“It’s the thrill of it, because you never know what you’re going to come across,” he says.
Featuring over 400 items, mainly from the First and Second World Wars – although he does have some items from more recent conflicts as well – the collection has been growing steadily since he was given his first treasure at age seven.
Ethan says a close family friend, the late John Ayer, a Sackville veteran who served in the Canadian Armed Forces, helped spark his interest when he gave him his first item for his collection – an army helmet.
From a young age, Ethan had always had an interest in “military stuff and learning about the wars.” So it didn’t take him long after receiving that helmet to start picking up other items while out antique collecting and flea marketing with his dad. He has also added to his collection through yard sales and receiving new pieces from family members or friends who have heard about his hobby.
From clothing to badges, plaques, equipment, ammo crates, buttons, helmets, hats and more, Ethan’s collection has drawn the interest of his family and friends, who love looking at all the artifacts and learning about the stories behind them.
“I just think it’s really cool, not a lot of 11-year-olds collect this stuff.”
Other military buffs in the region were also impressed with his collection – which also features a wide array of old newspaper articles, army paperwork, books and photos – when it was on display during the annual Sackville Fall Fair.
Ethan says one of his favourite items amongst his collection is a Lancaster Bomber Helmet – headwear worn by the British Airforce personnel in WWII – which he received recently from a family friend who knew he collected war memorabilia. He is also particularly proud of two really rare German badges he has from the Second World War.
Some of his collection currently sits in a wooden and glass display case in his bedroom with some items also spilling over onto a bookcase, but much of it is packed away. His dad Scott says they hope to create a space in the future so that people will be able to come and view the exhibit.
Ethan says he would gladly welcome new pieces for his collection and encourages people to check their closets or attics for items such as buttons, badges, clothing and helmets.
And what would Ethan really like to add to his collection? He says he would love to find a M4A3E8 Sherman, a battle tank from WWII, or an M5 Stuart US light tank.
“It’s the thrill of it, because you never know what you’re going to come across,” he says.
Featuring over 400 items, mainly from the First and Second World Wars – although he does have some items from more recent conflicts as well – the collection has been growing steadily since he was given his first treasure at age seven.
Ethan says a close family friend, the late John Ayer, a Sackville veteran who served in the Canadian Armed Forces, helped spark his interest when he gave him his first item for his collection – an army helmet.
From a young age, Ethan had always had an interest in “military stuff and learning about the wars.” So it didn’t take him long after receiving that helmet to start picking up other items while out antique collecting and flea marketing with his dad. He has also added to his collection through yard sales and receiving new pieces from family members or friends who have heard about his hobby.
From clothing to badges, plaques, equipment, ammo crates, buttons, helmets, hats and more, Ethan’s collection has drawn the interest of his family and friends, who love looking at all the artifacts and learning about the stories behind them.
“I just think it’s really cool, not a lot of 11-year-olds collect this stuff.”
Other military buffs in the region were also impressed with his collection – which also features a wide array of old newspaper articles, army paperwork, books and photos – when it was on display during the annual Sackville Fall Fair.
Ethan says one of his favourite items amongst his collection is a Lancaster Bomber Helmet – headwear worn by the British Airforce personnel in WWII – which he received recently from a family friend who knew he collected war memorabilia. He is also particularly proud of two really rare German badges he has from the Second World War.
Some of his collection currently sits in a wooden and glass display case in his bedroom with some items also spilling over onto a bookcase, but much of it is packed away. His dad Scott says they hope to create a space in the future so that people will be able to come and view the exhibit.
Ethan says he would gladly welcome new pieces for his collection and encourages people to check their closets or attics for items such as buttons, badges, clothing and helmets.
And what would Ethan really like to add to his collection? He says he would love to find a M4A3E8 Sherman, a battle tank from WWII, or an M5 Stuart US light tank.
