For the past 30 years Ballarat has held fort as the destination for budding historians and weapons collectors thanks to the annual Eureka Arms and Militaria Fair.
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Collectors and dealers from as far away as Queensland filled the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre at the weekend to get a glance at rare relics of military history, some dating as far back as the 13th century.
More than 900 people were expected to pass through the gates to view the collection of guns, military uniforms and vintage army vehicles.
Ballarat Arms and Militaria Collectors Society secretary Nick Smith said the fair began back in the late 1980s as a response to the federal government’s compulsory firearm registration laws, which encouraged collectors and dealers to form groups to help support their hobby.
Since then the fair has grown into a nationally-recognised tradition, attracting interest from across the east coast.
He said the annual event provided a great opportunity for military enthusiasts to meet while also generating a regular stream of income for the society.
“Part of it is our enthusiasm as a society to keep it going,” Mr White said.
“Not only is it a firearm collection, but a collection and knowledge of history in all its forms.
“(The fair) supports our hobby, it supports the dealers and makes the public aware of what's around.”
All up more than 160 stalls filled the stadium to display medals, knives, swords, uniforms and historic ammunition, on top of the thousands of guns on show.
Among the most fascinating items on display at the two-day event was a rifle with a triangle barrel dating back to 1730.
Keeping with tradition, those who came in full military uniform were granted free entry to the gathering.
A number of historic reenactment groups were among the most dapper on show, with representatives from the likes of the Geelong Reenactors Group getting in full kit for the weekend.
Budding historians donned outfits from the navy, army and airforce from across generations and nations to take part in the expo.
A steady stream of young military buffs have also begun to filter through the crowd, on top of the typical older demographic.
The Ballarat Arms and Militaria Collectors Society boasts about 200 members from across the region who meet regularly.
