What a sad loss of irreplaceable militaria. With respect to Mr Newby though, wasn't it a little silly to use genuine gear to equip 150 extra's for a film? Not in the expectation that the stuff will be souvenired, but knowing that there will be wear and tear, knowing that they will be covered in mud and movie blood? Sure, for a close-up of a particular character an original badge or uniform might be required, but for the bulk of the actors reproduction gear such as that made by
Lawrance Ordnance would have been better than risking damaging a $2000 original.