VENDOR SPOTLIGHT : RICK FORTE
GCMCAAS : When did you first get interested in militaria?
Rick: There’s a picture of me at 9 years old wearing a German helmet… I guess I was fascinated with history way back then! I went to my first gun show in 1959 and saw Lugers, Mausers and all sorts of edged weapons… it became a passion for me.
GCMCAAS : What do you specialize in?
Rick: I started collecting Imperial German and WWII militaria in high school, and feature a lot of that for sale. But also US and Japanese WWII items as well. I focused on quality and condition.
GCMCAAS : How long have you attended this show?
Rick: I’ve been here since the very first Gulf Coast Military Collectors show.
GCMCAAS : What do you like most about collecting and selling militaria?
Rick : Learning about the history of the item from the veteran or family members of the seller. It’s amazing and so interesting. You learn so much in this field. I guess you’d call me a “chronic collector”…
Come visit with Rick and all the great vendors this Friday and Saturday at the Gulf Coast Military Collectors and Antique Arms show, Joppa Shriners Center, Biloxi MS!
GCMCAAS: How long have you been selling and collecting military antiques?
Steve: Selling about 30 years… collecting since I was just 10 years old.
GCMCAAS: What do you specialize in?
Steve: I specialize in Air Force patches, and current OEF patches.
GCMCAAS: How long have you attended the Gulf Coast Military collectors and Antique Arms show?
Steve: About 8 years… I did my first show here a couple of years after Hurricane Katrina.
GCMCAAS: What’s your favorite thing about collecting and selling militaria?
Steve: Learning about history. You meet such interesting people in this business!
Come see Steve and all the other great vendors this Friday and Saturday at the Gulf Coast Military Collectors and Antique Arms show, Joppa Shriners Center, Biloxi MS!
The Gulf Coast Military Collectors and Antique Arms show dates have been set for the new year 2019.
Spring Show: May 10-11, 2018
Fall Show: September 27-28, 2019
Both shows will be held at the Joppa Shriner’s Center, Biloxi, MS.
For information on vendor or display tables, contact show organizers:
Terrell Hamilton at 228-224-1120/ email: terrell.hamilton@gmail.com
OR Gary Gann, 228-860-3575/email: biloxicollector1@gmail.com.
Collector Gary Gann at the Gulf Coast Military Collectibles and Antique Arms Show
In an interview with Collector/Dealer Gary Gann, we discovered why he loves militaria and collecting:
GCMCAAS: How long have you been collecting militaria?
Gann: Roughly 30 years or so.
GCMCAAS: When did you start dealing at the Gulf Coast Military Collectors and Antique Arms show?
Gann: Almost from the start of the show, maybe the second show… back in 2004.
GCMCAAS: What is your specialty in militaria?
Gann: I really like items from the Indian Wars time period. It’s fascinating to me.
GCMCAAS: What do you enjoy most about collecting military artifacts?
Gann: Honestly, it’s about the history– everything about it. Studying, learning, understanding our military past– sharing it with others. I also really enjoy meeting other collectors and hearing their stories. That’s why I love this show. It’s a great place to make new friends and connections in the militaria marketplace.
The Gulf Coast Military Collectors and Antique Arms show dates for 2018 have been set! The Spring show will be Friday and Saturday, May 4 – 5, and the Fall show will be Friday, and Saturday, October 5-6. Show hours are 11 AM to 6 PM on Friday, and 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturday. Exhibitor set up is Friday from 7 AM to 11 AM.
Location is the Joppa Shriners Center, Biloxi, MS. Ticket prices are $7.00 at the gate, and all proceeds benefit the Joppa Shriners!
