Backpacks that remember the Warsaw Pact would suffice to equip an entire company. They are waiting for buyers at the Wroclaw Branch of the Military Property Agency. But it is military underwear that is in particular demand, and the army long johns sell like hot cakes.
"We sell items that are either new or almost new and in good condition. The army dispose of their equipment as the norms and standards have changed. Soldiers are now using NATO equipment, which is both light and modern," says Marian Bednarski, Manager of the Moveable Property Section at the Wroclaw Branch of the Military Property Agency.
Those who buy military equipment are slightly abashed because it is difficult to boast about long johns, but they nonetheless swallow their pride and buy them. These items have sentimental value, as they will take you to your youth, quality, as the army stands for quality, after all, and good price. Long johns for 3 PLN, dressing gowns for 8 PLN, handkerchiefs for 0.5 PLN, and also shoe shine brushes, Gerlach vegetable peelers and leather cases. They were kept in military store rooms as an emergency supply of the Polish People's Army. The army and the alliances have changed, but the military supply from the Communist era is still available. But it is not confidential anymore and may also be photographed. What is more, the army in now trying to sell their supplies.
Reliable, no Chinese junk
Other top sales include towels for 2 PLN, smart backpacks for officers for 50 PLN, canteens for 10 PLN, warm and reliable outdoor jackets for 40 PLN, tracksuits (various sizes) - sweat shirt and seat pants for 16 PLN, legendary lantern-battery flash lights (they produce white, green and red light) with an additional light bulb for 4.50 PLN. The originally packed kerosene lamps for 16 PLN are all the rage.
"This is reliable stuff, not Chinese junk. Such gadgets are extremely difficult to come by these days, and you can always use them in the garden," says the lucky buyer, a sixty-year-old man, as he puts the lamp into his bag.
Military surplus for your home, workshop and the garden
Military uniforms are popular with anglers and hunters, but not only.
"Just the other day an elderly lad came to buy a mess tin for her grandson. She gave it to him as a present. And military stainless steel ladles make perfect pot trays and they cost just several PLN," says Marian Bednarski.
Other military surplus hits include tarpaulin bags for orderlies, bags for clothes and aluminium spoons. Items for the choosy are also available, including enamelled urinals with a handle and enamelled bedpans for 6 PLN, cupping-glasses for 1.22 PLN an item, pocket-sized spittoons (never used) for 2.44 PLN. There are also mess tins, canteens, backpacks, helmets, field telephones and sewing machines. The offer also includes stainless steel spoons, cleavers and mysterious egg radiators.
"In the next few weeks the offer will be extended with utensils used by surgeons, dentists and ophthalmologists. All of them in mint condition and never used," says Marian Bednarski.
Heavy duty equipment will put out to tender. Excavators, tractors and vintage Star 660 lorries will be available for several thousand PLN. They are not in working order, but the price is still competitive.
Where to buy military surplus equipment?
The Military Property Agency sometimes runs sales at various open air mass events. Surplus equipment is also available at a special shop run by the Wroclaw branch of the Agency at ul Zwycięska 39. Military surplus is available for sale from Monday to Thursday between 8.30 am and 2 pm. You can also check the offer over the phone at 71 364 73 82 or online: http://www.amw.com.pl/pl/r/przetargi-rsm
Written by and photographs: Jarek Ratajczak
