Top 5 Gift Suggestions for the Dad In Your Life!

In 1910, Sonora Smart Dodd, the daughter of American Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, wanted to honor her father in the same way mothers were honored on Mother’s Day. The idea caught on and in 1972 Congress made the third Sunday of June the official holiday. Here are the interesting vintage and collectible presents we think will make fathers smile this year:

1.  Sports collectibles. Sports cards and sports memorabilia are always popular, especially now that they can be displayed in home offices! Cards, bobbleheads, autographs … he will probably love them all.

2. Vintage cigar boxes and labels.  Cigar bands and wooden cigar boxes with paper labels were made starting in the early 19th century. The best wooden cigar boxes were made of cedar. The brand name was die-stamped onto the wooden top and paper labels were used on the sides and inside the lid. The boxes and labels were collected even in Victorian times.

3. Vintage albums. Whether for the music or for the cover art, vintage albums are a perfect present for a music-loving father.

4. Military memorabilia. Look for something different, if your Father’s Day recipient loves militaria. The American Zippo Manufacturing Co. was founded in the 1930s, but when World War II started, the company ceased all production for consumer markets altogether and instead manufactured lighters exclusively for troops being sent to war.

5. Vintage clothing. The styles of the 1950s to the 1970s are popular again. Instead of just getting a new shirt or jacket, find something vintage and unique!

 

Vintage Derek Jeter bobble head, New York Yankees, six-sided base marked Knuckle Heads on bottom, $100.  Photo: Rbfinearts

Cigar band, embossed image of Judge (William H.) Taft in a beaded frame, L.N. & B. (brand), Havana, 1908.

 

Showcase featuring Beatles record album “Abbey Road,” record and album cover from 1969, framed showcase presentation is new, $155.  Photo: Dalshire International

 

Elvis Presley album cover and Gold Record collage, from an NBC TV special, plate signed, framed, $208.  Photo: GovernmentAuction

Zippo lighter, 1938, engraved “Capt. 1st Lt. H W Edwards Jr.,” a serial number and a list of of about 20 WW II battle locations. Edwards was employed by the Zippo manufacturing Co. from 1938 until he left in 1942 to enter the Army. He was discharged with the rank of captain in 1946 and then went back to work at Zippo.  Photo: LighterGallery.com

 

Man’s bomber jacket, white nylon panels with a sheer moiré pattern, ribbed cotton collar, cuffs and hem, Hermés label, made in France, Size 50, $489.   Photo: A.H. Wilkens Auctions & Appraisals