How to Buy and Sell Historical Documents Like an Expert, Part II
On this special episode of Inspired by History, we invited Steven Raab, founder of The Raab Collection, into the studio to discuss his journey from a law career to becoming a full-time dealer in historical documents and autographs. Steven shares stories about his first collectible purchase, the excitement and challenges of the trade, and the evolution of the autograph market over the past 40+ years. The conversation highlights key acquisitions, the importance of authenticity, and Steven's passion for storytelling through historical artifacts. Steven also delves into his personal collecting preferences and reflects on influential figures in his career. And if you missed part 1 of "How to Buy and Sell Historical Documents Like an Expert" with Nathan Raab, check out episode 14. 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Steven Raab's First Autograph Purchase01:21 Transition from Law to Autograph Dealing02:53 Evolution of the Autograph Trade05:23 Challenges and Joys of Collecting10:27 Authenticity and Reputation in the Business11:35 Career Highlights and Memorable Finds13:19 Advice for Aspiring Collectors14:08 Early Beginnings and Mentorship17:06 Conclusion and Farewell
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17:38
Three Exceptional George Washington Letters Come to Market for the First Time
On this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab shares the story of three newly uncovered letters written by George Washington to his trusted Cabinet member Timothy Pickering—documents unseen for over two centuries.The letters, penned during Washington’s presidency, reveal the first known instance of executive privilege, as Washington debated whether to share sensitive papers on the Jay Treaty with Congress. They also capture his concerns about James Monroe’s diplomacy in France and his efforts to gauge public reaction to the treaty that helped shape America’s early foreign policy.Nathan discusses how these letters resurfaced through Pickering’s descendants, their historical significance, and what they reveal about Washington as both President and person—measured, thoughtful, and still defining the limits of executive power.These letters offer a rare glimpse into the early Republic, the birth of American political divisions, and the rediscovery of Washington’s voice in his own hand.
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12:41
A Medieval Manuscript Reveals What May Be the Earliest Known Western European Musical Notations in Private Hands
On this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab announces the fascinating discovery of what may be the earliest known example of modern musical notations from Western Europe in private hands. Unearthed from a ninth-century Latin manuscript originally part of a Sacramentary, the notations on this leaf are revealed to be groundbreaking remnants of the Carolingian Renaissance. The episode explores the meticulous process of authenticating these rare documents and the historical significance of Charlemagne's influence on handwriting standardization. Learn about the exciting journey of uncovering these medieval musical notations and their remarkable impact on our understanding of history. To learn more, visit: https://www.raabcollection.com/medieval-manuscripts/earliest-musical-notations00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History00:32 Unveiling a Historical Discovery00:53 The 9th-Century Sacramentary Manuscript02:21 The Significance of Carolingian Script03:25 Discovery at Auction03:44 Musical Notations (Neumes) in Medieval Manuscripts05:34 Confirming the Discovery05:55 Research and Historical Context07:05 The Excitement of Historical Discoveries08:08 Conclusion
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8:36
Long-Forgotten Letter of Abraham Lincoln Sheds Light on the Battle of Brownsville, Texas
In this episode of Inspired by History, Rebecca Barry interviews Nathan Raab about a newly discovered, unpublished letter of Abraham Lincoln. The episode explores how rare historical documents like this Civil War-era Lincoln letter provide fresh insights into history. They delve into the letter's background, detailing its journey from Lincoln's hands to General Washburn, stationed in Brownsville, Texas, to its recent discovery in a private collection, and discuss the value of Lincoln autographs and letters. The episode also highlights the importance of preserving and studying these documents to deepen our understanding of historical figures and events. To learn more, visit: https://www.raabcollection.com/presidents-autographs/abraham-lincoln-autograph00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History00:33 Unveiling a Rare Lincoln Document02:18 The President’s Correspondent: General Cadwallader Washburn02:49 The Battle of Brownsville, Texas05:39 Lincoln's Handwritten Letters06:09 The Value of Lincoln Documents06:59 Incorporating this Discovery into Lincoln Scholarship07:28 ConclusionÂ
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How to Buy and Sell Historical Documents Like an Expert
In this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, answers some frequently asked questions about historical documents and autographs. Nathan shares insights on how he entered the business, the daily operations of a historical document dealer, and the intricate process of authenticating documents. He emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in building meaningful collections and discusses the challenges and nuances of the autograph market. The episode also covers how The Raab Collection sources its materials and provides practical advice for new collectors.00:00 Introduction to Inspired by History00:34 Meet Nathan Raab: The Historical Document Expert01:49 The Day-to-Day Life of a Historical Documents Dealer03:10 The Art of Authenticating Historical Documents04:53 Selling Historical Documents to The Raab Collection07:06 The Role of Third-Party Authenticators14:26 Advice for New Collectors17:09 Where The Raab Collection Finds Its Treasures18:55 Conclusion and Contact Information
From The Raab Collection, stories of inspiration and discovery, using rare historical documents to bring history alive. We talk about how history continues to teach and guide us today, and discuss the rarity, authenticity, and value of these documents.
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