StayTuned Magazine

Discovery Channel’s “Combat Cash” delves into military collectibles

January 11, 2012 Tom Comi Reality TV

Whether it’s antiques, storage belongings, sports memorabilia or items being sold at a pawn shop, it seems like there is a reality show for everything these days. And thanks to Discovery Channel, you can now add military collectibles to the list.

Premiering tonight at 10pm ET, Combat Cash follows Bob Chatt and Owen Thornton as they use their knowledge, experience and money to pursue rare military artifacts. Also referred to as militaria, these items include tanks, GI Joe figures, World War II flame throwers, Saddam Hussein propaganda banners and Vietnam war-era helicopters.

As much as Thornton and Chatt enjoy what they do, don’t be fooled into thinking this is just something they do for fun in their spare time. Because there is such a high demand for the obscure artifacts they track down, they have been able to turn the hobbies of others into a money-making business for themselves.

Discovery Channel is rolling out two shows tonight as part of the special premiere. In the first installment (10pm ET), the two men find a a propaganda banner with Saddam Hussein’s image that was reportedly removed from a building in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. They have also been hired to find an operational WWII Japanese tank, easier said than done when it’s estimated there are only 10 in the world.

In the second show (10:30pm ET), Chatt and Thornton fire WWII guns to add realistic sounds to a video game project. They also attend a D-Day event to deliver a rare helmet and negotiate a “DUCK” amphibious vehicle, and Thornton suits up to storm the beaches with hundreds of WWII reenactors.

The unique aspect to Combat Cash appears not to just be the artifacts the two men find — which is pretty cool in itself — but the bond they form with the military enthusiasts they are hired by and encounter. It’s one thing to find a piece of history from WWII, but there’s something special about attending a D-Day event or hanging out with soldiers that can literally put the reality in the overused term reality TV.

 

 


30 Comments

  1. The last thing I would do is spend $1,250.00 on a rare original WWII combat medic helmet & then turn around & use it for re-enacting. Chances of it getting ruined makes me shudder. Not to realistic.

  2. People think the American public is brain dead and will watch anything. Staged or not and you have to have a goofy side kick that makes people feel good about themselves. If your going to jump out of an airplane in a military show, dress up like an airborne ranger and jump from a real C47

  3. Sure was alot like pawn stars & American pickers, but with alot less buying militaria. Mostly looked like an attempt at comedy. Wish it was more realistic like not so staged….

  4. If you ever want to find that special gift for a relative, friend or acquaintenance that served in the military, check into buying some kind of military memorabilia relevant to the time and place they served. I did that for my Dad, and it “knocked his socks off”! This stuff can be hard to find, but guys like this can help!

  5. More D day stuff and less exploding watermelons and jumping out of airplanes, More buying militaria and less crushing cars.
    All that stuff is filler I want to see more buying of militaria.

      • You really think that tank expert couldnt find his own japanese tank? Im not sayin the show is bad, just sayin it can use some work.

  6. Didnt believe the staged buying events and what’s was with the bike owners cloths?? They dress funny in England.

  7. Watched the show and loved it! Got a big kick out out the wild and crazy Irishman’s antics.

  9. Do the guys give value of items? I have an item I saw on the show and would like to know what it’s worth. Thanks.

  11. Great show.Been collecting out here in Ma. since my Grandfather got me interested at age 7. That was 42 years ago! Look forward to seeing more. What is your web address for items you have for sale?

    Thanks, Frank

  14. I have a 1945 LAIM Case Tractor, Military Version that has been complete restored. Runs strong and looks great. I have pictures. It has dual rear wheels, air brakes, compresor, horn, gladhands, penal hitch, hand clutch, parking break. I am willing to sale if your interested.

  15. I have a 1953 m38a1 with the f head motor in it what canI use to mount to the trans if you could help me I would love to get it back on the rd think you Ps motor is bad and I can not find one in my price ranges I don,t like it just setting in the yard

  16. I have a Hitler book my father brought back from the war. It is full of actual photos fastened to the book and I am looking for a buyer. It has maybe two photos missing. I have scanned it to make it easier to show any buyer who may be interested.

  17. I saw on the show some uniforms on display, I am looking for a Marine cami pattern from the late 70s to early 80s. thought I saw some hanging there, can I purchase from you?

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