Medals, uniforms, insignia, gear and sharp-edged weaponry - these are sometimes inherited from veteran family members or discovered in attics and garage sales.
The Museum of Missouri Military History will host its first Militaria Identification Day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Missouri National Guard's Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.
Firearms are not allowed, but owners may bring photos.
History and military experts will be available to examine pieces to help provide background on an item's origins, era and purpose, Director Charles Machon said.
"We want to help people learn what they have," he said. "And then tell them, "By the way, here's how to take care of it.'"
The event also is a good time for those who have yet to check out the newly reopened museum in its much larger space, he said.
Many times keepers of these military pieces do not know how to care for them, how to store them or what they even might be.
"Several times, people have done more harm than good" when trying to clean or save these aging pieces, Machon said.
For example, several times military companies would have a group photo taken, but the print turned out to be well more than a foot long. Those photos often get rolled up, which is better than folding. But it's the unfolding that needs to be done delicately.
Machon has a humidification method that has worked for the museum's artifacts, which he can share with individuals Saturday.
Another common error is using Scotch tape, which causes permanent yellowing to documents and photo paper.
And older uniforms also present situations where well-meaning owners do more damage than good, such as sewing loose buttons or removing insignia.
"Sometimes it's best to just leave it alone," Machon said.
That's where the Militaria Identification Day, an event the museum hopes to continue annually, comes in. Experts can provide the information owners can then use.
"We're not here to criticize; we're here to help," Machon said.
The museum is not seeking donations at this event. It's just to benefit the artifact owners, Machon said.
However, if owners are looking for a future home for their military pieces, they could contact the museum later.
Volunteer experts for the day will specialize in photo and paper preservation, military artifact identification and textile preservation. They represent organizations include the Missouri State Archive, the University of Central Missouri and the museum's friends group.
"The cool thing is we never know what may arrive," that day, Machon said. "Today, we've had soldiers who have served all over the world.
"It could be like Christmas."
Call 573-638-9603 for more information.