Buying and selling original militaria up to 1945 is legal in Germany — including pieces from the Nazi era. What's regulated is not the possession or sale of such objects, but the public display of certain symbols (§ 86a StGB) and the handling of weapons (the Weapons Act, Waffengesetz). Both can be handled cleanly when selling, and that's exactly how we do it.
A note up front: this page explains the legal situation in general terms and does not replace legal advice.
What § 86a StGB Actually Regulates
§ 86a StGB prohibits the public use and dissemination of symbols of unconstitutional organisations — such as the swastika, SS runes, or NSDAP party insignia. What's prohibited is public display: showing it in the street, posting unpixelated photos in a public listing, wearing a corresponding decoration.
What's not prohibited is possessing a historical original, passing it on privately, or selling it to a collector or dealer. The law also includes the so-called social adequacy clause (Sozialadäquanzklausel, § 86 Abs. 4 StGB), which exempts, among other things, science, research, teaching, and reporting on historical events from the prohibition.
For you as a seller, that means, in concrete terms:
- Owning an inherited piece bearing a swastika is not a criminal offence. You don't have to hand anything in or destroy anything.
- Selling to us is legal. The handover happens privately, not publicly.
- Be careful selling it yourself online: anyone who posts an unpixelated photo with prohibited symbols publicly on a marketplace falls within the scope of § 86a themselves. Large platforms such as eBay prohibit such listings under their own policies anyway.
How We Handle Symbolism
Photos you send us via WhatsApp are a private submission for assessment — not a public display. You can therefore photograph your pieces just as they are, without concern. We document such objects exclusively in private, never display them publicly anywhere, and wherever historical pieces are shown on our website, any affected symbolism is covered. Discretion applies in both directions for us: towards the law and towards the people around you.
Blankwaffen (Edged Weapons) Yes, Firearms No
On the subject of weapons, the Weapons Act (WaffG) draws a clear line:
- Blankwaffen — bayonets, sabres, swords, daggers — are freely purchasable and freely saleable as historical collector's items for adults. You may possess, sell, and ship them. A bayonet from a Nachlass (estate) is therefore not a matter for the authorities, but a normal collector's item. We buy these pieces.
- Firearms and ammunition fall under the Weapons Act and we do not buy them, as a matter of principle. If a pistol, a rifle, or ammunition turns up in a Nachlass, report the find to your local weapons authority or the police — as an heir, you have statutory deadlines for this. Deactivated weapons also require official certification, which we don't check and stay well away from.
Stahlhelme (steel helmets), uniforms, medals, equipment, certificates, and vehicles fall under none of these restrictions and are freely tradeable.
And Shipping?
Shipping original militaria within Germany and to the EU is permitted. We handle every purchase either by insured shipping or by collecting collections in person; we advise you on correct packaging before you send anything. The parcel is packed neutrally — from the outside, no one can tell what's inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Wehrmacht (German Armed Forces) Uniforms Illegal?
No. Owning and selling original Wehrmacht uniforms is legal. Only publicly wearing uniform parts bearing prohibited symbols is prohibited. As a collector's item sold privately, a uniform is unproblematic — we buy it.
Is It Legal to Wear an Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross)?
The Eisernes Kreuz of 1939 bears a swastika and, in that form, may not be worn or displayed publicly. Owning and selling the original, however, are legal. Earlier grades (1813, 1870, 1914) carry no prohibited symbols.
Are Stahlhelme Allowed?
Yes. A Stahlhelm is neither a weapon nor a prohibited symbol. Possession, purchase, and sale are unrestrictedly legal — even with the original insignia, as long as it isn't put on public display.
Where Am I Allowed to Sell a Bayonet?
Anywhere sales to adults are permitted — bayonets are unlicensed Blankwaffen. You can sell it directly to us: a photo via WhatsApp is enough, please photograph the blade markings too.
Do I Have to Hand In or Destroy Inherited Nazi-Era Objects?
No. There is no obligation to hand in historical objects bearing Nazi-era symbolism — the exception is firearms and ammunition, which belong with the weapons authority. Everything else you may keep or sell.
Not sure what applies in your case? Send us photos via WhatsApp to +34 665 164 779 — we'll tell you within 24 hours, free of charge, what you have, what's saleable, and what we'll pay for it. Once we agree, you'll get your money immediately.