For the past 100 years, M.S. Rau Antiques has been the country's largest, and one of the oldest, antiques dealers.  Third generation owner Bill Rau is considered one of the world's experts on all things from furniture to fine art dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.  As a result, countless collectors, neophytes, big time museum curators, memorabilia buffs and New Orleans visitors have made their way to the museum-like galleries on Royal Street in the historic French Quarter.  When it comes to finding a memorable and collectible gift for Dad, Bill Rau is the perfect personal shopper for locating the best gift for Dad.  

            For a trip back in time, when there was more time to engage in leisure activities, people amused themselves and socialized by playing board games like ones showcased in this portable, mahogany games compendium ($6,850) from the  Victorian era (1890).  Cribbage, whist, chess, checkers, dominos, a pair of dice, and Dad's ready to host the next family's or guy's game night.

If horse-racing is Dad's passion, then this Baker's Pacers Short Track Horseracing Machine (circa 1940, $42,500) has got to be the best gift in town. This is a perfect example of mechanical Americana.  A fully restored and operational novelty game for nickel bets, the racing track features seven race horses and their mounted jockeys.  On the backside, a peek-a-boo glass window reveals the mechanics and how they make the race come alive.

Jewels, rare objets d'art and other bibelots with provenance can be found at M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans.  Located in the historic French Quarter for a century, M.S. Rau Antiques has galleries specializes in 18th and 19th century period furniture, silver, fine art and decorative arts.  Visitors and collectors are welcome to browse the galleries or peruse the website at: www.rauantiques.com