I understand Fritz, WW1 items were relatively cheap a few decades ago, now it is crazy. I remember finding uniforms and helmets much easier than today. Hopefully most of the items you saw are in museums or private collections where they are preserved for future generations. On the flip side, I have heard that a lot of the younger generations do not know the significance nor do they care, and try to sell the items, if not they throw it out. I have personally seen this, and its a shame as they are throwing away their families heritage.