2023-10-15 12:57:00
With the landing of Allied forces in Normandy in June 1944, then the occupation of West Germany until the Reunification Treaty of September 12, 1990, American troops were present in force on the European continent, arriving with tons of cargo, military equipment and unusual materials.
What we modestly called “army surplus” were offered for sale from the 1950s in large specialized stores which received the curious name “American stock”.
No precise definition, nor other explanation, allows us to obtain a clear understanding of the products offered for sale in an American stock, nor of the exact origin of the supposed collector’s items for sale. It was a whole era, that of the momentum generated by liberation, army uniforms, military service and camouflage-colored clothing.
American army surpluses were sold in these specialized stores ©Caroline Vanbossel
Clothing and camping
Initially, in these stocks, one might mainly dress in military clothing from head to toe, with the surplus of the “mass” coming from the barracks and regiments. Given the tense situation resulting from the Cold War, there were entire shelves of survival equipment, ranging from stoves to canned food, tents, pocket knives, hiking shoes and blankets. Over the years, the range offered has expanded towards camping equipment and various tips for living outdoors and in the woods, such as the famous delicious survival rations.
A mix of drugstore, hardware store, DIY, flea market and clothing which offered a very varied choice of products and accessories.
military
The end of the massive presence of American military regiments in Europe led to a clear drop in activity in these stores, even leading to numerous closures such as the one in Brussels, rue du Midi, where a Willys Jeep stood at the entrance. or the Maubeuge store in which entire crates of disarmed US machine guns were on sale.
The concept has therefore evolved towards collection, the search for rare pieces, badges and very old uniforms for purists and lovers of historical objects. The best-known American stock in Belgium is the “Harry” of Baisy-Thy, a veritable Ali Baba’s cave whose entrance is decorated with an American tank. You can find everything there, demilitarized of course, but treasures, authentic or very good replicas of military equipment from all armies, such as bayonets, grenades, helmets, badges, regimental flags, aviator jackets, camp beds. , winches and vintage jerry cans.
It is especially old uniforms that are highly sought following by collectors and purists; the youngest linger in endless aisles of t-shirts, jackets, polo shirts and shirts with American, revolutionary or simply khaki and military camouflage designs.
This real American stock of Baisy-Thy has remained above all an establishment offering military equipment for sale, certainly more recent, but nevertheless authentic.
You want to acquire a tank, a mixed wheel-track armored vehicle, a cannon, a US tow truck, a GMC truck or even a helicopter, everything is possible provided you pay the price and also have the necessary space to shelter these witnesses of the past.
A tow truck or a tank to buy, everything is possible at the American stock of Baisy-Thy ©Caroline Vanbossel
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