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Our May 2013 Catalogue Page.
Page posted April 30, 2013.
We
now issue most of our catalogues on line rather than in print by mail.
This allows us to issue more catalogues and feature more items, with
better photos and descriptions.
Please
let us know your email address and we will
email you monthly as each new catalogue is posted.
In
this month’s listing we are featuring some new books and items acquired this
past month.
Also
included this month are great selection of Antiques and Books at greatly reduced
prices;
Early
Lighthouse Service items including: fog signal bell from Rhode Island,
Keeper’s embroidered hat insignia, Shingle Hatchet “USLHS”, bowl;
Early
Life Saving Service items including: early c.1870’s keeper’s portrait,
Regulations, brass Telescope, documents, station logs;
Photos
including; shipwreck, lightship, Life-Saving Service, Coast Guard, lighthouse,
Keepers, Cape Cod, Nantucket and more.
Also
maps, steamship buttons, Nantucket items, R.N.L.I. barometer, and more.
In
addition, we are offering 15% off most items on our Engravings
page until March 31st., 2013.
Some
restrictions apply.
For additional items please
see our many other pages as well by clicking on subject headings at left of
page.
Recently
Acquired Items:
10371n. (photo) Keeper
Fanny May Salter, Turkey Point Lighthouse, Maryland c.1935. Clear,
close 7” x 9” b/w press photo shows great detail of the station’s lamps as
Lighthouse Service Keeper Salter fills the station lamps with the brass lamp
feeder. For 43 years, Mrs. Salter's efforts were devoted to keeping this
Chesapeake Bay beacon burning. She assisted her husband for 23 years and after
his death in 1925 was appointed permanent keeper by the late President Coolidge.
Great early detail including two early lamps. August 20, 1935. With credit line
or description on back. Superb close view. (VG+) $88. Sold.
10371m. (photo) Keeper
Fanny May Salter, Turkey Point Lighthouse, Maryland c.1945. Clear,
close 8” x 10” Coast Guard era photo shows great detail of the Fresnel lens
and electric lamp in the lantern room as Keeper Salter polishes the brass frame.
By 1945, Keeper Salter was the only woman lighthouse keeper remaining in the
Coast Guard, having kept her vigilant watch for 20 years since her husband’s
death in 1925. Great early detail. Dated May 29, 1945. With credit line and
description on back. Superb clear, close view. (VG+) $88.
13175. Adams, Michael. Ocean
Station - Operations of the U.S. Coast Guard 1940-1977. Nor'easter
Press. 2010. 350p. DJ. "The legacy of four decades of sea-stations is not
the glorious cutters, but rather the fortitude and seamanship of the cuttermen
who made the cutters glorious." The crews of U.S. Coast Guard cutters
patrolling the far-flung ocean stations were subjected to some of the heaviest
weather the sea had to offer, yet the cuttermen remained on station to make
weather observations and to provide navigation, communication, and
search-and-rescue services. On ocean station, seamanship was survival. Ocean
Station: Operations of the U.S. Coast Guard, 1940 1977, is a well-researched
text and a gripping read. (M). $42. (x)
1330b. (photo) Huron
Lightship No. 103 c.1946. Clear, close original 8” x 10” official
Coast Guard photo shows great detail of the Huron lightship moored at the Coast
Guard Aids to Navigation School in Detroit as Coast Guardsmen learn by actual
contact, this phase of lighting the stormy Great Lakes. Photo is b/w and
includes date and description on back. Dated November 20, 1946. Clear, close
view, great detail. (VG). $44.
9214c. (stereoview)
Chatham
Twin Lighthouses on Cape Cod by G.H. Nickerson c.1870. Extremely
rare early view features the early twin light towers and keeper’s dwelling on
Chatham bluffs. The two new brick towers shown were completed in the summer of
1841 to replace the deteriorating early towers. The towers were each 30
feet tall. A new brick dwelling was connected to both of the towers by covered
walkways. In 1857, the lantern rooms were changed as we see here, and each
received fourth-order Fresnel lenses. The lamps were fueled by lard oil. A
tremendous storm hit Cape Cod in November 1870. Before the storm, the Chatham
lights were 228 feet from the edge of the 50-foot bluff. The storm had broken
through the outer beaches, and the erosion accelerated. By 1877 the light towers
stood only 48 feet from the brink. The Light House Establishment took note of
the increased erosion and moved quickly to rebuild the station, across the road
and much farther from the edge of the bluff. Two 48-foot, conical cast-iron
towers were erected in 1877, along with double one-and-one-half-story wood-frame
dwellings for the principal keeper, the assistant keeper, and their families,
which we see today. Thus we can date this image to the period 1857-1877. Most
likely 1870-1876. View is clear and close, some light soiling and foxing. Rare
early image. (VG-). $148. Sold.
4446q. [stereoview] Highland
Lighthouse, Cape Cod c.1880’s by G. H. Nickerson & Smith,
Provincetown, Mass. Rare view of the tall white stone light tower and 1 ½-story
keeper’s dwellings, steam fog signal building, out buildings and fence as a
cow grazes on the moors. Located on a high bluff, Cape Cod or Highland Light was
a focal point for Victorian visitors. This extremely rare view shows good detail
of the tower and dwelling arrangement, and of the fog signal building, though
somewhat distant. View is clear with only very light foxing and light edge wear.
With owner’s markings on back. (VG). $44.
12405b. AIDS
TO NAVIGATION IN ALASKA HISTORY. Alaska Division of Parks. 1978.
[facsimile reprint of November 1974 edition.] 57p. Soft wraps, staple bound. A
book like this should be published on every state, for the history provided is
exceptional. By 1940 there were 457 minor and major lights in
Alaska
, 15 fog signals, 316 buoys and much more. The book describes the role of the
Lighthouse Service in
Alaska
from the 1860’s until 1938 and then continues with the work of the Coast
Guard since. Includes historical summaries of light stations, architectural
descriptions, early photographs though poorly reproduced, and much more. Clean,
tight. (VG+). $42.
 
