Purchases of Passion: Raab’s Holiday Gift Guide

Historical Documents and Autographs That Make Inspiring Gifts

In a recent interview, Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, discussed historical documents and autographs, calling them “purchases of passion,” and noting that the best collections begin–and are sustained–by collecting pieces that are personally meaningful and inspiring. So what is it that inspires you, or the collector in your life? Is it Revolutionary War heroes or medieval artisans? Groundbreaking scientists or brilliant authors?

Whoever it is, it’s likely you can find at Raab a remarkable piece of history that corresponds to those interests, whether that is a document signed by a king 500 years ago or the autograph of a favorite president. For nearly four decades, Raab has been helping collectors find the one-of-a-kind letters, autographs, and manuscripts that ignite their passion for history.

Document signed by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella on Christmas Eve, 1479, as they await word from the Pope, for sale with Raab

Raab’s Holiday Gift Guide offers a curated selection of the treasures Raab has to offer, any of which would make a unique gift for a history buff, a seasoned collector, or someone who has it all but could use a little inspiration. Here are some highlights.

The Great World Leaders

Many of us find inspiration in the historical figures who led their countrymen to great things–victory, reform, prosperity–and demonstrated love of country above all else, such as Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth I, among so many others.

The Great Quotation of Winston Churchill, Signed: “Let us brace ourselves to our duty and so bear ourselves that if the British Commonwealth and Empire last for a thousand years, men will say: This was their finest hour.”

Queen Elizabeth I: Hilliard’s Great Seal

American Patriots

As the nation’s 250th anniversary nears, our thoughts turn to those for whom the highest ideals of patriotism and service have prevailed above all else. A letter signed by one of the Founding Fathers, for example, would be a thrilling gift to present. Similarly, a document signed by President Theodore Roosevelt or President Ulysses S. Grant would be ideal for a lover of American history.

A Long, Detailed Letter of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, Clarifying a Key Act for Funding His Financial Program for the New Federal Government

Theodore Roosevelt Manifests the Leadership Principle That Patriotism Must Triumph Over All Personal Considerations

A Decorative Soldiers Monument Association Membership Certificate, with Vignettes of Lincoln, Flags, and Soldiers, Signed by U.S. Grant as Association President

Literary Masters

A beloved author can form the basis of a book collection, but even if one is not collecting literary manuscripts or autographs, a signed letter of JRR Tolkien or Charles Dickens, or a book signed by Mark Twain, can stand alone as something truly special that honors that authorial esteem.

In an Unpublished Letter, JRR Tolkien Writes on His Invention and Public Proliferation of Some of the Great Names of Lord of the Rings, Including Aragorn, Gandalf, Lorien, Rivendell, and Shadowfax