The Gulf War refers to three conflicts. The First Persian Gulf War (1980 to 1988), also known as the Iran-Iraq War, in which Iraq and Iran vied for control of territory at the Persian gulf. The Second Persian Gulf War (August 1990 - February 1991), also known as Kuwait War, in which a U.S. led coalition drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. And the Third Persian Gulf War (2003), also known as Iraq War, in which a U.S. led coalition invaded and occupied Iraq.

The Iran - Iraq War, also known as the Imposed War and Holy Defense in Iran, Sadda's QA�disiyyah in Iraq, and the (First) Gulf War, was a war between the armed forces of Iraq and Iran lasting from September 1980 to August 1988. It was initially referred to in the western world as the "Persian Gulf War" prior to the "Gulf War" of 1990 with the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. The war began when Iraq invaded Iran, launching a simultaneous invasion by air and land into Iranian territory on 22 September 1980 following a long history of border disputes, and fears of Shia insurgency among Iraq's long-suppressed Shia majority influenced by the Iranian Revolution. Iraq was also aiming to replace Iran as the dominant Persian Gulf state. Although Iraq hoped to take advantage of revolutionary chaos in Iran and attacked without formal warning, they made only limited progress into Iran and within several months were repelled by the Iranians who regained virtually all lost territory by June, 1982. For the next six years, Iran was on the offensive. Despite calls for a ceasefire by the United Nations Security Council, hostilities continued until 20 August 1988. The last prisoners of war were exchanged in 2003. The war came at a great cost in lives and economic damage - half a million Iraqi and Iranian soldiers as well as civilians are believed to have died in the war with many more injured and wounded - but brought neither reparations nor change in border.

Sources: The Iran-Iraq War, The Gulf War and The Iraq War.

Collecting Gulf War relics allows the collector to come into physical contact with history and with those who participated in it. It is an interesting experience to read on a certain aspect of Gulf War history and then be able to hold or own an item that was actually there. Information is contained in war relics. Owning an item is part of the learning experience - it helps bring history alive.

But why collect artefacts from the Gulf War? Understanding the Gulf War and the events that took place around it helps us understand why many things are as they are today. For many, there is an immediate or personal family connection to the war - collecting can preserve the memory of their family's contributions, it can also help them connect and reconcile events that were directly or indirectly significant in their personal histories.

For others, collecting Gulf War Relics is a way of connecting personal interest and business. As with all types of antiques, there is no certainty that a Gulf War Relic will appreciate in value - what's desirable today may be out of favour tomorrow when a collector decides to sell, and speculating and knowing the form is part of the fun. However based on today's market demands, and the very limited supply of original relics, Gulf War Relics are becoming great antiques to invest in.

Whatever the motivations, collecting Gulf War relics is a great way to spend your time and a great way to remember the sacrifices of all those who were involved. Whether it is Gulf War helmets, uniforms, medals, weapons or photos, you can usually find it on the open market. So get started, browse the categories and see what Gulf War relics you can hunt down.