Sell artifacts, relics, and militaria at auction
Military history, antiquities, and historical relics, researched and described with care, and offered to collectors who value their stories.
- Complimentary estimates, no obligation
- Payment typically within 30 days
- Virginia firm license #1086
History finds its collectors here
Uniforms, medals, swords, letters, and things carried home from service are often the most personal objects in an estate. We research each one so bidders understand what it is and where it has been.
We describe these pieces carefully and respectfully, and we will tell you plainly if something cannot be offered at auction.
What we sell
- Swords, bayonets, and edged weapons
- Uniforms, insignia, and medals
- Helmets and field gear
- Letters, photographs, and service papers
- Ancient artifacts and cultural relics
- Historical memorabilia
Recent results in artifacts and militaria
-
Lot 1279 Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver, Case, Bullet Kit Realized$1,000
-
Lot 1280 US Model 1860 Cavalry Sword and Scabbard Realized$550
-
Lot 1040 Zoomorphic Tairona Tumbaga Figure Realized$375
-
Lot 1282 1840 Infantry Officer Sword Realized$350
-
Lot 529 US Postal History & Civil War Cover Collection Realized$350
-
Lot 1052 Attributed Blackfoot / Northern Plains Trade Knife with Brass Tacked Leather Sheath Realized$300
-
Lot 1063 Chinese Ox Wagon Wheel, 19th Century, Qing Dynasty Realized$250
-
Lot 1284 1876 Werndl Short Sword w/Scabbard Realized$225
-
Lot 1272 Collection of Arrowheads and Displays Realized$225
-
Lot 1042 Punamhan Lfugao Ritual Box Realized$225
Talk to Jim Weigl
Jim founded Blue Box Auction Gallery in 2020, after more than a decade in the auction industry. As auctioneer and appraiser, he and the team work closely with consignors, from the first photos to the final bid.
How selling artifacts and militaria works
Send photos
Photograph each item from several sides, including any markings, maker’s stamps, serial numbers, or damage. Photos of related papers or letters help too.
Get a complimentary estimate
A specialist reviews your photos and tells you what your artifacts and militaria could bring at auction. Estimates from photos are preliminary until we see them in person.
We research and catalog
Once you consign, we inspect, photograph, and describe each lot, then market the sale to collectors and buyers.
Auction and payment
Bidders compete in the auction. Afterward you receive a settlement statement, and payment is typically issued within 30 days, once the buyer has paid.
Questions about selling artifacts and militaria
Are there items you cannot sell?
Some items are restricted by law or by the auction platforms we use, such as certain weapons and materials that cannot be traded legally. Send photos and we will tell you what can be offered and how.
Should I clean or polish military items?
No. Leave rust, patina, and wear as they are. Cleaning can lower value, and collectors want original condition.
Do the stories and papers matter?
Yes. Service records, letters, photographs, and family history can add real interest and value. Keep them with the item and tell us what you know.
What does it cost to sell at auction?
Our commission is deducted from the hammer price after the sale, and terms depend on the type and value of what you are selling. We explain the commission and any other charges in writing before you consign.
How and when do I get paid?
After the auction you receive a settlement statement showing what each lot sold for and any agreed fees. Payment is typically issued within 30 days of the auction closing, once the buyer’s payment has cleared.
Get a complimentary estimate for your artifacts and militaria
Tell us what you have and add a few photos. A specialist will reply with an auction estimate and the next steps.
- Complimentary estimate, no obligation
- Consignments accepted nationwide; we travel for significant collections
Prefer to talk? Call (757) 550-0285, Monday to Friday.
Not ready to send photos yet?
Start with a complimentary guide or a short quiz.
How to Photograph Items for an Auction Estimate
Simple phone-camera tips that help our specialists give you a faster, more accurate auction estimate: light, angles, marks, condition, and what to send.
Consignment Guidelines: What We Accept
What Blue Box Auction Gallery accepts for auction, what we cannot, the minimum value per lot, and how consigning works from the first photos to payment.
Is Auction Right for Me?
A five-question quiz that suggests the best way to sell what you have: auction, an estate sale, an appraisal first, or a conversation.