Thinking maybe Dad has enough ties and gifts cards from Lowe’s? This year make his Father’s Day celebration one to remember. This year, think “vintage”!
Many men like to carry a pocket knife and owning a Case knife has been an American tradition since 1889. With blades stamped from heat treated domestic steel, they are made to last for decades. Their handcrafted handles feature a variety of beautiful materials including Brazilian cattle bone, buffalo horn, ivory, and exotic hardwoods. Durability is a given with knives from Case, who back their products with a limited warranty, which protects against defects in the workmanship and materials over the life of the product. Two of the most enduring styles are the Cheetah, produced from 1896-1982, and the Trapper which has been manufactured by Case since the 1920s.
If your Dad is an outdoorsman, chances are he will make at least one trip this summer for a day of fishing. Vintage rods and reels make for a gift that will be used, and appreciated, for years to come. Fly rods are highly sought by fishermen, especially the early examples from Europe. These rods, made from different types of wood spliced together, will normally be 18 feet in length, with tips made of greenheart or whale baleen. Split bamboo rods produced in the U.S. by Young, Dickerson, Phillipson and Leonard in the late 1800s also make a gift to be cherished. These American-made rods will be much shorter, measuring 6-8 1/2 feet. Close inspection is imperative to avoid a “miss-buy.” Breakage is common with bamboo rods so examine length and straightness and also check to make certain that all three pieces of the rod are the same length.
Casting reels come in all price ranges. Reels by Hardy, Conroy, Milam and Von Hofe will fall at the top of the pricing range. Pfleuger, Shakespeare, South Bend and Bronson are all good quality rods, but they will be considerably less expensive. Most fishermen watch for single action and multiplying reels but they tend to shy away from those that are automatic.
Got one of those Dads that still listens to his albums from high school? A gift of vintage vinyl is sure to bring a nostalgic smile to his face. Albums with unusual cover graphics or ones that still have their original poster inside are the best choice, but any record in good condition is a great gift. Depending on your budget, you might also consider a vintage (1960-1980) turntable. While new turntables and speakers are readily available, you will find that a reconditioned table from the 1970s will not only cost less than its 2021 counterpart, it will also give you a sound that is just not replicated by the newer models.
In June of 1938 DC’s Action Comics #1 was released, starting a craze that has never waned — the collecting of comic books. Collectors watch for two categories of comics, “Golden Age” comics printed from 1938-1955 featuring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Captain America and “Silver Age” of comics from 1956-1970 featuring The Flash, the Fantastic Four, and Spider-Man. Many of the early comics, such as Green Lantern, Atom, and Hawkman, were revived in new formats in the 1960s with enhanced color and graphics. Comic books are one of the top rated vintage gifts for Dad this Father’s Day and, if you shop wisely, you may purchase one that will increase in value in the years to come.
Well, it’s almost time to celebrate those special men in our lives that we call Dad. And as to the gift? Not to worry! You know he will love whatever you decide on, as long as it’s delivered with a hug and smile. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com