41st Annual Central Virginia Military Antique Show

Originally published January 2023 · pp. 28–29

41st Annual Central Virginia Military Antique Show

HENRICO COUNTY, Va.— The 41st annual Central Virginia Military Antique Show was held on November 12, at the Richmond Raceway Complex. Formerly called the “Capital of the Confederacy Show,” this is one of the three longest running predominantly Civil War shows in the country. Throughout its long history it was affiliated with the Central Virginia Civil War Relic Collectors Association, but in recent years the primary show promoter passed from Mike Kent to Carl Sitherwood and Mike Ward of BulletAndShell.com. On a gorgeous fall day, attendance was up nearly 25% over the previous year. Starting with a healthy line at the show’s opening, a steady stream of hundreds of customers poured in to view the historical military items shown on over 200 dealer and display tables. To get the word out and boost attendance, a large amount of advertising money was spent promoting the show via print, social media, and signage in a 50-mile radius. The show promoters had arranged for several large, newto-the-market collections to be put up for sale exclusively at this event. This created a huge buzz and added meaningfully to the abundance of reasonably priced items to buy. Many dealers commented on how strong sales were. Without doubt, this is the leading show for Civil War artillery. There was more Civil War ordnance material for sale here than at any show in recent memory. Noted Civil War artillery projectile authors were set up along with several top collectors in the field. Jim Thomas, another Civil War author, was helping staff The Horse Soldier’s tables. Jim generously donated copies of his book as door prizes as did Ransom Hundley, Jim Scarr, and Historical Publications LLC. More than a dozen display tables made the four show award judges’ work challenging. When the final scorecards were tabulated there were three show prizes to give out. They were: Historical significance award went to Gerald C. Roxbury for “Confederate Naval Cutlasses”; Most Educational to Mike Wright for “My Father’s Relics”; and Best of Show to Mark Ramer for “Civil War Fuses.” Attendees were enormously appreciative of the displays and nonprofit informational booths. Several commented as to how educational exhibitions had 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. Best of Show winner, Mark Ramer admitted to having worked getting his display ready for over two years.

Uniformed Henrico County policemen acting as part of the round-the-clock security coverage team reported no incidents. Many guests also attended the modern gun show being held next door in the other raceway facility building. The remarkable show results and turnout speak loudly in support of the hobby, especially after some other shows have struggled recently. Saving the best news for last, it was announced that the show will go on again on November 18, 2023 for its 42nd year. This is a weekend later than 2022 to eliminate a date conflicting with the Richmond Marathon and the

Central Virginia Civil War Relic Collectors Club table with some amazing relics.

Mike Ward, show co-sponsor, stands behind BulletAndShell.com tables loaded with, of course, bullets and shells.

Tulsa Gun Show. Many dealers have already voiced support for this date change so there is every reason to believe that the show will be even bigger next year. Visit www.TheRelicShow.com for additional information and table reservations.

The Central Virginia Show is proud to announce the show will be even bigger and better next year. Due to a Racetrack construction project the show will be hosted at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Va. Note that it will be a week later than last year on November 18th.

Tom and Debbie Hays of Stones River Trading Company talking relics with Bill Irvin of Perry Adams Antiques.

Jim Thomas shows off a tremendous selection of bullets at The Horse Soldier’s table.

Attendees looking for a deal at the show. Plenty of dug and non-dug artifacts were available for purchase at the show.

Mike Wright proudly shows his award winning display of “My Father’s Relics” to an interested patron.