2022 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts For Those Who Served Our Country

November 04, 2022

This Holiday season, pay tribute to those who have dutifully and bravely served our country in the Armed Forces. From original WWI recruitment posters and collectible autographs, signed memoirs to inspire and learn from, to cufflinks and original aircraft gauges, our list offers unique, one-of-a-kind options sure to wow and pay tribute to their service!

"First in the Fight- Always Faithful- Be a U.S. Marine!" Vintage WWI Poster by James Montgomery Flagg, 1918

This original 1918 Marines recruitment poster was designed by the famed poster artist, James Montgomery Flagg. Equally persuasive as his iconic "I want YOU" poster, Flagg's exhortation to America's youth in this WWI poster is poised on the edge of action: pistol raised, about to aim; foot forward, fatigues rumpled as if in the first motions toward a run. Printed a year after America declared war on Germany, this particular poster features an address for a Baltimore, MD custom house, where interested recruits could sign up for service.

George Patton Autographed Collage

This collage features Patton's signature on an envelope postmarked January 20, 1919. Patton has signed the paper “Col. G.S. Patton Jr./Am. E.F. France.” Patton's neat signature appears on the left-most part of a free franked envelope, with “officers letter” written in Patton’s hand at right. A senior officer in the U.S. Army, George S. Patton is best known for his aggressive and capable leadership during WWII.

Crusade in Europe by Dwight D. Eisenhower, First Edition, Signed and Inscribed, 1948

Five-star General Dwight D. Eisenhower was arguably the single most important military figure of World War II. For many historians, his memoirs of this eventful period of U.S. history have become the most important and telling record of the war. Crusade in Europe recounts the complete story of the war as Eisenhower planned and lived it. Through his eyes, the enormous scope and drama of the war―strategy, battles, moments of fateful decision―become fully illuminated in all their fateful glory. This inscribed and signed first edition printing is the perfect gift for the serviceman or woman in your life, to be inspired by Eisenhower's leadership and decision making skills.

Military Branch Cufflinks

These military branch cufflinks are the perfect accessory to pay tribute to those in military service. Our collection is made for each branch of the United States Armed Forces. The round cufflink design features the official color logo for each branch. Choose between the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, or the newly created Space Force logo.

“Join the Air Service and Serve in France" Vintage WWI Poster by J. Paul Verrees, 1917

The very scarce and collectible poster was issued as a recruitment material for the United States Army Air Service, which was the aerial warfare branch of the U.S. Army between 1918 and 1926 and was a forerunner of the U.S. Air Force. The branch was established as a branch of the U.S. War Department during WWI and replaced the Aviation Section Signal Corps. This dynamic poster encourages onlookers to join the cause and enlist with the service. Posters such as this rare example were used to attract more than 40,000 applicants, 15,000 of whom would go on to complete their training and serve in France. The Army Air Service, like the Navy, was dependent on recruiting; however, only the Army had a selective enlistment system. This original poster is a vibrant, colorful piece of Air Force history!

Space Force Leather Journal

On December 20, 2019, the United States Space Force was born, establishing a new military service and forever changing the way we operate in this vast domain. To celebrate this historic achievement, we at The Great Republic worked closely with the American leather workers at Tactile Craftworks to create an extraordinary journal that depicts the war-fighting prowess of our lethal Space Force. These leather journals feature a raw edge cut straight from the hide and a Moleskine notebook which can be replaced again and again. It’s the perfect long-lasting gift, to be used while traveling, on tour of duty, or in the office.

WWII Double Fighter Cockpit Gauges

Presented are a set of two vintage WWII fighter plane cockpit instrument gauges. The gauges, which indicate oil temperature, were essential for maintaining control of the plane and managing engine performance during missions. The original war-dated gauges come presented on a custom stand, for proud display on a bookcase or home office.

Navy 5-Star Admirals Autographed Collage

This amazing piece of U.S. Naval history features signed items from the only four World War II Navy Admirals to ever wear the five-star rank: Chester Nimitz, William Halsey, Ernest King, and William Leahy. All are considered some of the finest admirals in the history of the Navy. Also included in this handsome, archivally framed collage are photographs of each admiral as well as the five-star rank that each would have worn. A spectacular gift option!

The First Frigate of the United States Navy

March 27, 2023

On March 27, 1794, the United States Congress authorized construction of the original six frigates of the United States Navy. On May 10, 1797, the U.S.S. United States, a wooden hulled, three-masted frigate, was the first of the six ships to be launched. Several years later, during the War of 1812, this same ship crucial in establishing early American naval dominance. Read more on our blog!

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1858 Mitchell’s Map of the United States - A Snapshot in History

March 17, 2023

Mitchell became one of the most prominent American map publishers of the mid-19th century and his visual record of the early Unites States gives us an incredible lens into the rapid growth of our country during this time. This engraved and hand-colored 1858 map of the United States is a wonderful example of Westward expansion and the worldwide powerhouse that America was becoming.

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Yellowstone: The World's First National Park

February 28, 2023

In honor of the 151st anniversary of Yellowstone becoming the United States first National Park, we take a deeper dive into the history of Yellowstone and how it captivated not only U.S. travelers, but travelers from around the world. Learn more about how artists and surveyors such a Thomas Moran helped capture Yellowstone in all its glory and play a major role in the signing of the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act.

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