Are old military uniforms worth anything?

After years of being retired from the Military, you may be wondering what to do with that old uniform in the back of your closet. So what can you do with it? Is it worth anything if you sell it?

Old uniforms only hold enough value to sell if they are from a historic time and or they are a complete uniform set. Otherwise, it is better to consider donating refurbishing, or trashing your old uniform.

So how can you know if your uniform fits the bill and can be sold? And what decision would be best for your uniform if it doesn’t?

What makes your old uniform worth something

A major part of what truly adds value to an old Military uniform, is the personal value and sentiment that another person puts into the uniform. The sentiment of another, is where a large portion of how much an old uniform is worth will come from.

For example; if you were to meet someone who’s father had served in a war, they would more than likely value that specific uniform from that war. It would matter to them, because it would remind them of their father and rest closer to the heart.

Tip: Anything that is rests close to the heart of another person, will be worth a LOT more to them.

Warning: If your old uniform is damaged, missing anything important, or anything at all, then it may not be worth as much to the person or group that you plan selling the old uniform to.

(Source: What are old military uniforms worth?…? | Yahoo Answers)

The value of a more historic uniform

If the old uniform that you have originates from a more historic time in history, then the value will increase greatly. Especially for those who still retain sentimental value for the old and complete uniforms of those times.

Fun fact: There are also people who enjoy collecting historic items. Items such as an old historic uniform from world war II.

Some of these specific eras and times are;

Revolutionary War
War of 1812
Indian Wars
Mexican War
Civil War
Spanish-American War
World War I
World War II
The Korean War
The Vietnam War
Operations Desert Shield
Desert Storm

Warning: Once again, especially with a uniform with this value, it is extremely important that you have the whole uniform in good condition. If it is not in very good condition, then the uniform will not be worth nearly as much.

Tip: If you have an old uniform that you are currently saving to sell off at a much later time, then you must be absolutely certain to keep it as a whole set in the best condition imaginable. The better and more complete the condition of the old uniform set is, the more you will earn from it.

(Source: These Are the 10 Most Valuable Pieces of Military Memorabilia on eBay – TheStreet)

(Source: 10 Worthless Pieces of Military Memorabilia – TheStreet)

What to do with your uniform if it isn’t worth selling

If you are more than unsuccessful in selling off your old uniform, or your old uniform isn’t worth enough to sell, then there are three options to consider as far as what to do with your uniform.

Disposing of your old uniform

If you are not sentimentally attached to your old military uniform, then you may consider simply throwing it away. There are times when throwing it away is the only option left to consider. It is not an optimal decision. However, if there is any remaining damage or if there are any parts of the uniform set, then this may be the only decision remaining.

However, if you are still sentimentally attached to your old uniform, then throwing it away may not be your only remaining option left to consider. Only dispose of your military uniform if there is no remaining sentimental value or there are no other options left for you to consider before disposing.

Donating your old uniform

If you are adverse to selling off or disposing your old uniform, then you can donate the uniform to where it can be valued or used. This may only work properly if the uniform still fits the current regulations. If the old uniform no longer fits the regulations of the military, then it may only be donated for sentimental value and enjoyment.

Tip: In the case of donating it for true enjoyment, it may be best to refurbish the old uniform to be in the best possible condition for those you intend to donate the uniform to.

Repurposing your old uniform

If you don’t actually want to get rid of your old uniform and there is a great deal of sentimental value there, then you can also consider refurbishing the uniform and framing it in a protective glass box.

Tip: Place the uniform where it can be properly displayed and enjoyed to your heart’s content.

(Source: MOAA – 3 Ways to Rid Your Closet of Old Military Uniforms)

Where to go to sell your uniform for a decent price

It is important to be aware that not everyone will place such a sentimental value on your old uniform. So be sure to find a specific group that will understand and appreciate the full value of your uniform.

Tip: reenactment groups or descendents of old members of the military will be far more likely to place sentimental value on the uniform that you desire to sell.

Warning: Do NOT attempt to sell your old military uniform to a pawn shop unless you are willing to receive less than what you could be selling it for when selling it to a sentimental group. A pawn shop will bargain for a much lower price because they are aware of how much such a uniform can be worth to those who are sentimental. Which, generally the owners of a pawn shop, will not feel as sentimental towards such a uniform.