#Collecting #Battle #Bulge #WorthPoint
On December 16, 1944, the final major German offensive of World War II began. A massive assault, spearheaded by the infamous SS Panzer Divisions, planned to break through a thin screen of inexperienced and exhausted American troops holding the frontline, then race through the Ardennes to the Meuse River. After forcing a crossing, they intended to drive to Antwerp, splitting the British and American armies.
It was an ambitious and, as it turned out, impossible plan. But the Nazi war machine was on its last legs, months away from losing the war. This push would be Hitler’s final throw of the dice.
2024 marked the 80th anniversary of the battle, and interest in the subject is rising. The Bulge was the great test of the American Army in the war, and it managed to both halt the juggernaut and counterattack the following January. Military enthusiasts, wargamers, and armchair historians have many choices in period and modern collectibles from this war.
Battle of the Bulge Period Items
Artifacts from the battle are usually the most expensive to collect. Anyone who simply wants a piece of history might satisfy themselves with a bullet or shell casing. Those with deeper pockets will want to consider owning a weapon or uniform.
Checking your local firearm laws is always a safe bet when collecting weapons. If you live in a country or state where they are restricted but still wish to collect weapons, bayonets represent a legally safe alternative.
The most heavily issued American sidearm of the war was the Colt Model 1911 .45 caliber pistol. Colt 1911s are so reliable that they are still used by soldiers and law enforcement today. During the battle, paratroopers fighting at Bastogne were particularly fond of the weapon, and one with provenance linking it to the Bulge went for over $1800 in 2020.
German items are often more expensive. The equivalent Nazi sidearm, a late-war Luger pistol, reached over $2700 in 2024, even though it was not in good condition.
The typical U.S. battle rifle was the M1 Garand, a semi-automatic .30 caliber weapon. Though rifles directly from the Bulge are hard to come by, one manufactured in 1941 and which could have seen service in the battle fetched $2400 in 2024.
Medals are also popular. No specific campaign medal was awarded for the Bulge during the war, but the 50th anniversary saw the minting of a commemorative medal. Today, this post-war medal can be picked up for very little. During the war, participation in the Bulge was covered by the European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
Sometimes rare, one-of-a-kind pieces come up for auction, like in 2008 when a Belgian road sign with Bastogne stamped on it sold for over $1300. The value of this item will have increased in the meantime. Other super-rare items include two-star General James Gavin’s headquarters flag, which went for $1800 in 2020.
Film
In 1965, Warner Brothers released Battle of the Bulge, an epic war film with an all-star Hollywood cast. Despite lacking historical accuracy (most of the scenes were filmed in Spain with modern tanks), the film was entertaining and opened up the battle to a new audience. Memorable performances from Telly Savalas, Charles Bronson, and Martin Shaw mean the film is still popular with World War II buffs.
Autographs are some of the most high-value items associated with the film. A rare autograph from deceased actor Robert Shaw (who played fanatical panzer commander Colonel Hessler) sold for nearly $3000 in 2019. Italian actress Pier Angeli played the romantic interest, and her autograph recently went for over $400.
Lobby cards are another popular item with movie memorabilia collectors. One depicting the “King Tiger” tanks rolling across the countryside can be picked up cheaply.
Paintings and Images
The acclaimed HBO TV show Band of Brothers brought the Bulge (especially the fighting around Bastogne) to international attention. Following the real-life exploits of Easy Company, 101st Airborne, throughout the war, the show has a devoted following. One incredible collectible came up for auction in 2019, a painting by military artist John Shaw of some members of Easy Company signed by eight of the original Band of Brothers. As some of these men have sadly passed away, this item will likely increase in value over time.
Major Dick Winters led Easy Company during the war and was portrayed by British actor Damian Lewis in the show. A period photograph of Winters in dress uniform and with his signature went for $1500 in 2019.
The American general most associated with the battle was George S. Patton, who led his Third Army north to strike at the southern flank of the “Bulge.” Brilliantly portrayed by George C. Scott in the 1970 film, an original wartime photograph of Patton went for almost $1400 in 2024.
Games
The Bulge has been thoroughly presented in the wargaming world, with literally hundreds of Bulge-related games coming out over the years. One of the first was Avalon Hill’s Battle of the Bulge (1965), released alongside the film. A used copy sells for around $40.
Modern games increase the historical accuracy and playability of the simulation. MMP’s Race for Bastogne in their Grand Tactical Series (GTS) is one for collectors to look out for. A copy in decent condition will sell for north of $150. One of the most complete strategic simulations to date is GMT’s A Time for Trumpets (2020). Complete copies in shrink wrap can fetch around $110.
Final Thoughts
The Bulge was a key test of American arms in World War II. Fought in freezing conditions against some of the best units in the German order of battle, the resilience and determination shown by individual GIs in their foxholes was remarkable. As it is always a popular battle with history buffs and collectors, the market for Bulge memorabilia remains strong.
Matthew Doherty is a writer, editor, and teacher specializing in all things history-related. His work has been published in the UK Defence Journal, the Small Wars Journal, and The Collector. He holds an MSc from the University of Edinburgh and a BA from the University of Leeds. In his spare time, he also writes science fiction stories.
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