Collector’s Dream: Ohio Valley Military Antiques Show Returns

The Ohio Valley Military Society is preparing to host its annual "Show of Shows," featuring around 2,000 vendor tables along with several military veteran guests.

As a longtime collector of vintage military surplus and gear, I’m excited to share details about the upcoming Show of Shows in Louisville, Kentucky. If you're a military collector searching for rare or unique items to add to your collection, chances are you'll find it—and much more—at this one-of-a-kind event. From firearms and knives to helmets and military memorabilia, there will be plenty of amazing pieces to explore.

Ohio Valley Military Society and 'The Show of Shows'

The Show of Shows is an international gathering of military history collectors and is currently the world’s largest military antiques show. This year, organizers plan to have around 2,000 tables of historic artifacts for sale, along with some very special guests. The event will take place at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, from Thursday, Feb. 20, through Saturday, Feb. 22.

Show of Shows Admission and Hours

Thursday will be open only to Ohio Valley Military Society (OVMS) members, but for those wanting to become a member, signups are available at the door for $40. Public admission on Friday and Saturday is $12 per day, or $20 for both days if you plan to attend both. You can see a full list of hours below:

Thursday, Feb. 20
OVMS members: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST)

Friday, Feb. 21
OVMS members and the public: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST)

Saturday, Feb. 22
OVMS members and the public: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (CST)

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Veteran Guests Scheduled to Appear in Louisville

In addition to the assortment of relics worth browsing, the Show of Shows is set to feature an abundance of military veterans and authors signing autographs. You can see a full list of attendees below; however, the list is subject to change. To stay up to date on the latest announcements, check out the OVMS Facebook page.

• Leo Flory – 101st Airborne combat medic in Vietnam; author of Transition to Duty, his personal memoir.
• George Patton Waters – Grandson of General George Patton; served as a Navy officer on the USS Braine (DD 630) from 1965 to 1970.
• Jack Moran – Combat infantryman in Company K, 347th Infantry, 87th Infantry Division, WWII.
• Jake Ruser ��� Combat medic, 4th Infantry Division, WWII.
• Andrew Biggio – Afghanistan veteran and author of The Rifle and The Rifle II.
• Dale Dye – Decorated Marine Vietnam veteran, well known for his work in the film industry, including Band of Brothers and other military films.
• Joe Peterburs – P-51 pilot, 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, WWII; author of an autobiography, which will be for sale.
• Duke Cunningham ��� Navy pilot, VP-49, USS Constellation; ace in the Vietnam War and Navy Cross recipient; author of Fox Two: America’s First Ace in Vietnam.
• Bud Alley – Silver Star recipient, 7th Cavalry, LZ-Albany, Vietnam; author of The Ghosts of the Green Grass, his memoir of combat in the LZ-Albany operation.
• Cletis Bailey – Combat infantryman, 84th Infantry Division, WWII.
• Wes Fields – Air Force Master Sergeant; served on AC-130 gunships in operations around the globe.