845c. (souvenir dish) c.1900 A bright
commemorative dish white, featuring a beautiful, detailed b/w image of the “Wood
Island Light House, Old Orchard Beach, Maine”. This clean dish
measures 3 ½” x 4 ½” oval and is enhanced by a sparkling decorative gilt
trim and leaf-shaped rim. B/w image is of the light tower, fog bell tower and
connected early keeper’s dwelling on the bare island off the coast of Maine.
Marked Made in Germany for N. Wolf, Old Orchard, Me.” Very scarce design and
image, quite collectible. Little if any wear, bright bold piece. (VG-). $86.
13153. (hand colored photograph) “Surfside,
Nantucket” by William W. Coffin. c.1910-1920. Beautiful hand
colored photograph taken from the beach as the rollers break on the beach at
Surfside,
Nantucket
. Signed “William W. Coffin” and titled in pencil on the matting under the
photo. Coloring is superb, matting is clean and bright. Photo size is 5” x
7” and frame is 8” x 10”. A wonderful piece of Nantucket memorabilia, a
superb
Nantucket
display piece. (VG+). $168.
13154. (souvenir trivet) A rare,
bright, flower decorated rose and crème colored commemorative trivet featuring
a beautiful clear, detailed color image of the “Bass
River Light House, West Dennis, Mass.” The first of this rare
lighthouse that I have found, this striking piece measures a full 6 3/8” in
diameter and is enhanced by a beautiful rose decorative rim. The unusually
detailed image includes all aspects of the lighthouse with lantern room
protruding from the roof. Nice detailed image on the bright china piece and rose
coloration make a good contrast on this rare item. Marked “Altenburg China
Made in Germany for Mrs. M. B. Covil, West Dennis, Mass ”. No chips or cracks
but some wear to image and decoration, and some discoloration to white
background. Still a beautiful display piece. Unusually large, bold view of this
little-known Cape Cod lighthouse. (G+). $54.
22496J. Lighthouse
Service / Coast Guard Fresnel Drum Lens. Older United States
Lighthouse Service / Coast Guard glass Fresnel drum lens equivalent to about a
sixth-order. This style of lens was used in smaller beacons and lights, some
light vessels as well as in numerous large AGA buoys using acetylene burners.
The lens measures approximately 16 ¼” high by 17" OD, set in brass or
bronze frame. Overall height 18 ¼”. Lens consists of individual segments or
rings, both above and below the wide center band. Some chips, most
confined to one area, most prisms need letharge renewed. Displays well and
perfect for a large light or in your lighthouse or for display. (VG).
$1850. Sold.
SR-480,
481. U. S. COAST GUARD 200 MM BU-48 BUOY / AID TO
NAVIGATION LANTERN. c.1940-60’s. Large, vintage bronze lanterns
were used as a buoy or pier light as an aid to navigation. These striking
original bronze lanterns contain a large, clear 360° glass Fresnel
lens. Casting is heavy duty bronze, and is marked in the casting "U.S.C.G.".
Lanterns are 200 mm size and stand 21 ½” to top of bird spike.
Overall diameter approximately 9". Lens measures 7” high by approximately
8” outside diameter. Lens has no cracks or chips. Complete including tie rods
but without lamp changer. Will polish nicely, great lamps for your den, or for
the wharf, barn or driveway and will be striking when lit. It is most unusual to
find these bronze lanterns of the early Coast Guard era. (VG+). $1595
each.
LN-02.
U. S. Life Saving Service Lyle Gun Powder Box. $2,100.
Please inquire.
LN-01.
U. S. Life Saving Service Bronze "C" Lyle Gun
with Quoin c.1905. $12,900. Please inquire.
SR-484.
COASTGUARD ENLISTED MAN’S CAP. Dark
navy-blue enlisted man’s “duck” style cap. Around the barrel is stitched a
ribbon of black silk, 1 ½” in width with the words “U. S. Coast Guard”
stitched in gold. Cap itself is in very good condition, complete, with no
apparent tears and unusually clean, only light wear. Tally letters clear and
crisp, a few holes in area near bow. Caps of this type were in white or blue,
and have been most difficult to find. Hat interior has moderate expected wear
and ageing and is marked size 6 7/8. Labeled for “T.B. Horn”. (VG). $108.
SR-485.
U.S. NAVY ENLISTED MAN’S CAP. Dark
navy-blue enlisted man’s “duck” style cap. Around the barrel is stitched a
ribbon of black silk, 1 ½” in width with the words “U. S. NAVY” stitched
in gold. Cap itself is in very good condition, complete, with no apparent tears
and unusually clean, only light wear. Tally letters clear and crisp. Caps of
this type were in white or blue, and have been most difficult to find. Hat
interior has some expected wear and is not marked for size but appears to be
about 7 1/8 – 7 ¼. Labeled for “L.R. Merrill”. (VG+). $118.
9467p.
“U.S. Coast Guard” cap ribbon or “ Tally”
is of black silk, 1 ½” wide, stitched on the upper and lower edges, and bears
the words “U. S. Coast Guard” in ½” gold block letters. Tally was worn
around the band on the enlisted men’s flat cap. Tally is 27" long X 1 ½”
in width. Tally is World War II vintage, clean, crisp, all letters clear, bright
and sharp. (VG+). $48.
SR-479.
U. S.
COAST GUARD 200 MM BU-48 BUOY / AID TO NAVIGATION LANTERN from Southwest
Breakwater, Michigan City, IN. c.1960-80’s. Large, vintage double
bronze lantern was used as an aid to navigation on the Southwest Breakwater,
Michigan City, IN. This striking original lantern contains a two large, clear
360° red glass Fresnel lenses. Casting is heavy duty bronze, and is
marked in the casting "BU-48 USCG 04-8” Lantern is 200 mm
size and stands 29” to top without bird spike. Overall diameter
approximately 9". Lens measures 7” high by approximately 8 5/8” "
in outside diameter. Lenses have no cracks and only minor chips. Complete
including tie rods but without top bird spike and lamp changer. Has been
electrified but should be re-wired. It is most unusual to find these lanterns of
the early Coast Guard era. (VG). $795.
SR-482.
Fresnel Lens [Crouse-Hinds FCB Type] Red Beacon.
Striking double red beacon used as aircraft / bridge / tower beacon. Two
separate red Fresnel lenses can be used together or separated for use within
your lighthouses. Unit measures 28" high by 12" diameter and is hinged
to open in the center. In cast aluminum housing, once operated on either 120 or
230 volts AC, hinged at midpoint for re-lamping, used two 700W lamps.
Watertight, non ventilated. Has been electrified but needs re-wiring. Upper lens
is in very good condition, no cracks or noticeable chips, lower lens has poorly
repaired area. Weather sealed, heavy duty unit. (VG). $695.
13140J.
(photo) Keeper Joseph Wallace Jellison Hunting on
Southern Island, Tenants Harbor Light Station, Maine c.1910-1920.
Close photo of Keeper Jellison in his keeper’s hat, hunting with his beloved
dogs, revolver in his hand. Measures 4 ¾” x 6 ¾”. One corner chipped,
light soil and foxing. $145.
13140k.
(photo) Captain Linus Jellison of Tenants Harbor, Maine
aboard ship with two other officers c.1920-1930’s. On the back
written “2 1/2 -2- 1 1/2 Three Brass Bound Birds”. Measures 2 ½” x 4 ¼”.
$26.
13138.
(photo) U.S. Coast Guard Station, Whitehead, Maine
Keepers Jellison. Great photo on post card paper of the Life Saving
Station at Whitehead Maine. On the station ramp can be seen the two
brothers - Lighthouse Keepers Frank Jellison (Whitehead LH) and his brother
Joseph Jellison (Tennants Harbor LH). Written on the back is: “Will try and
get over home some time this week. Mother I think will go to Portland in the
morning and we shall wait till she gets back. WIll let you know the day we come
so we will be all set. OK. Linus [Jellison].” (Linus was the nephew and son of
the two Keepers) Great clear detailed photo of the expanded 1874-Type station,
built in 1874. Size 3 ½” x 4 ½”. $130.
13149.
(photo) U.S. Life Saving Service Station, Whitehead,
Maine c.1908. Great photo on post card paper of the Life Saving
Station at Whitehead Maine. On the station ramp can be seen the three or four of
the crew, three in white work uniforms. Great clear detailed photo of the
expanded 1874-Type station, built in 1874. Size 3 ½” x 4 ½” on postcard
paper. Dates 1905-1908. Some scuffing to emulsion, light soiling. $32.
13162. de Quesada, Alejandro. U.S.
Coast Guard in World War II. 2010. Osprey. 64p. Soft wraps.
Illustrated with period photos and artwork by Stephen Walsh. Noted military
author Alex de Quesada reveals much of the history of the U.S. Coast Guard
throughout World War II. In particular, he draws attention to the little-known
story of how the U.S. Coast Guard operated a number of the landing craft
throughout D-Day in 1944 as well as providing crucial anti-U-boat patrols
throughout the war years. A number of Coast Guard servicemen were lost in these
two campaigns, and their undeniable contribution to the war effort deserves
greater recognition. The Coast Guard also provided aviators and gunners to the
Merchant Marine and manned Port Security Services. These roles are all fully
explained and illustrated with rare photographs and specially commissioned
artwork. Chapters include: Introduction, Pre-war Coast Guard, The Coast Guard
Auxiliary, The Coast Guard at War, Home Front, The Aleutian Campaign, The Battle
of the Atlantic, North Africa and Italy, Normandy invasion, Pacific Theatre:
From Pearl Harbor to the Philippines, Victory, Uniforms, Bibliography. Quite
interesting. (M). $19.95. (x)
13177. de Quesada, Alejandro. The
U.S. Home Front 1941-45. 2008. Osprey. 64p. Soft wraps. The outbreak
of World War II in Europe in 1939 led to cautious attempts to raise volunteer
organizations among American men and women, to back the armed forces in the
event of the USA becoming directly involved in the conflict. The attack on Pearl
Harbor caused a huge surge of patriotic response, and voluntary enlistment in a
wide range of armed forces auxiliary and civilian support services swelled
vastly. Looking firstly at the background and general character of wartime life
in the United States, this book covers a number of these services, providing an
interesting comparison with the conditions on the British Home Front and the
experiences of other countries caught up in the war, examining organizations
from the Red Cross to the Coast Guard and for the first time, containing
full-color reconstructions of over a dozen uniformed services. Chapters include:
Enemy And Homegrown Facism, Home Defense & Premilitary Training, Patriotic
Service Organizations, Humanitarian Organizations, Maritime Services including
Army Transport Service – Coast And Geodetic Survey – Merchant Marine – Us
Coastguard Auxiliary,·Aeronautical Services including Air Transport Command –
British Flying Training Schools – Civil Air Patrol – Relief Wings Inc –
Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron – Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, The
Workforce including Civilian Conservation Corps – “Rosie The Riveter”:
Women Ordnance Workers – Women’s Land Army, Children At War, Select
Bibliography, and more. Quite interesting. (M). $19.95. (x)
Available
Again:
2232.
Trapani, Robert Jr., INDIAN RIVER LIFE-SAVING
STATION… JOURNEY ALONG THE SANDS… THE U.S. LIFE-SAVING YEARS, 1876-1915.
Virginia Beach. 2002. 64p. Soft wraps. This lovely addition to our library
weaves the history of the Life-Saving Service into this account of life at the
Delaware’s Indian River Inlet Life-Saving Station. Laid out chronologically,
this booklet provides an intimate look at this station’s important history and
its impact on the region. Includes over 55 wonderful photographs and color
reproductions, keeper and crew accounts, shipwrecks, equipment and more. Nicely
done. (M). $14.95.
 
