1

The Beginning

This image, from an Asbury Park newspaper, dates from 1960 and shows 11-year-old Steven Raab with his sister, Robin. Steven is showing off his collection.

2

Steven's First Autograph

In 1958, Steven’s mother took him to a live performance of the Three Stooges, and after the show he met them and obtained their autographs. These were the first he would own.

3

Collector

In this letter from Joe Rubinfine, Steven places an autograph order 2 years before the start of the business.

4

The Origin of the Raab Eagle

Steven chose an early Civil-War era stationery eagle to form the inspiration for the Raab Eagle, which remains the logo today.

5

1989-1990, Launching the Firm

In 1989-1990 Steven opened his business and began advertising in local trade publications. Long before the Internet became common, he placed print ads touting his documents and early catalogs. Steven chose as his business name "Steven S. Raab Autographs," a name the firm retained until the early 2000s.

6

Early Advertising

Abraham Lincoln has always inspired Steven, and this early advertisement attests to that inspiration.

7

Early Orders

This is one example of the very first catalog orders that came in early 1990.

8

Steven's Quill

This antique writing quill and ink reservoir sat on Steven's desk in the early years, and remains in the office today.

9

Early Catalogs

The early catalogs were constructed by Susan Raab and, before the widespread use of page-building software, were printed, pasted and copied, before being sent out for formal printing. This one shows the editorial markings Steven made during the process.

10

Technical Operation

Susan kept all her files meticulously organized on floppy disks, long before she began the practice of using an external hard drive. This, which contained catalog 6, was in the early 1990s and fit her Apple IIgs

11

Early Inventory

Today's website bears little resemblance to early print ads, like this one, which featured his inventory.

12

Message to Susan

This note card shows not only a communication with dealer Charles Hamilton but also a request from Steven, written to Susan, to call Bob Batchelder. Both men have since passed away.

13

The Wilson Plaque

This Woodrow Wilson-themed marble, framed block was a mainstay during the early years, where it adorned Steven's office.

14

The First Website

Steven and Susan launched the first website for the firm, featuring fully illustrated, color listings, in 1996. This website might seem primitive by today's standards, but it was a major step for the industry at the time, where printed catalogs were still the norm. This was a period in which Neil Lanigan worked with Steven and Susan.

15

The Raab Collection

In 2005, Nathan Raab joined the business, and the name changed from Steven S. Raab Autographs to The Raab Collection. A letter was sent to each customer announcing the switch.

16

The Second Generation

In 2015, Karen Pearlman Raab, Nathan's wife, joined the firm. Today's leadership consists of Susan, Steven, Karen and Nathan Raab.