2025 Gift Guide: Gifts for the Military History Buff
Casey's Infantry Tactics by Brig. Gen. Silas Casey, Three Volume Set, 1862
This three-volume set of Infantry Tactics by Brig. Gen. Silas Casey is a cornerstone of American Civil War military history, offering in-depth instruction on soldier, company, battalion, and brigade maneuvers. Written at the request of the Union Army, Casey’s manuals introduced innovative troop formations and practical guidance for commanding forces amid the challenges of 19th-century battlefields. With original illustrations, fold-out maps, and diagrams intact, these volumes provide a rare, firsthand look at historical military strategy.
Global Mission by H. H. Arnold, Signed and Inscribed by Arnold, First Edition, 1948
This first edition of Global Mission, signed and inscribed by General H.H. “Hap” Arnold, offers a firsthand account of the rise of the U.S. Air Force and the strategic decisions that shaped aerial warfare in World War II. Arnold’s autobiography combines personal memoir with an authoritative history of American air power, detailing his leadership in planning critical bombing campaigns in Europe and Japan. Enhanced by a rare tipped-in letter from British aviation pioneer Peter Masefield, this volume provides a unique window into mid-20th-century military aviation history.
This first edition of McClellan’s Own Story offers a rare, firsthand perspective from General George B. McClellan, one of the most debated figures of the Civil War. In his memoir, McClellan defends his strategies and decisions as commander of the Army of the Potomac, provides insight into his correspondence with Abraham Lincoln, and reflects on the causes and conduct of the war. Filled with maps, steel plate engravings, and facsimile letters, the book offers military history enthusiasts an in-depth view of Civil War leadership and battlefield decision-making.
Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, First Edition, Two-Volume Set, Circa 1885-1886
This first edition two-volume set of Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant offers an unparalleled firsthand account of one of America’s most influential military leaders. Grant recounts his early life, his service in the Mexican-American War, and his pivotal role in the Civil War, complete with maps, illustrations, and fold-out facsimiles of key documents like Lee’s surrender. Praised by Mark Twain and other contemporaries, the memoirs provide deep insight into military strategy, leadership, and the personal resolve that shaped the Union’s victory.
The Battles of America by Sea and Land by Robert Tomes and John Laird Wilson, Three Volumes, 1878
This three-volume set of The Battles of America by Sea and Land is a comprehensive chronicle of American military history, covering conflicts from the Colonial era through the Civil War. It combines detailed battle narratives with biographies of key commanders who shaped the nation’s destiny, providing readers with both strategic insight and personal perspective. Profusely illustrated with engraved plates, maps, and portraits, this work brings pivotal moments in American warfare to life. For military history enthusiasts, it is a rare and visually stunning resource that captures the evolution of America’s armed forces.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Signed D-Day Order, 1948
This signed 1948 printing of General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s D-Day “Order of the Day” offers a direct connection to one of the most pivotal moments in World War II. Addressed to the Allied Expeditionary Force on the eve of the Normandy invasion, Eisenhower’s stirring words inspired courage and unity as over 175,000 troops prepared to storm the beaches of Nazi-occupied France. It captures the mindset and resolve behind Operation Overlord, the largest seaborne invasion in history. For military history buffs, this signed piece is a rare and tangible piece of the D-Day story.
Flying Tigers Pilots' Signatures Collage
This framed pairing of color photographs captures the legendary Flying Tigers and the 23rd Fighter Group, signed by 17 of the squadron’s most celebrated pilots, including David “Tex” Hill and Robert L. Scott, Jr. This collage commemorates one of the most effective and daring aviation units of World War II, whose P-40 Warhawks defended China and Burma against the Japanese despite overwhelming odds. The Flying Tigers’ remarkable combat record, including nearly 300 enemy planes destroyed in just seven months, makes this a significant piece of military aviation history. This framed collage offers a rare, tangible connection to the bravery, strategy, and legacy of America’s first volunteer fighter group.
This extraordinary framed collage brings together the signatures of six of the most influential figures in U.S. aviation history, including Billy Mitchell, Hap Arnold, Claire Chennault, Eddie Rickenbacker, Carl Spaatz, and Hoyt Vandenberg. Each man played a pivotal role in establishing and shaping the U.S. Air Force, from pioneering aerial combat in World War I to commanding strategic operations in World War II. For military history enthusiasts, this piece offers a unique opportunity to own authentic signatures of the leaders whose vision, bravery, and innovation defined American airpower.
Vintage Air Force Academy Falcons Pennant, Circa 1950s
This vintage 1950s Air Force Academy pennant is a fun and colorful piece of U.S. military history, celebrating the Academy shortly after its founding under President Eisenhower in 1954. Featuring a patriotic design with a jet, falcon, and U.S. flag, it will look great on the walls of any Academy graduate.
"Ready. Join U.S. Marines" Vintage WWII Recruitment Poster by Haddon Sundblom, 1942
This vintage 1942 World War II Marines recruitment poster, illustrated by Haddon Sundblom, captures the patriotic messaging used to inspire Americans to enlist. During the war, the Corps expanded from two brigades to six divisions and five air wings, totaling over 475,000 Marines, and also established Defense and Parachute Battalions. Sundblom, later renowned for his iconic Coca-Cola Santa illustrations, brought a vivid realism and heroic style to his wartime work, making this poster both a historical collectable and a striking example of 20th century American illustration.