13124. (mounted photo) Eastern
Point Lighthouse at Gloucester, Massachusetts c.1900. Excellent
clear, close view of the Eastern Point Lighthouse at Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Also prominent is the “Mother Ann” rock formation to the left of the image.
The East Point Lighthouse has a long history with the first stone lighthouse
being erected in 1832, a second larger version built in 1848 and the final
structure as known today in 1890. Based on the structures shown in this
photo it is estimated the photograph was made about 1900 placing it within the
time period that lighthouse keeper George E. Bailey (1892-1926) maintained the
facility. There is a line of clothes hanging in front of the building
giving it a very ‘lived in’ feel. Note the two fog bell towers to the left
of the light tower. Likely one is the replacement for the older tower. Image
measures 2 ½” x 4 ¼” on original 4” x 6” mount. Beautiful clean, clear
image, just a hint of foxing, light edge and corner wear to mount. (VG) $78. Sold.
 
13112. (photo) Lantern
Room, Farallon Island Light Station, California c.1968. Clear, close,
original 8” x 11” press photo shows great detail of the twin 800,000
candlepower DCB Aero Beacons within the lantern room of the Farallon Island
Light, 30 miles west of San Francisco. Note through the glass, the lighthouse
tender standing off from the island. Shortly after this photo was taken, the
light was automated and by 1970 the Coast Guard crew removed. Photo is b/w and
includes date and description. Dated October 23, 1968. Clear, close view, great
detail. (VG+). $28.
 
13155. (commemorative dish) A bright
white commemorative dish with gilded edge featuring a beautiful clear, superbly
detailed b/w image of the Watch Hill Lighthouse,
Westerly, RI. c. 1900. This piece quite striking, with a clear,
unusually detailed image of the light tower and attached keeper’s house
marking the eastern entrance to Fishers Island Sound. This pretty piece measures
6” in diameter and is quite bold with a fancy gilt border on the bright white
plate body. Marked “Carlsbad BFHS China Made in Austria”. A very attractive
piece. Clean, bright, near fine. (F-). $76.
20283q. (button)
U.S.
Life-Saving Service, early style FD 20B c.1870’s. Life-boat with
crossed oar and boat-hook below the initials “U.S.L.S.S.” above, on a lined
field. Reversible type with black composition back, threaded shank. This is the
first style used by the Life-Saving Service for only a few years and style is
almost impossible to find. (FD 20B.) 23mm (7/8”). (VG+). $255.
7463-15.
United States
Lighthouse Service Teapot. Scarce, original United States Lighthouse
Service teapot in original “
United States
Light House Service” blue pattern. This is a scarce original china dinnerware
piece from the United States Lighthouse Service manufactured of heavy white
institutional type china, in the early years of the Twentieth Century for use in
ships’ wardrooms and at the light stations. There were three patterns used
over the years by the Lighthouse Establishment and Service and this is the
latter of the three patterns. About 1900 this pattern was instituted, and
consisted of a turquoise lighthouse within a circle, with a turquoise perimeter
stripe. Teapot is back-marked for Warwick China Company and marked “James M.
Shaw & Co.,
New York
. 1922 8”. Teapot is minus the cover but otherwise is complete, no chips
or cracks, in excellent condition with little if any wear. Measurements 10”
overall, 6” diameter, 3 ½” high. Original, a charming piece, extremely
rare. (VG+). $1,285.
7463-12.
United States
Lighthouse Service Creamer. Scarce, original United States
Lighthouse Service Dinner Creamer. Original “
United States
Light House Service” blue pattern. This is a scarce original china dinnerware
piece from the United States Lighthouse Service manufactured of heavy white
institutional type china, in the early years of the Twentieth Century for use in
ships’ wardrooms and at the light stations. There were three patterns used
over the years by the Lighthouse Establishment and Service and this is the
latter of the three patterns. About 1900 this pattern was instituted, and
consisted of a turquoise lighthouse within a circle, with a turquoise perimeter
stripe. Creamer is not back-marked. Creamer is complete, no chips or cracks, in
excellent condition with little if any wear. Measurements 4 ¼” diameter, 3 ¾”
high. Original, from the estate of the Assistant Superintendent, Staten Island
Lighthouse Depot, letter of provenance included. A charming piece, extremely
rare. (F-). $1,585.
7463-13.
United States
Lighthouse Service Demitasse Cup & Saucer. Scarce, original
United States Lighthouse Service Dinner Cup with matching saucer. Original “
United States
Light House Service” blue pattern. This is a scarce original china dinnerware
set from the United States Lighthouse Service manufactured of heavy white
institutional type china, in the early years of the Twentieth Century for use in
ships’ wardrooms and at the light stations. There were three patterns used
over the years by the Lighthouse Establishment and Service and this is the
latter of the three patterns. About 1900 this pattern was instituted, and
consisted of a turquoise lighthouse within a circle, with a turquoise perimeter
stripe. Cup is back-marked “Haviland
France
. James M. Shaw & Co.,
New York
. 1913 9.”. Saucer is back-marked “Haviland
France
. James M. Shaw & Co.,
New York
. 1909 19.”. There are no other markings visible. Cup and saucer are complete,
no chips or cracks, in excellent condition with little if any wear. VG.
Measurements 2 ¼” diameter, 2 ¼” high. Saucer 4 ½” diameter. Original,
from the estate of the Assistant Superintendent, Staten Island Lighthouse Depot,
letter of provenance included. A charming little set. (F-). $785 set.
 
