Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Solicit family, friends and neighbors for help. Chances are good that you may already know someone who has access to WWII dog tags. If a family member served in the war (or knows someone who did) you have an immediate opportunity to gain WWII dog tags. The advantage to using personal connections is that you often acquire stories connected to the dog tags. If you are looking for WWII dog tags with a rich history, start with those people you know best.
Search antique shops. Scrounging antique shops is a perfect place to track down WWII dog tags. Many antique shops carry all kinds of war mementos, but your best bet in finding dog tags is to locate a shop or booth that specializes in war memorabilia. Many antique dealers specialize in a niche market; with a quick Internet search of your area, you can find a dealer who specializes in war mementos and contact him directly.
Search estate sales. Estate sales are the best secret to hunting for WWII dog tags because you can typically negotiate a lesser price than an antique shop and you may pick up other war keepsakes while you're at it. While an antique shop offers more consistent finds, estate sales offer better prices.
Attend auctions. While the competition is more stiff at auctions than searching for WWII dog tags in a retail setting, you will often get loads of great information on a piece if purchased through an auction. Details of the owner and timeline of use may be better known if purchased through an auction.
Research the Internet. Start with eBay and Craigslist as these are the two most popular websites for purchasing and selling. Be sure to practice caution when purchasing anything from the web and always ask to see photos of the tags so you know exactly what you are buying.