decades, the Show of Shows, held annually in the cavernous halls of the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, has been a fixture on the calendar of militaria collectors and dealers alike. It’s the kind of event where collectors chase their “holy grail” pieces and long-elusive items, while dealers sell their wares, reconnect with peers, and strengthen relationships with longtime patrons.

Until this year, however, I had never attended a militaria show of any kind. When my good friend Zach from Houston, Texas invited me to go, I didn’t hesitate. For the uninitiated, the Show of Shows isn’t technically the largest militaria show in the country, that distinction usually belongs to the Wanenmacher Arms Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which is a combination gun and militaria show and routinely hosts more than 4,000 tables.

That said, the Show of Shows, organized by the Ohio Valley Military Society, has earned a reputation all its own. Drawing vendors and collectors from across the United States and around the world, it has been considered one of the premier military shows of the year, and is often considered the Mecca of militaria since 1966. With roughly 2,000 tables, the show offers everything from German WWII postcards to American flamethrowers, bazookas, and even armored vehicles. I personally counted three American flamethrowers on the floor.

I’ve been to plenty of gun shows, but never a dedicated militaria show and certainly nothing on this scale. I arrived shortly before opening on Thursday morning to find a line of roughly 300 people spiraling through the convention center lobby. Once the doors opened, the line moved quickly, and before long I stepped into the massive North Hall. As far as the eye could see, tables stretched out in every direction. It was overwhelming at first, I had no idea where to begin. Thankfully, Zach took the lead, guiding me along the perimeter before we began zig-zagging through row after row, table after table, an ocean of militaria.

Waiting for the doors to open on Thursday

The sheer variety was staggering. Some vendors sold meticulously organized binders of U.S. military patches spanning nearly every unit and era. Others specialized exclusively in German swords and daggers, or U.S. M1 helmets. If an item existed in the world of militaria collecting, chances were good it was somewhere in that hall. There were vendors of every kind. Some smaller scale folks with a single table of inexpensive military surplus, to high-end boutique dealers selling German badges, medals, and rings for tens of thousands of dollars.

I spent hours wandering, taking it all in while keeping an eye out for anything that caught my interest. I also made a point to introduce myself to dealers and do some networking. I had the pleasure of meeting Trey Stancil of Banzai! The Japanese Militaria Collector’s Bulletin, as well as Greg Babich, author of Imperial Japanese Grenade Rifles and Launchers. Greg was incredibly friendly, and we spoke at length about our shared passion for Japanese militaria. He also cut me some excellent deals on Japanese cartridges and a sword tassel.

Another highlight was finally meeting Don Schlickman. Well known for his reproduction replacement parts and accessories for Japanese firearms, Don has been in the hobby for decades and is a highly respected member of the “old guard” of Japanese militaria collecting. I’m hopeful we’ll be collaborating on a Japanese flare gun project in the near future. If you need replacement parts, screws, or accessories, check out Don's offerings at https://www.nambuworld.com/donspartslist.htm.

John Allum and I

I also had the opportunity to meet John Allum in person for the first time. John and I have been online friends for years, exchanging advice, opinions, and the occasional deal. He provided the U.S. intelligence stamped Japanese cigarettes featured in my book, Tobacco of the Emperor. Meeting him face-to-face was an absolute pleasure, he’s truly a stand-up guy.

I was finally able to meet Rhett and Jarae from Alabama. We’ve corresponded extensively about replica items and Japanese WWII reenacting. Both attended the show wearing authentic Japanese Army and Navy uniforms and looked impeccable. Alongside reconnecting with old friends, I also made new ones, including Travis Stevens of Bugme Militaria and David Rogers, a longtime Banzai! member and dedicated Japanese militaria collector.

Me and Travis Stevens of Bugme Militaria

Over the course of three days, I wandered the hall, uncovered treasures, made friends, and scored fair deals on a wide range of militaria. Some of my favorite acquisitions include a cutaway Soviet RG-42 hand grenade, an authentic WWII 45th Infantry Division patch, a beautiful Japanese sword tassel, and a very rare Japanese “comfort box.” These boxes were purchased by families and sent to soldiers serving away from home, typically containing medications such as antipyretic tablets, headache remedies, and cold medicine. Other items I managed to snag were a boxed set of chop sticks, a 101st airbourne patch, a Soviet 'Victory over Japan' medal, a WWI era German Iron Cross second class, and an Afghanistan campaign medal (I never received mine).

My favorite piece, however, is a reproduction U.S. M1 paratrooper helmet. I’ve long wanted a solid representation of a 101st Airborne, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment D-Day helmet, Band of Brothers style. While the helmet is a reproduction, it features all the correct details and bears the iconic spade markings worn by the 506th PIR on D-Day.

I had an absolute blast at the 2026 Show of Shows, and I’d encourage any collector to make the trip to Louisville at least once. I reconnected with old friends, made new ones, expanded my network, and brought home some fantastic pieces. The Show of Shows will absolutely be a recurring event for me, and I hope to see you at Show of Shows 2027.

Patrick