While these treasures from the past are for sale, every once in a while one appears that could be considered priceless.
“Signed Abraham Lincoln letters have shown up,” said Bob Zurko of Zurko Promotions.
Collectors and history enthusiasts never know what they’ll come across at the Chicagoland Civil War & Collector Arms Show and Sale, held twice a year at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. The next show will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 23. Early buyer admission is at 8 a.m. Early buyer admission is $25.
The fall show is scheduled for Sept. 24.
“It’s the only one of its kind in the Chicago area,” Zurko said. “Even in the upper Midwest there’s just very few left. And the show will be sold out.”
The show has been at the DuPage fairgrounds for more than 45 years, he said. It draws dealers from about 15 states and buyers from around the country and as far away as Japan.
“It’s a really well established event,” Zurko said.
The Civil War show is history that you can touch and own at the same time, he said. It brings together advanced historical collectors who “enjoy buying museum quality items,” Zurko said. “You can actually buy a slice of the past.”
In addition to the Civil War treasures, there are items from the Revolutionary War, Spanish-American War, American Indian Wars, Mountain Men collectibles, Bowie knife collectors and collector arms dealers.
“We’ve had Civil War Gatling guns, historic Civil War flags, full uniforms, drums, and a variety of unique items,” Zurko said. “There’s swords, Civil War clothing, jewelry. And there’s items all the way up to World War I and II for military collectors.”
Attendees can bring things for appraisal and to sell, he said.
“There will be people there we can direct them to who specialize in what they bring in,” he said. “That will give them an idea of what it’s worth.”
Often attendees will come dressed in period clothing for the show.
“It’s really a fun time for everyone,” Zurko said. “Most of it’s authentic period attire.”
Outside the show, Civil War cannons will be displayed.
“It’s a whole experience,” Zurko said.
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While the thousands of items for sale vary in price, they are all original artifacts, Zurko said.
“You can find things from $25 to $25,000 and up,” he said. “A guy sold a Civil War Gatling gun one year. I think he got like $40,000 for it.”
Other items on display and for sale include historical autographs, currency, pictures and more.
“It’s Americana at its finest,” Zurko said. “You can own a piece of American history. How can you beat that? Most of the stuff left is in museums, so it’s nice chance to own Americana at its finest.”
Chicagoland Civil War & Collector Arms Show and Sale
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 23
Where: DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton
Tickets: $10 general admission; Kids 16 and under are free
Information: 715-526-9769; chicagocivilwarshow.com
Kathy Cichon is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.