Historical Documents and Autographs That Make Inspiring Gifts
Buying a piece of history, either for oneself or for someone else, is significant in so many ways. These unique documents and artifacts hold not only historical value, but private value as well: consider a letter signed by a favorite president or a personal hero, or a manuscript that passed through the hands of a monk a millennium ago. There’s financial value, too–as Martha Stewart recently affirmed, historical documents are one category of collectible worth “serious money.”
Raab’s curated guide of unique gifts spans 1,000 years of history: treasures of American history to powerful letters of great leaders around the world to medieval manuscripts. Here are some highlights.
History That Resonates
In many ways, 2024 has been a year that celebrated history. Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, and Ronald Reagan were all the subjects of prominent television shows and films. The Marquis de Lafayette has also made headlines up and down the Eastern Seaboard as history buffs gather to mark the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. Winston Churchill too will be publicly feted, for his 150th birthday on November 30.
We’ve had the honor to play a role in keeping history alive, too. Raab’s discovery of previously unknown letters of Thomas Jefferson and Mary Todd Lincoln and papers relating to the assassination of President McKinley sparked interest around the country and added to the historical record. Raab’s role in the recovery of a massive autograph album, after a century thought lost, was featured by CBS News.
These historical figures remain important and relevant, which is why safeguarding their documents and autographs for the next generation is so appealing.
Powerful Messages
Some historical letters and documents offer lessons in leadership and life, imparting wisdom gleaned through experience. The powerful messages of these men–and others, such as John Hancock, Napoleon, and Theodore Roosevelt–have served to inspire the rest of us for centuries.
Link to Your Past
One of the reasons people enjoy historical documents and autographs is the feeling of connection to a person, place, or event in history that is personally meaningful. A particular fondness for Queen Elizabeth II? Or John F. Kennedy? You can own a document signed by either one of those two remarkable figures. Similarly, a Civil War fan may wish to own a letter signed by Ulysses S. Grant, or an art lover, one written by Auguste Rodin. Forging a link between a collector and history is what we do at Raab.
For some, space exploration is a keystone, and an item like the one pictured above would be a stellar gift. It is the transcript of the first American space flight, signed by six of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, including Alan Shepard.
The Allure of Medieval Manuscripts
Reaching back into centuries past, manuscripts from the early, high, and late Middle Ages and the early Renaissance entice people from all walks of life: whether their interest is primarily in the artwork, the history, the region, or something else entirely. Illuminated manuscripts and Books of Hours are desired for their beauty, while other medieval manuscripts may be coveted because they trace the intellectual and religious conflicts that shaped the course of Western history. Raab offers examples in both categories.
Browse the full 2024 Raab Holiday Gift Guide. Happy holidays!
