Experts prepared to explain mystery military artifacts

Maybe you've got an antique firearm that was handed down through the family with little information on its past, or an old military uniform that you found while cleaning out Grandpa's attic.

If you're curious about its history, bring it to the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond on Jan. 14. From 10 a.m. to noon, the organization will offer free evaluations by two experts versed in the origins of military artifacts.

Jesse Smith, curator of the memorial's military collection, said the organization decided to hold the event because it's been fielding requests for such reviews for years. In addition to firearms and uniforms, people have come to the museum with helmets, medals, gun belts and other field gear.

Just the other week, Smith said, someone dropped in with a pocket-size Bible fitted with a metal cover. Smith was able to explain for its owner that during World War II, relatives often bought the so-called "sweetheart Bibles" to send to loved ones on the battlefield. Soldiers carried them over their hearts as protection from bullets.

"Every item has a story to tell," said Smith, who will review artifacts with Robert House III, who owns Tidewater Military Traders in Virginia Beach. "Between the two of us, I think we should know something about everything that walks through the door."

Smith said they won't offer estimates of value, only information on items' history and significance - for example, what era a firearm or uniform is from and what branch of the military used it. Sometimes, if uniforms have individual identification markers stitched into them, Smith can help uncover the name of the person who wore it.

Jon Hatfield, the memorial's executive director, said he thinks as many as several hundred people might turn out. The organization may hold more free evaluations if demand warrants it, he said.

The evaluations will be done in the Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center at the Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St., Richmond. Parking and admission to the memorial are also free.

All firearms should come unloaded. An officer with the Virginia Capitol Police will be on hand to check and secure weapons before they're allowed inside.