Military Surplus History - Kaufman Army Navy

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Did you know that Army & Navy stores operated in the United States before the Civil War began in 1861? It’s true. Just as most Army & Navy stores today only sell new mer-chandise, those earlier stores only sold new military uniforms and uniform accessories.

In 1872, Francis Bannerman is credited with actually starting the military surplus busi-ness when he purchased vast amounts of both new and used military goods* from the U.S. Government accumulated during the Civil War.

Bannerman subsequently opened America’s first military goods store on lower Broadway in New York City. When the Spanish-American War erupted in 1898, entire regiments of volunteers were outfitted by Bannerman’s with military surplus uniforms.

After World War I ended in 1918, other military surplus stores opened for business. During the winters throughout The Great Depression of the 1930s, many Americans relied on these stores for well-made and inexpensive military clothing to help keep them warm.

With the surrender of Germany and Japan in 1945, WWII ended and the heyday of ‘War Surplus Stores’ as they came to be known began. Thousands of military surplus stores opened up all across the United States selling anything and everything ‘Government Issue’ or ‘G.I.’.

During the 1950s and 1960s, military surplus stores were practically everywhere, and most every city and even many small towns could likely boast one or two. Their broad appeal has remained strong even as sporting goods and Big Box stores have become more common.

Today, though the number of ‘real’ military surplus stores that actually sell genuine military surplus has dwindled, if you’re able to find a good one, then you know for yourself just how much fun they can be.

Many of our customers tell us that Kaufman’s is one of the best surplus stores any-where- and we’re proud to hear it! So please look around and enjoy your visit. We have fascinating items for you to see and lots of history to share!