About Us
Our Story (in short)
So for a quick brief of Lambrino Militaria, here's what you need to know! I had the idea back in 2019 for a helpful, warm and friendly, sort of casual experience for army surplus, which then began properly in early 2020. The idea stemmed from a great passion for 20th century history in recent years, on top of an entire childhood interested in peculiar antiques and shiny things and it went on from there!
As of late 2022, I now do this full time after balancing it alongside other jobs. Doing this for 2+ years has taught me many priceless skills, along with building up my confidence in what I offer. I love what I do.
Simply put, if I didn't have the passion and interest, I wouldn't use the various items I stock, or have kept going for this long. The energy of that passion is passed directly onto you, I hope in a unique way, where you can find a connection with what you're getting and in the way I help to solve your problems, whatever they may be.
A huge thanks
Lambrino in a larger sense expands to every individual who's helped me in any way over these past couple years. From all of the wonderful customers so far, to family, all the way to the inevitable tutorial hosts or book authors, when I've been stumped. I'd like to give recognition where it's due, to my suppliers for their insight, accommodation and encouragement. Family and friends for their understanding and support. Finally, anybody who has helped me with anything else for their knowledge and consideration. I am grateful for all of you, past, present and future for this kindness. Thank you!
The "Team"
Currently, Lambrino Militaria and myself are pretty much the same entity, so to do the usual "Meet the Team" thing, doesn't work all that well. Regardless, there is a sort of team here and I promise everyone below puts 110% into their work!
Winnie - "Quality Assurance"
Winnie is a real Saint around the place, always with an upbeat and polite attitude and friendly demeanour. She's especially skilled in the initial sorting process, making sure like goes with like. While she doesn't see the tail end of grading and quality control, she certainly does a fantastic unboxing. She's certainly employee of the month for staff moral.
Jake - Everything
Jake (myself!) is the one doing doing 99% of the work here at Lambrino, from writing about himself in third person to packing your order. He loves to find out the history behind an item, connecting both the business and the customer with the piece. With an open frame of mind, he's always researching on how best to expand your experience!
Brook - "Warehouse Supervisor"
Brook's a fantastic supervisor, usually being one of the first on the scene when we get new stock in. With one exceptionally keen eye, he'll make sure any new kit has in fact arrived, before it gets sized up, graded, listed and all that admin stuff. He usually deals with any old boxes and pallets too, getting a new hideout as a bonus for his work!
The Proper Story
Lambrino Militaria, or simply, Lambrino as an idea started as far back as October 2019. My initial idea and hope for Lambrino Militaria was to provide a friendly, transparent and helpful service for those who were unable to travel during lockdown, or simply because they were somewhere else in the world. I wanted to be welcoming, I wanted to give long lasting, affordable, durable equipment, to those inclined for that side of life and to be a sort of, search tool helper for those who had trouble finding that one item for their collection. Lastly, to keep records and photographs of some really incredible items. I'd had a keen interest in World history since around 2015, as this interest was sparked, it tied into other previous interests I'd already had for years, which gave me the confidence in April of 2020, to get my first items of stock in from, from my fantastic suppliers. Quite a jump for the humble savings of little 18 year old me, but it was absolutely the right decision.
It was an interesting learning curve, but one I'm incredibly thankful for, invigorated by each piece of feedback left on eBay (where I first started selling). With an upbeat, friendly and welcoming demeanour, I've been (and still am) happy to help out anybody from experienced professionals to new hobbyists and of course whoever else! Simply put, If I didn't have the interest, I wouldn't be doing this, especially not for 2+ years. That's why I like to keep expanding and exploring all types of stock, so that enthusiasm can be seen in the end result. I can promise you a constant, unwavering passion for my stock and the world of militaria, and determination to give you an exceptional experience from start to finish, with plenty of helpful communication, offering insight and quality of life for whatever you may need. Trust is important, so I will always be upfront with any issue and will hold myself accountable if need be.
I really pushed in the autumn of 2020 and found myself very content being engulfed in this line of work and from then onwards I thought how great it would be to do this fulltime. Things kept ticking over, but with juggling work, family and all else life had in store, it took until late 2022 to make the jump to full time. Now that I'm focused on this fully, I've got the energy, knowledge and time to put at least 2 years of aspirations into practice. I feel eager to bring each person an extraordinary experience and to keep honing my craft.