He tells them every one of his pieces oozes history, regardless of the condition he found them in.

Mr Rawlings will display items from his helmet, cap and hat collection this weekend at the Annual Arms & Collectibles Show in Golden Square.

Some of the pieces he owns are flawless, others have seen better days.

Take one of his World War Two era helmets. Its dome was cleaved open by an explosion as army recruits were training.

Someone had pulled their arm back to throw a grenade but his arm hit the wall of the trench he stood in. In his surprise the recruit dropped the explosive.

In the chaos that followed a sergeant took his helmet off, threw it over the explosive and smothered both with his body.

The explosion blew his stomach out but his death protected all those still in the trench.

“This is the helmet he wore,” Mr Rawlings said.

“I got that story off the elderly fellow I got the helmet from. He treasured it. He said ‘I know you will treasure it because you collect them (helmets)’.

A number of items in the collection had been given to Mr Rawlings for free.

“People just want you to understand the story behind it and make sure it’s preserved,” he said.

They also want Mr Rawlings to keep telling the stories behind each item.

“He (the British sergeant) will be remembered for what he did,” Mr Rawlings said.

Now in it’s 35^th year, the Arms & Collectibles Show is run by the Golden City Collectors Association of Bendigo and attracts a wide range of enthusiasts.

Organisers say popular collectors, including those displaying buttons, jewels, ceremonial African items, clocks, medals and Marilyn Monroe items, had added to their collections since last year.

More history: 

Two reenactment groups will be on hand during the event, with members in full uniform. The ‘Blue and Grey’ would represent solders from the United States Civil War. The Shenandoah Crew would come complete with cannon to portray sailors from the 19^th century.

Traders in antiques, curios and firearms would also sell their wares.

The show takes place at the Bendigo Major League Multisports complex on Saturday between 9am and 5pm, and on Sunday from 9am to 3pm.

Entry will cost $5, $10 for families and $4 for concessions.

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