(Young woman carries lantern to post lantern for evening
light-up. Mariner's Museum collection.)
2221d. Extremely scarce,
original United States Coast Guard navigational
lantern. This extremely early
and rare lantern was used as a river or harbor navigational light, and sometimes
could be used without the lens as an area light at stations, on the boat house
or inside and outside of the warehouses at depots. This is one of the very few
that I have come across and is constructed of heavy weight tin for the US Coast
Guard. The front top is embossed: “U. S. C. G.”. The lantern is tri-cornered
with the three sides of the lantern housing glass panels – one clear, one red
and one green indicating that its most recent use was for channel navigation.
Two of the three panels are hinged and latch with double hasps. A vertical
chamber once ran from the top ventilator down the back to feed heated air up
into the lamp burner but had been removed some time in the past. Lantern
measures approximately 16” x 16” x 16”. Overall height 28 ½” to top of
handle. Lantern is complete including ventilating cap on top. Painted black.
Without lamp, this is a wonderful example of this style of early Coast Guard
lighting apparatus and extremely rare. (VG-). $590 net. Reduced
$525.
8109-53. [flag]
U. S.
Coast Guard Ensign c.1915-1953. Early official
U.
S. Coast Guard Ensign size #5 (15”h x 27” w) for use on small and medium
size craft. Early ensign manufactured for the early Coast Guard use and is in
excellent condition, probably never flown, made of all wool bunting. Field
consists of vertical red/white stripes, with Coast Guard shield on crossed
anchors overlaying on the right portion, with the words “Semper Paratus”.
Top left corner is white with
U. S.
eagle and shield, with an arc of 13 stars above. Stamped on hem is
“CG-5-F-1881 Ensign 5” and manufacturer “Pasquale”. This is from
the early period, probably pre 1940’s, and is in excellent condition, near
fine, as nice as they come. One small tear at hoist, otherwise intact, strong.
Wonderful for your display and quite difficult to get these original ensigns,
particularly wool ones from this period. (F-). $224.
 
8109-54. [flag]
U. S.
Coast Guard Ensign..c.1915-1953. Early official
U.
S. Coast Guard Ensign size #4 (29”h x 48” w) for use on medium and large
size craft and stations. Early ensign manufactured for the early Coast Guard use
and is in good condition, probably rarely flown, made of all wool bunting. Field
consists of vertical red/white stripes, with Coast Guard shield on crossed
anchors overlaying on the right portion, with the words “Semper Paratus”.
Top left corner is white with
U. S.
eagle and shield, with an arc of 13 stars above. Stenciled on hem is “Coast
Guard Ensign No 4” and manufacturer “Emerson Mfg. Co., S.F. Cal. Makers”.
This is from the early period, probably pre 1940’s, and is in good condition,
no tears, intact, no staining or spots, some mothing up to about ¼”
occasional holes. Wonderful for your display and quite difficult to get these
original ensigns, particularly wool ones from this period. Rare ship or station
ensign. (VG). $275.
 
8176-4. COASTGUARD
ENLISTED MAN’S CAP. Dark navy-blue enlisted man’s “duck”
style cap. Around the barrel is stitched a ribbon of black silk, 1 ½” in
width with the words “U. S. Coast Guard” stitched in gold. Cap is in
unusually good condition, complete, with no apparent tears and unusually clean
as it has been kept protected. Tally letters clear and crisp, light wear and
soiling to back. Caps of this type were in white or blue, and have been most
difficult to find. Hat is marked size 7 1/8. (VG+). $118.
 
13134. (Lot 3 photos) Rescue
of the Crew, Oakey L. Alexander,
Cape Elizabeth
,
Maine
March 3, 1947. 3 ½” x 5 ½”. b/w. Early in the morning of March
3, 1947, the 5284 ton collier "Oakey L. Alexander" was battling her
way toward
Portland
in a wild northeaster. In very heavy seas and winds up to a hurricane force,
130 feet of her heavily loaded bow suddenly broke away and immediately sank.
With the rest of the ship still afloat, Captain Raymond W. Lewis headed for
nearby High Head at
Cape
Elizabeth
at slow speed so the forward bulkheads would not buckle. The ship’s radio
operator sent an SOS that was immediately answered by the Coast Guard. When the
ship ran aground at High Head, men from the nearby Cape Elizabeth Coast Guard
Station were ready for a breeches buoy rescue. A Lyle gun successfully fired a
line to the ship, and a heavier hawser was pulled across and secured. One by one
all aboard were pulled safely ashore riding in the breeches buoy. The remaining
cargo of coal was saved, but the ship was a total loss. She would be stripped
and cut up for salvage. Clear, close image images include the Coast Guard crew
hauling a creman ashore in the breeches buoy as the ship founders on the rocks.
On postcard paper by Gannett Publishing. Very light edge wear. (VG+). $48.
12122e. (complimentary pass) Portland
Steamship Company. 1887. 2 ¼” x 3 ¾”. Pass #558 dated July 30,
1897, allows Mrs. C.J. Boynton of the New York, New Haven & Hartford
Railroad free passage from Boston to Portland on vessels of the Portland
Steamship Company. Pass is printed in black on light yellow on buff paper stock.
Includes signature of J.F. Liscomb, General Agent. The Portland Steamship
Company started as the Portland Steam Packet Company in 1844, and was later
consolidated into the Eastern Steamship Company. One of their vessels, the
side-wheel steamship Portland, was one of the largest and most palatial
vessels afloat in New England during the 1890s. Built in 1889 by, the steamer
ran between Portland, Maine and Boston until its loss with all hands in 1898.
The Portland's loss was New England's greatest steamship disaster prior to the
year 1900. This pass might very well have been used on the ill-fated Portland in
1897, just two years prior to her loss. Clean, crisp. (VG+). $68.
13141. (lot 5 photos) Cahoons
Hollow Life-Saving / Coast Guard Station c.1980. Lot of five b/w
photos show the old Cahoons Hollow Life-Saving / Coast Guard Station as it
looked in 1980. Located on Cahoon Hollow Road in Wellfleet, the station served
from about 1872 until it was abandoned by the Government in 1950. Originally
built of the 1871 Red House design, the station was expanded in 1888. In 1953
the station was sold by the government and served various businesses untikl
1978, when it became The Beachcomber Restaurant and Nightclub and remains today
a summer hot-spot. Nice clear views. 3 ½” x 5”. Dated November 1980. (VG+).
$26.
 
