Mr. Kaufman’s Short History of the Military Surplus
Business in the United States

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 merchandise, those earlier stores only sold new military style uniforms and uniform accessories.

In 1872, Francis Bannerman is credited with actually starting the Military Surplus business when he bought vast amounts of both new and used military surplus from the U.S. Government that it had accumulated during the Civil War.

Subsequently, Bannerman opened America’s first military surplus 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 Nazi Germany and Japan in 1945, World War II 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 cities and even many small towns could likely boast one or two. Their broad appeal has remained strong even as sporting goods stores and Big Box chains 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 military surplus stores anywhere- and we’re proud to hear it! So, you’re invited to stop by for a visit. We have fascinating items for you to see and lots of history to share!