40th Annual Central Virginia Military Antique Show
Originally published January 2022 · pp. 18–19
40th Annual Central Virginia Military Antique Show HENRICO COUNTY, Virginia—The 40th annual Central Virginia Military Antique Show was held on November 13, 2021, at the Richmond Raceway Complex. This is one of the largest and longest running shows in the country, and once again it didn’t disappoint. The show picked up where it left off after a COVID gap year with well over 200 dealer and display tables. Hundreds of people came out to this one-day show; many guests also attended the gun show being held next door in the other facility building. Long-time collectors Carl Sitherwood and Mike Ward inherited this show from Mike Kent earlier this year. Kent said, “Carl and Mike are perfect stewards for carrying the tradition forward. As collectors who aren’t viewing the show merely as a business, Mike and Carl care about the experience first and foremost from the collector’s standpoint.” Unfortunately, a date conflict with the Tulsa gun show resulted in the loss of three long-time dealers, but their spots were filled by collecting buddies of Mike and Carl who brought a large range of fresh-to-the-market items that were quickly scooped up. Among the highlights were the liquidation of Peter George’s lifetime artillery collection, a fantastic old-time dug group of Shiloh area relics that had never been to market, and a large estate collection of 70 plus Confederate belt plates and swords which completely sold out. John Sexton offered free appraisals that were incredibly well received. A lot of great pieces walked into the show; this was understandable given its location and 40-year track record. To say that buying was brisk would be an understatement. Without doubt, this was the leading show for Civil War artillery. Noted Civil War artillery projectile authors Col. John Biemeck (Ret.), Jack Melton, Jack Bell, and Peter George all set up; the four have not attended the same show together in many years, along with several top collectors in the field. Jim Thomas, another Civil War projectile book author was helping man The Horse Soldier’s tables and donated copies of his book as door prizes as did Ransom Hundley. There were more display tables than at the previous show, making the show award judges work challenging. When the scorecards were in there were only three show prizes to give and they went to: ✪ Historical Significance to Mike Wright for the display “My Father’s Relics” ✪ Most Educational to Mike Singer for his “Military Insignia” ✪ Best of Show to Bill Thompson for “Presentation Pistols”
Attendees were enormously appreciative of the displays and nonprofit informational booths. Several commented as to how these have fallen off in recent years and how nice it was to have them back in healthy numbers. There was great appreciation from the show promoters, dealers, and attendees alike for the hard work put into displaying and the sharing of the fantastic relics. In addition, a special memorial table for David Pearsall was manned by several of his friends. David passed away on September 28 while doing what he loved, diving for relics. A dead battery in one collector’s vehicle was the only excitement on the otherwise perfect safety and security record during the show. The two uniformed Henrico County policemen acting as round-the-clock security were left with so little to do that one of them bought a half section of an artillery shell for himself! The remarkable turnout speaks loudly in support of the hobby, especially in these times of negativity and disinformation. Saving the best news for last, it was announced there that the show will go on for its 41st year at the same time next year. For more information visit https://militaryantiqueshow.com/ or email Carl Sitherwood at [email protected], or Mike Ward at mike@ bulletandshell.com. Bill Thompson showing his Best of Show plaque for his “Revolvers Identified to Civil War Soldiers Killed or Wounded in Action” display. Greg Ton