1326. (souvenir spoon) c. 1900.
Beautiful petite commemorative spoon bears a detailed engraved image of the South
Haven Pierhead Lighthouse, Michigan. This finely detailed little
piece shows a close view of the historic station with raised walkway on the end
of the pier as a steamer enters. The bowl bears a nicely detailed raised image
of the lighthouse, and the handle a leaf decoration in relief. Measures 3 ¾”
long and is in excellent condition. Nicely detailed little commemorative piece
and an extremely rare and desirable location, commemorating this light station.
Marked Sterling. (VG+). $58.
 
13145. (photo) Mission
Point Light Station, Grand Traverse, Michigan c.1927. Superb close,
clear photo shows great detail of the Mission Point Lighthouse with the keeper
standing by the front door. Mission Point Light was located at the end of Old
Mission Point, a peninsula jutting into Grand Traverse Bay 17 miles north of
Traverse City. When it was built in 1870, it was an exact copy of the Mama Juda
Lighthouse (now destroyed), which was built on the Detroit River in 1866. For 67
years the light here served to warn mariners about the shoals off Mission Point.
The keeper shown here is probably William F. Green or Emil C. Johnson, who
served in the years between 1907 and 1933. Photo is printed on postcard paper
and is dated 1927. The writer notes that she bought the photo card form the keeper
at the “middle door at the back” in the photo. Clean, clear on postcard
paper, 3 ½” x 5 ¼”. Excellent photo. (VG+). $68.
13156. O'Connell, Wil and Pat. Lighthouses
of Eastern Michigan. Arcadia. 2013. 128p. Soft wraps. 200 vintage
photographs. From the Straits of Mackinac to the Detroit River, Lighthouses of
Eastern Michigan reveals intriguing stories of lighthouses and the people who
depended on them. Readers will enjoy discovering what happened when a large ship
fell 20 feet over one of the Soo Locks and the captain commented, "Good-bye
Old World," as well as of a persistent ghost that caused havoc with the
Coast Guard. Which lighthouse was a construction miracle in 1874? And whatever
happened to the lost lighthouses of the Detroit River? A collection of the
mysteries, storms, fires, and heroics surrounding the lighthouses of eastern
Michigan are waiting within. Authors Wil and Pat O'Connell have spent the last
20 years photographing and writing about the lighthouses of the Great Lakes.
Their interesting volume draws images from public and private collections, most
never before published. Superb photographs of the stations, the men, equipment
and more, well worth it for the photos alone. (M). $21.99. (x)
13146. (mounted photo) Looking
South on Broadway in Siasconset, Nantucket c.1870’s. Rare early
view includes a finely dressed woman and young child passing by other neighbors
as they walk south on Broadway. Good condition, some soiling and very light
foxing. Overall 3 3/8” square. (VG-) $34.
13135. McAlpine, Ken. Fog.
2012. iUniverse. 233p. Soft wraps. Set at the Peaked Hill Bar Life-Saving
Station, FOG is the rare adventure that jolts the heart and mind, a tale of
unconquerable spirit and menace, and the vaporous line between good and evil
that exists in us all. When the vessel Asia sinks in a storm along the harsh
winter shores of 1882 Cape Cod, the crew, the captain, and the captain’s young
daughter are cast into the midnight sea. Swept ashore, the Asia’s captain
meets an unforeseen end. His child makes landfall, and dies not far away. With
dawn’s arrival, all that remains are the jagged hulk of the Asia and the
whispers of a secret. So begins a race to find a history-altering treasure, and
a contest that pits Life-Saving Keeper Daniel Cole and his fellow Peaked Hill
Bars lifesavers against a philosophical killer - a mooncusser who walks a stoic
horse along the ridge line of the Cape’s towering beach cliffs, bending fate
to his aims. Hope and despair, love and loss, sacrifice and sin, riddle and
answer, blur and intertwine in a tale that calls into question our own moral
compass, and the very nature of progress and civilization. (M). $17.95. (x)
13139a.
(calendar) Victory Ship “Ames Victory” – Boston
Light calendar for year 1946. Lovely wall calendar features an actual
4” x 4 ½” photo of the Victory Ship “Ames Victory” in 1945, mounted on
a calendar with wonderful print of the artist A. Acorn’s painting of Boston
Light . The “Ames Victory” was a U.S. War Shipping Administration vessel
launched in Portland, Oregon in 1945. She served at the Battle for Okinawa where
on May 4, shell fragments hit the chief mate on board. This ship claimed hits on
the plane which crashed into the Birmingham. Calendar sheet is for December
1946. Only light wear, very light soiling. Displays well. (VG-). $22.
13139b.
(calendar) Victory Ship “Morgantown Victory” –
Boston Light calendar for year 1947. Lovely wall calendar features an
actual 4” x 4 ½” photo of the Victory Ship “Morgantown Victory” in
1945, mounted on a calendar with wonderful print of the artist A. Acorn’s
painting of Boston Light . The “Morgantown Victory” was a U.S. War Shipping
Administration vessel launched in Baltimore in 1945. She served at the Normandy
invasion where she was damaged by a mine. Calendar sheets are complete from
January to December 1947. Only light wear, very light soiling, bottom corners
clipped. Displays well. (VG). $26.
13123. (photo) United
States Lighthouse Service Lighthouse Tender Tulip c.1934. Rare early
photo shows the United States Lighthouse Service Lighthouse Tender Tulip when
she was stranded in ice during the severe winter of February 1934 when Long
Island Sound was frozen across from Lloyds Harbor to the Connecticut shore. This
was not the only time the vessel was in danger of being lost. She was literally
blown and swept on to the shore and landed on some railroad tracks in the Great
Hurricane of September 1938. Built in 1907 the vessel came under control of the
Coast Guard in 1939 and continued in service until 1945 when it was
decommissioned. On the back are written the names of the officers and crewman on
the vessel at the time in 1934 and later typed historical information on the
vessel as well. Measures 8” x 10”. Light impressions from writing on back,
otherwise clean, good condition. Rare view. (VG). $64.
13129. (photo) Lightships
Boston, Portland, Cross Rip, Relief c.1955. Clear, close, large
original 9 ½” x 12 ½” press photo shows great detail of four lightships
awaiting disposal after being decommissioned and sold by the government. Vessels
include Boston Lightship No. 81, Portland Lightship No. 90, Cross Rip Lightship
No. 96, and probably Relief Lightship No. 98. Photo is b/w and includes date and
description on back. Dated September 8, 1955. Clear, close view, great detail,
unusually large photo. (VG+). $74.
1399. (photo) Plum
Point Lighthouse, Jamestown, Rhode Island c.1974. Clear, close,
original 8” x 10” press photo shows good detail of the Plum Point
Lighthouse, at this point home to a large pigeon colony under study by
scientists. Photo is b/w and includes date and description. Dated April 23,
1974. Clear, close view, great detail. (VG+). $24.
13148. Weare, Nancy V. Plum
Island – The Way it Was. Newburyport Press. 1996. 2nd. 106p. Soft
wraps. The story of Plum Island from the time of the early settlers up through
the 1930's -- a glimpse of island life and activities in text and photographs.
This book is loaded with historic images and informative text. Lots of rare
photos include life at the Plum Island Lighthouse showing both the old and new
towers, Keeper Kezer, Newburyport and Merrimack River Life-Saving Stations,
crews, Coast Guard station and more. Also includes the many different villages
on the island, gunners and more. Great account, wonderful photos. Light wear to
spine. (VG). $39.
28262. Bostick, Douglas W. The
Morris Island Lighthouse: Charleston's Maritime Beacon. History
Press. 2013. 2nd. 128p. Douglas Bostick, historian and former director of Save
the Light, Inc., recounts the stories of the many light keepers and their
families who braved meager provisions, low pay and grueling conditions living on
a small island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. Filled with over 55 black
& white photographs. Well done, most interesting lighthouse history. (M).
$19.99. (x)
 
