Military surplus is goods, usually materiel, that are sold or otherwise disposed of when held in excess or are no longer needed by the military. often buy these goods and resell them at . Usually the goods sold by the military are clothing, equipment, and of a nature that is generally useful to the civilian population, as well as embroidered patches, name tags, and other items that can be used for a faux military uniform. Occasionally, vehicles (jeeps, trucks, etc.) will be sold as well. "The World's Biggest Clearance Sale." Popular Mechanics, February 1955, pp. 89-93. Some military surplus dealers also sell military surplus , spare parts, and ammunition alongside surplus uniforms and equipment.
Demand for such items comes from various Collecting, outdoorsmen, , , , and players of airsoft and paintball, as well as others seeking high quality, sturdy, military issue garb. Reenactment groups usually seek historically-accurate restrike uniforms and equipment for displays, filmwork etc.
The goods may be used, or not. Some merchants of surplus goods also sell goods that are privately manufactured in military standards. Most items that are sold in military surplus stores in the United States are deemed "military grade". This designation refers to meeting a relevant United States Military Standard. For example, uniforms meet Army Regulation 670-1.
In the 1870s, Francis Bannerman VI operated "Bannerman's surplus". His surplus company was one of the largest ever to operate. He built Bannerman's Castle, a massive storage facility on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, to store his goods.
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