2025 Gift Guide: Americana & Patriotic Gifts
The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by N. Dwight, 1860
This 1860 printing of Nathaniel Dwight’s The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence offers detailed biographical sketches of the fifty-six men who shaped the nation’s founding. Divided by state and rich with historical facts, it was originally intended as an educational tool to teach young Americans about the courage and vision behind the Declaration.
Alexander Hamilton Signed Letter, Dated August 27, 1792
This framed collage features an original 1792 Treasury Department circular boldly signed by Alexander Hamilton, offering a rare glimpse into his precise administration of early federal revenue and export regulations. Combined with an engraved portrait by Henry Bryan Hall, the piece highlights Hamilton’s role as the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury and his efforts to bring structure and fairness to the young republic’s financial system.
Vintage George Washington Standing Bookends
This vintage set of George Washington bookends captures the first president in full-length robes, modeled after Gilbert Stuart’s iconic Lansdowne portrait from 1797. By depicting Washington in civilian attire rather than military uniform, the design emphasizes his historic role as a statesman and his voluntary resignation of military command. Sturdy and elegantly detailed, these bookends offer both functional use and a tangible connection to early American history, making them a thoughtful gift for collectors of patriotic Americana.
Centennial Celebration "1776-1876" American Flag Banner
This rare 1876 Centennial patriotic flag banner celebrates America’s first 100 years with a striking blue canton of 81 stars arranged to spell “1776” and “1876,” paired with thirteen bold red and white stripes. Crafted from a thin wool and cotton blend with a treadle-sewn construction, the flag exemplifies the creative and celebratory spirit of Centennial flag design, a period when makers freely experimented with star patterns and layouts. This would make a truly spectacular and special gift.
Declaration of Independence, Printed on Cotton, Circa 1876
This Centennial-era patriotic bandana celebrates 100 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, featuring a detailed printed rendering of the document, facsimile signatures, and an outer border highlighting the original thirteen colonies and notable patriots. Originally designed for public display during 1876 Centennial celebrations, this textile reflects the wave of patriotic fervor that swept the nation during America’s first World’s Fair.
Patriotic "E Pluribus Unum" Eagle Silk and Metallic Embroidered Needlework, Late 19th Century
This late 19th-century silk and metallic thread trapunto banner is a stunning example of patriotic souvenir embroidery, likely made in Japan for American sailors and merchants. Featuring a majestic eagle with a U.S. shield, flags, and the motto “E. Pluribus Unum,” the banner combines bold colors, metallic threads, and intricate stitching. These embroidered souvenirs were the most popular during the Great White Fleet tour of 1907-1909, but earlier examples can date to the 1890s.
This mid-19th-century steel engraving features the facsimile signatures of the Declaration of Independence’s signers, framed by allegorical figures of Justice and Liberty, a spread-wing eagle, and the seals of the original thirteen colonies. It was produced for John H. Hinton’s influential The History and Topography of the United States of America (Boston, circa 1855), a richly illustrated compendium documenting the nation’s geography, history, and notable events. Hinton employed some of the period’s most skilled artists and engravers, like A. H. Wray, E. McCabe, and J. W. Allen, to create plates that were both technically precise and historically faithful, with this engraving personally certified as accurate by John Quincy Adams.
"Washington and His Generals" Engraving by A. H. Ritchie, Published by Emil Seitz, circa 1870
This large, finely detailed engraving by Alexander H. Ritchie captures George Washington’s historic 1783 farewell to his generals at Fraunces Tavern, marking his retirement from military service after the Revolutionary War. Published by Emil Seitz in 1870, the print showcases striking likenesses of Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Nathanael Greene, Lafayette, and other key figures, set against a meticulously rendered interior complete with classical furnishings and a bust of Benjamin Franklin. Ritchie’s mastery of engraving brings clarity and richness to this important moment in early American history, making it both a visually stunning and historically significant piece. Framed to conservation standards, it would make a distinguished addition to any collection of patriotic Americana.
This June 16, 1787 issue of The Pennsylvania Journal and The Weekly Advertiser offers a rare, contemporary glimpse into the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, listing all 52 delegates, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Beyond its coverage of the historic debates that would shape the U.S. Constitution, the issue captures the everyday concerns of a young nation, from piracy and land disputes to local news and adverts. The periodical also includes a compelling response to British skepticism about American unity, reflecting the optimism and determination of the era. Preserved with expert conservation and housed in a custom archival clamshell, this four-page issue is a remarkable historical document worthy of serious consideration.