9484i.
(souvenir cup / saucer) Chatham Twin Lights, Chatham,
Mass. c.1900. A bold, bright, gilt decorated commemorative cup and
saucer in rose color, features two large and quite detailed, clear b/w images of
the twin "Chatham Lights, Chatham, Mass." The superb cup measures 3”
high and the saucer 6” in diameter and is enhanced by a beautiful bright rose
color with decorative gilt trim around on the handle and on the rim. The
unusually detailed images includes all aspects of the two iron light towers and
the clipped-gable keeper's dwelling. Marked “Made in Germany for S. Rogers
& Son, Chatham, Mass.” Very clean, no cracks or checks, little if any
wear. A very detailed, pretty set for your display. Chatham lighthouse china
pieces are quite rare and in great demand. Unusually attractive piece. (F-).
$178.
8496p.
(souvenir dish) Chatham Twin Lights, Chatham, Mass.
c.1900. A lovely, bright, gilt decorated commemorative dish in
white, features a large, detailed, clear b/w image of the twin "Chatham
Lights” in Chatham, Mass. The superb piece measures about 5 3/8” in diameter
and is in the form of a dish with fluited sides, and is enhanced by a beautiful
decorative painted flowers and gilt trim around edges. The unusually detailed
image includes all aspects of the two iron light towers flanking the
clipped-gable keeper's dwelling. Marked "Made in Germany for J.J. Howes,
Chatham, Mass." Very clean, no cracks or checks, very little wear. A very
detailed, pretty little item for your display. Chatham lighthouse china pieces
are quite rare and in great demand. Unusually attractive piece. (VG+).
$68.
 (photo
not included)
13131. (reprint) Annual
Report of the Chief of the Revenue Marine Bureau for the Fiscal Year Ending June
30, 1873 Showing the Operations of the Revenue Marine and the Life-Saving
Service. Wash. 1873. 74p. Soft wraps. This very early report of the
Revenue Marine Service details the vessels employed in the service, those under
construction or discontinued, expenses, stations, etc. In addition, report
includes 56 page report on the operations of the Life-Saving Service which, at
that time, was under the Revenue Marine. The first separate Report of the
Life-Saving Service would not be published until 1876. Early Life-Saving Service
report includes list of stations and Keepers in the three current Districts
(Cape Cod, Rhode Island, Long Island and New Jersey), list of proposed stations
(in Maine, New Hampshire, Mass., Virginia and North Carolina), report on
experiments with life-boat and rocket apparatus, complete Regulations for the
Government of the Life-Saving Service, signals for Life-Saving stations,
Instructions and Drill in the Use of the Rocket and Mortar Apparatus, Rules for
Management of Open Row-Boats in a Surf, Instructions for Saving Drowning
Persons…., Forms and Reports, and more. Detailed early information of this
service during its beginnings. (M). $26.
13137a. Mace, Henry O. Collectors
Guide to Early Photographs. 1990. Wallace-Homestead. 214p. Soft
wraps. This one-of-a-kind reference guide provides invaluable information on
identifying and dating cased images to help readers succeed in the hot hobby of
collecting and preserving 19th-century photographs. Collector's Guide to Early
Photographs goes beyond describing the basic types (categories) of old
photographs. It provides entire chapters detailing the descriptions of each
category and sub-categories of old photographs. There is specific advice
regarding collecting each category of old photograph, as well as advice on which
photographed subjects (animals, children, etc.) images are most rare. Also
included is a listing of notable early photographers (ten pages long) whose work
is of particular interest to collectors. There is rarely a page in the book
doesn't include at least one picture / illustration of a category of
photographs, photographed subjects, close up details of case markings, brass
mats, etc. Approximately half the book is devoted to the non-paper based
photographs (daguerreotype, ambrotype, and tintype) with the remaining half
addressing the various paper based photographs including calotypes, cartes de
visite, cabinet cards, stereographs, dry plate and gelatin prints, Civil War
images, and more. This is an outstanding book for learning the details about the
various categories and types of photographs in existence. Clean, tight, light
wear, a few creases to wraps. (VG). $24.
 
 
1391. Catalogue
No. 1. The Army and Navy Co-Operative Company. New York. 1912. 308p.
Post binding. This, their first illustrated catalogue, was printed as Catalog
No. 1 Established 1912. Catalogue was directed at officers of the Army, Navy
and Marines, graduating classes of the academies, Revenue Cutter Service and
Public Health Service, to provide them with anything they could possibly
need. Includes also portions of Uniform Regulations for officers of the U.S.
Army, Navy and Marine Corps as well as detailed offerings of uniform pieces and
equipment for the services including as well the Revenue Cutter Service, Public
Health Service, Militia and others. Included too are all equipment, all personal
gear, clothes for the entire family, furniture, toiletries, china, auto
supplies, etc. The officer could purchase anything he or his family could
conceivably ever need no matter where he would be stationed. Literally thousands
of items, all illustrated with photographs, include in addition to uniforms :
camp furniture, binoculars, cartridge belts, slings, revolver belts, oak
furniture, men’s and women’s furnishings and clothing, Stetson shoes, field
boots, razor assortments, luggage and trunks, cooking utensils, French ivory
military brushes, house-wares of all descriptions, typewriters, carbide lamps
and lights, silver service, alarm clocks, watches, horse bits and stirrups,
saddles, tobacco products, and much more. Catalogue is set up in a format where
punched pages could be inserted for additions or revisions. Overall measures
about 9 ½” x 12 ½”. Expected wear to the covers from years of use but
pages overall clean and bright, only light edge wear. This one of the most
complete and unique references for personal/family military related items I have
come across. (VG-). $54.
 
13132. Padded
Leather Coast Guard Sword-Saber Carrying Case c.1920’s – 1940’s. Vintage
felt padded calf leather case measures 37 ½” overall for protecting and
carrying the regulation U.S. Coast Guard officer’s sword. Case is nicely
marked “T.G.M.” “U.S.C.G.” on the cover flap. Cover flap was closed with
two leather straps and buckles. Straps have broken but could be replaced.
Otherwise in good condition. With restoration would be good case for your period
sword. Difficult to find. (G+). $135.
13136. (newspaper) "The
Light-House System" "Proposed Light-House At Race Rock, Long Island
Sound--Foundation Successfully Laid – The Superstructure to be Proceeded
With.” The New York Times. November 7, 1874. Lengthy one column
article discusses the construction of the lighthouse at Race Rock. Good detail.
Complete newspaper with other news of the day. Complete in 12 pages, minor
margin wear, otherwise very good. (VG). $68.
 
