For our short film The Last Patrol we had to look for authentic, or at least semi-authentic, costumes and props. 

The first place I searched was the yellowpages for any military surplus stores in my area.  I got lucky as there happened to be two surplus stores in Fresno.  At one of the places I purchased our M-65 field jackets, three of them for $19 each.  Helmets, pants, and weapons were too expensive so I decided to look elsewhere. 

eBay was the next logical choice.  On eBay I was able to find many good deals on items such as backpacks and replica guns.  But there were still a few more items that I couldn't find (for the cheap price that I wanted) on either eBay or at those military surplus stores. 

So I searched google for any internet vendors that sold military supplies.  And I found a great resource called Major Surplus and Survival (http://www.majorsurplusnsurvival.com).  I spent over $200 at this online store, and I can recommend them highly.  Helmets, pants and boots are just a few things that can be found very cheaply on this website.

So there's three very good resources.  1. Local military surplus stores.  2. eBay  3. Major Surplus and Survival.  That should get you well on your way to producing some great war costumes from any era.  Good luck!

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