You are in the Special Features section - Seal Military - US Insignia, WW2 Patches, US Military Memorabilia

Seal Military - US Insignia, WW2 Patches, 
US Military Memorabilia

Here Digger talks to Kevin Kaye at Seal Military whose hobby for US Militaria keeps him busy, buying and selling via The Internet as well as at numerous events on the Vintage, Retro and WWII calendars around the UK.

Military uniforms, badges, insignia, belts, caps, shirts, gloves, trousers, jackets, bags & holsters are all available, either as original items or authentic reproductions.

Digger: Please tell us something of your background and the background to Seal Military Kevin.

Kevin: I'm a former professional fire officer with 31 years service attaining Divisional Commander rank. I retired in January 2007 & started building the business up from then. I'm still in employment with a large insurance firm checking buildings worldwide for fire risk. So my wife Beverley runs the ship during the week & I take the helm at the weekend shows. It started as a result of 25 years of walking the USAAF airfields in the UK and reading the group histories. As besides the kit, customers are also buying your knowledge.

Digger: This is a hobby/business. Your website shows that you have a diary packed full of events that you attend. Please tell us more about these various events and shows.

Kevin: Events range from large to small WW2/1940 shows, with outdoor shows generally between April & October and several indoor shows over the Winter. Increasingly mixing the venues between pure 1940/WW2 shows, US Car shows & R&B music-related events, as many customers span a wide spectrum of US interest.

Digger:  What are your historical and retro passions and what gives you most pleasure running Seal Military?

Kevin: I've always been a big fan of the USAAF in Britain  and have walked the majority of old USAAF airfields in Norfolk & Suffolk. In addition I'm an avid reader of 20th century history, particularly military.  In addition to my USAAF interests I have visited many battlefield locations in Europe over 20 years; Normandy, Arnhem, Ypres, Passchendale, Vimy,  Rome, Anzio, Monte Casino, etc. As a former Northern Soul boy I'm also a big R& B music fan  - Lavern Baker, Ruth Brown, Esther Philips, etc. So there's quite a tie in to the R&B & Rock a Billy crowd, many of whom also cross over into the 1940s scene. Re: pleasures - putting aside  not erecting & dismantling the marquee over the Winter months, the many good friends and loyal customers I have acquired over the last 4 years who are often avid historians themselves providing a common interest.

Digger: WWII holds a particular fascination and focus for the British. Why is that do you think?

Kevin: Nostalgia & Retro is a release from the instant society we have de-generated into in the last twenty years. IT has become the new industrial revolution - substituting call centres for the former spinning mills & with everyone now tied to Blackberries or emails night & day. WW2 was a period when courage & individualism was valued & commemorated, not derided as today.

Digger: And why do you think there continues to be such a huge interest in retro, vintage and nostalgia generally in all is forms?

Kevin: As above plus it is a great look - the scene is both a collector's market and fashion industry & the crowd look stunning in their gear. Whether it is the girls in their 40s or 50s clothing or the guys in the different uniforms & retro styles. I suppose it's also an escape from the conformist lifestyle that appears to trap so many today but perversely also necessary to provide the funding to escape!

Digger: Who are your typical customers, if such a thing exists, and what sorts of comments and feedback are you getting?

Kevin: They range from collectors to new starters  who are getting into the scene and long-standing customers  - many are very loyal   & I estimate I have an 80% return rate (not sure if it's  the abuse I give them - they seem to thrive on it.)

Digger: What impact does The Internet have on your business?

Kevin: You cannot beat physically displaying the merchandise or meeting customers in person at events  but The Internet allows a higher level of after- event sales and negates the need for a physical shop, etc. 7 days a week.

Digger: Are these items getting more difficult to source?

Kevin: Yes -  inevitably they're not available in the same quantities as previous years. I buy original items in the US each year but increasingly am moving to manufacturing reproduction items.

Digger: Where do you see the future for Seal Military?

Kevin: Growing steadily and providing good quality repro  US WW2 and 50s kit at a fair price. I have several selected manufacturing partners who ensure good quality &  are equally watching the business grow.  I do not want to be a high- volume provider chained to a PC and warehouse 24/7 as I would lose my interest and enjoyment in the shows.