1390. (chart) Eastern
Entrance To Nantucket Sound Massachusetts Chart #250. Coast &
Geodetic Survey. 1913. Reissued 1917. 36” x 27”. 1:40,000. 36”w x 27”h.
February 1917. Bright, very large detailed original Coast Survey chart includes
the area of shoals between Monomoy Point off Chatham to Great Point, Nantucket.
Chart includes all Coast Guard Lifeboat stations including Station No. 43
Monomoy and #44 Monomoy Point, as well as all lighthouses, lightship, buoys, and
features and more. Lighthouses include Monomoy Point when it was manned and had
a red sector to the ENE, Great Point Light, Pollock Rip Slue Lightship, Pollock
Rip Lightship, Handkerchief Lightship, Stone Horse Lightship, Great Round Shoal
Lightship, and more. The area has numerous shoals and bars, and the entire area
is exceedingly treacherous. Included on the chart are bearings, tides and
currents for the area, and soundings, rules of road, storm warnings, and more.
Chart is in very good condition, overall clean, bright, only two original folds.
Rare chart showing early Coast Guard stations. Wonderful for wall display.
(VG+). $74. Sold.
11457b. (photo) U.
S. Coast Guard Lightship Swiftsure WAL-535 (LV-113). c.1946.Close
clear view of the Swiftsure Lightship on station off the coast of Washington.
Nice view, b/w, 8” x 10”, clear and close, shows wonderful detail as
she is re-supplied by long-boat by the tender. Official Coast Guard photograph
with credit line on back. Dated November 20, 1946. Superb detail. (F-). $56.
13133. Waters, Harold. Smugglers
of Spirits: Prohibition and the Coast Guard Patrol. 2007. Flat
Hammock Press. 186p. Soft wraps. The days of bootlegging and bathtub gin on land
was called the Rum War at sea and was played for keeps when organized crime
moved in. Here's the view from the Coast Guard side and reads like an old salts
yarn. Rum War veteran Harold Waters recalls both serious and lighter moments of
his time enforcing Prohibition in the Coast Guard of the 1930’s. His personal
observations recount a time long past. Waters entered the Coast Guard in 1922,
at age 17. He served for 25 years, retiring after service in the Pacific during
World War II, with the rank of Lieutenant. Rare account of the early years -
wonderful reading. (M). $24.95. (x)
7440c. Bishop, Eleanor C., PRINTS
IN THE SAND - The U. S. Coast Guard Beach Patrol During World War II.
Missoula
. 1989. 1st. 82p. Soft wraps. Chronicles the little known group that was the
Coast Guard beach patrol. Made up of boys and men from 17 to 73 who protected
the borders of the
United States
from enemy invasion after June 1942. With thousands of miles of coastline to
protect, horses and dogs were put into action in many places. These “sailors
on horseback” now receive long overdue credit for a job well done. Only very
lightly used. Long out of print, very difficult to find. (VG+). $74. Sold.
 
13116. [commemorative dish] A petite,
bright commemorative dish featuring a beautiful clear, b/w image of the East
Chop Light [House], Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. c. 1900. This
dish is quite attractive, with a detailed image of the 1 ½-story Victorian
keeper’s dwelling flanked by the brown iron light tower. This pretty dish
measures 5 3/8” in diameter and is enhanced by gold leaf trim decorated,
cobalt blue upturned rim. Marked “Germany”. A very attractive piece. Clean,
bright, only very light wear to rim, a few chips to underside of rim. (VG). $46.
889. Williams,
Lawrence
W., A COLLECTORS GUIDE TO SOUVENIR
CHINA
– Keepsakes of a Golden Era, Identification and Value Guide.
Paducah
,
KY.
1998. 232p. Soft wraps. Completely illustrated with over 500 color photographs.
A hundred years ago, souvenir china was all the rage in the
US
. For the first time this well known expert from
Chatham
,
Mass.
presents a complete guide to the background and manufacturers, along with an
in-depth analysis, descriptions, and current values. For those of you who have
been collection lighthouse and life-saving commemorative pieces, or who would
like to collect pieces from your hometown, this is a most valuable reference.
Wonderful reading, with over 500 beautiful, clear color photographs of every
type and style, manufacturer’s marks and details. (M). $22.95. (also
one slightly used copy $19.95).
6267J. Howe, M. A. DeWolf. THE
HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE
COMMONWEALTH
OF
MASSACHUSETTS
- AN HISTORICAL REVIEW 1785-1916.
Boston
. 1918. 398pp. No. 454 of a limited 1st edition. Includes short note by
Mrs. J.C. Driscall on Humane Society stationery. Illustrated with over 34 fine
photogravures of the Society’s Life-Saving stations, boats, crews and
equipment. Chronicles the founding and early activities of the Society including
the establishment of stations and huts-of-refuge, rescues and resuscitations,
Medal of Honor winners, etc. Includes listing of huts and stations and medal
winners from 1786 until 1916. A rare title with a wealth of information on this
early Service, beautifully presented. Contents clean, tight, covers little if
any wear, very nice copy. (VG+). $149.
2115q.
[color plate] color plate UNITED STATES FLAGS. c.1903.
Stone chromolithograph color plate by Julius Bien & Co., one of the
finest US lithographers of the early 20th century. This 1-page 6” x 9” color
plate disbound from an early reference details 17 types of
United States
flags. Most interesting are the Lighthouse Service pennant, Revenue Marine
Ensign and Revenue Marine Pennant. Also includes views of Union flag and jack,
President’s standard, yacht ensign, U.S. Mail flag, Admiral’s flags,
Secretary of the Navy, Commodore’s pennant and more. Clean, crisp, printed on
heavier, matte finish paper. Perfect for framing or reference. (F-). $24.
2115r.
[color plate] FLAGS FOR MARITIME DISPLAY OF THE
INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS. c.1903. Stone chromolithograph color
plate by Julius Bien & Co., one of the finest US lithographers of the early
20th century. This 1-page 6 ½” x 10” color plate disbound from an early
encyclopedia details the 27 letter flags including the Answering Pennant. Clean,
crisp, rich saturated colors characteristic of the stone litho process and
printing quality is excellent. Printed on stiff paper--blank on the reverse. The
condition is excellent, would look wonderful matted and framed. (VG+). $22.
13122. (copy photo) Mayo's
Beach Lighthouse, Wellfleet, Cape Cod c.1890 view. 8 ½” x 11”.
High quality digital copy photo shows Mayo’s Beach Light Station at about
1890. The new cast iron tower and brick and clapboard keeper's house shown
here, were built in 1881, and the original lantern and wood dwelling was
removed. This light station as shown, remained in service until it was
discontinued on March 10, 1922. The light station property was sold at auction
on August 1, 1923, to Capt. Harry Capron and the tower moved to the West Coast.
(M). $19.95.
13142. (photo) Lighthouse
Service Bells, Staten Island Lighthouse Depot, Tompkinsville, NY c.1924.
Clear, close, original 8” x 8” press photos shows rare details inside the
Lighthouse Service Depot on Staten Island. In this view over 50 used worn and
cracked bells are stored outside one of the depot buildings awaiting melting
down. Includes 6 or 8 large bells, some marked “USLHE”, which were most
likely light station or lightship fog bells. Photo is b/w and includes date and
description on back. Dated November 4, 1924. Clear, close view, great detail, a
bit of ink residue. (VG). $68.
555b. Freeman, James. A
DESCRIPTION OF THE EASTERN COAST OF THE COUNTY OF BARNSTABLE, FROM CAPE COD, OR
RACE POINT...TO CAPE MALEBARRE, OR THE SANDY POINT OF CHATHAM....POINTING OUT
THE SPOTS ON WHICH THE TRUSTEES OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY HAVE ERECTED HUTS, AND
OTHER PLACES WHERE SHIPWRECKED SEAMEN MAY LOOK FOR SHELTER. October
1802. By a Member of the Humane Society.
Boston
. 1802. First Edition. Printed by Hosea Sprague. 15pp. No wraps, signature
bound, moderate foxing cover pages, light to contents. Very scarce, one of the
first works to describe the outer Cape, its topography and early Humane Society
huts and one of the earliest works to act as a coast guide for
Cape Cod
. Very scarce, only a few copies remain. (G) $195. Sold.
 
