About Us
In short...
In late 2019, a thought occurred to me: "I should get a greatcoat." This simple idea ended up taking me down a delightful rabbit hole, spurred on by a love of history and global events which slowed us all down, culminated in the idea for Lambrino Militaria.
Having grown up in rural Wales, I was always taught the importance of quality, sustainability, and affordability: buy well-made pieces and they’ll last a lifetime. Combined with my long standing passion for 20th century history and a childhood interest in peculiar antiques and shiny things, I recognized the inherent quality of army goods. Army surplus, especially items made at the turn of the century, really resonated with these values, boasting excellent materials, proper tailoring and manufacturing, and a fantastic, timeless style – all while being reasonably priced, making it the natural choice for a business.
In early 2020, the first stock order was placed, and the project grew from the attic-mezzanine to a side hustle in the bedroom, and now to a fully fledged business in an actual warehouse where I can finally stand up freely, unlike the early days! Near the end of summer 2022, I was able to resign from my part-time jobs to focus fully on this business, allowing me to hone my skills. This enables me to say with confidence that each piece I stock is something I’d recommend wholeheartedly.
As of late 2024, Lambrino Militaria has grown into a family-operated business, still based in little old Wales. We continue to source and curate the best items we can, all while upholding our values of helpful service, affordability, style and quality. I look forward to seeing our next milestone realized and thank all of our customers and suppliers in advance for their help in getting us there! With sincere thanks, -Jake
A huge thanks
In a broader sense, "Lambrino" encompasses every individual who has supported us over these past couple of years. This includes all of our wonderful customers to date, and extends even to book authors who aided our research, and chance encounters with people who connected us to new supply sources. I want to specifically acknowledge our suppliers for their valuable insight, flexibility, and encouragement. Finally, to anyone who has assisted us in any other way, we appreciate your knowledge and consideration. We are truly grateful to all of you – past, present, and future – for your kindness. Thank you!
Photobook
Here's a brief look at some of our milestones over the years...
First Order
About mid April 2020, a couple boxes with a mix of surplus, was shoved up in the attic-mezzanine, which really was a squeeze only being 5ft in height, when you yourself are over 6ft...
Bedroom Conversion
By late 2020 it was apparent that to run a business, you need somewhere you can at least stand up, as such, the bedroom was sacrificed for a humble stockroom.
Brook helps diligently with a box full of European delights.
First Pallet
A fantastic milestone around 2021, much to the dismay of the delivery driver who was ill informed of just how narrow our country lanes were.
Winnie helping to process and quality assure our first batch of No 2 uniforms.
Conversion Project Early Days
Pretty early on into the business it was decided a bigger premise would be needed, it just wasn't expected to be an old outbuilding my grandfather had built 40 odd years prior.
Considerate as ever, Brook tests the comfort and warmth of our cold weather pieces.
Conversion Project "Half Way"
After plenty of clearing and reorganising, proper restoration work began on the conversion.
Further analysis of stock quality.
Conversion Project Completion
A photo from the moving day, with plenty of space after a long wait, it was a very welcome sight indeed. A massive thanks to all who helped in the renovation!
As an ever growing business, the quantity of cats has had to increase with the growing demands for quality control... A long way from where we were 5 years ago!