11180e.
(coat button) “House of Refuge” (Florida). U.S.
Life Saving Service. 23mm. 7/8”. Backmarked “Browning King &
Co.”. The Houses of Refuge in Florida were a series of stations operated by
the United States Life Saving Service along the coast of Florida to rescue and
shelter ship-wrecked sailors. Five houses were built on the east coast in 1876,
with five more added in 1885. The houses were manned by civilian keepers,
contractors who lived in the houses with their families. Most of these houses
remained in service as life-saving stations until 1915 or later. Buttons from
the few uniforms that were worn are extremely rare. (VG+). $195.
11180f.
(coat button) “House of Refuge” (Florida). U.S.
Life Saving Service. 15mm. 9/16”. Backmarked “Browning King &
Co.”. The Houses of Refuge in Florida were a series of stations operated by
the United States Life Saving Service along the coast of Florida to rescue and
shelter ship-wrecked sailors. Five houses were built on the east coast in 1876,
with five more added in 1885. The houses were manned by civilian keepers,
contractors who lived in the houses with their families. Most of these houses
remained in service as life-saving stations until 1915 or later. Buttons from
the few uniforms that were worn are extremely rare. (VG+). $145.
Set
two buttons, one of each size. $315.
13108a.
(photo) American Steamer Onondaga Stranded on Nauset
Beach, Chatham c.1907. On January 13, 1907 the American Steamer
Onondaga, bound from Boston to Jacksonville, Florida, stranded on Nauset
Beach in Chatham in dense fog. Life-Savers from the Old Harbor Station responded
and hauled out the breeches buoy, but as the seas had calmed none of the crew
were landed at that time. The vessel remained for three months when in March the
steamer was refloated, with the aid of tugboats. In order to pull the steamer
from the beach, she had to be lightened and unloaded by hand, which we see here.
Clear close view shows great detail of locals unloading the steamer. Dated March
11, 1907. Clean, clear on postcard paper, trimmed to 3” x 4 ¾”. (VG+). $44.
13108b.
(photo) American Steamer Onondaga Stranded on Nauset Beach, Chatham c.1907. On
January 13, 1907 the American Steamer Onondaga, bound from Boston to
Jacksonville, Florida, stranded on Nauset Beach in Chatham in dense fog.
Life-Savers from the Old Harbor Station responded and hauled out the breeches
buoy, but as the seas had calmed none of the crew were landed at that time. The
vessel remained for three months when in March the steamer was refloated, with
the aid of tugboats. In order to pull the steamer from the beach, she had to be
lightened and unloaded by hand, which we see here. Clear view shows good detail
of locals unloading the steamer. Dated March 15, 1907. Clean, a few marks, clear
on postcard paper, 3 ½” x 5 ¼”. (VG). $34.
S.S.
Pendleton off Chatham , Cape Cod February 1952
As
the weather wreaked havoc on land, the freezing
Atlantic
became a wind-whipped zone of peril. In the early hours of Monday, February 18,
while the storm raged, two oil tankers, the Pendleton and the
Fort
Mercer
, found themselves in the same horrifying predicament. Built with "dirty
steel," and not prepared to withstand such ferocious seas, both tankers
split in two, leaving the dozens of men on board utterly at the
Atlantic
's mercy. Coast Guard cutters raced to the aid of those on the
Fort
Mercer
, and when it became apparent that the halves of the Pendleton were in danger of
capsizing, the Coast Guard sent out two thirty-six-foot motor lifeboats as well.
These wooden boats, manned by only four seamen each, were dwarfed by the
enormous seventy-foot seas. As the tiny rescue vessels set out from the coast of
Cape Cod
, the men aboard were all fully aware that they were embarking on what could
easily become a suicide mission. The spellbinding tale is overflowing with
breathtaking scenes that sear themselves into the mind's eye, as boats capsize,
bows and sterns crash into one another, and men hurl themselves into the raging
sea in their terrifying battle for survival. Not all of the eighty-four men
caught at sea in the midst of that brutal storm survived, but considering the
odds, it's a miracle -- and a testament to their bravery -- that any came home
to tell their tales at all. These photos were taken on that day in Chatham and
record in great detail the horror and heroism that day.
13110a.
(photos) Coast Guard CG-36500 Offloading Survivors of
S.S. Pendleton off Chatham , Cape Cod February 1952. Clear, close,
original 8” x 8” press photos shows excellent detail of the survivors of the
S.S. Pendleton as they arrive at the dock in Chatham after being rescued from
the broken hull of the SS Pendleton. 32 of 33 men were rescued by the four-man
crew of CG-36500 that day. Photo is b/w and includes date and description on
back. Taken on February 18, 1952. Clear, close view, great detail. (VG). $64. Sold.
13110b.
(photos) Survivors of S.S. Pendleton off Chatham , Cape
Cod in Ambulance February 1952. Clear, close, original 8” x 10”
press photos shows excellent detail of survivors of the S.S. Pendleton as
they get into the ambulance after arriving at the dock in Chatham. Photo is b/w
and includes date and description on back. Taken on February 18, 1952. Clear,
close view, great detail. (VG). $56.
13110f.
(photos) Survivors of S.S. Pendleton off Chatham , Cape
Cod Greet Coast Guardsman in Charge of Rescue Operations, February 1952.
Clear, close, original 8” x 10” press photos shows excellent detail of five
survivors as they greet Chief Warrant Officer Daniel W. Cluff, in charge of
rescue operations. Survivors pictured include Edward A. Gallagher, J.W.
Zezotarski, V.A. Collins, Frank Fauteux, and J.J. Hicks. Photo is b/w and
includes date and description on back. Taken on February 19, 1952. Clear, close
view, great detail. (VG). $44.
13101. Smith, Ken. Coast
Guard Follies – My Humor in Uniform. Yeoman House. 2007. 96p. Soft
wraps. Ken Smith was just a boy of 18 in 1951 when the government asked him to
serve. Despite his flat feet, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and began a
three-year adventure that took him from the frigid North Atlantic to a tiny
atoll in the South Pacific called Ulithi. This book is Smith's fond recollection
of his time in the service, when the only dangers came from the push-push girls,
the bad decisions of Lt. Lard-Ass and an ungrounded gooseneck lamp. This is a
hilarious and heartwarming story that will appeal to all old Coasties and
landlubbers alike. Great reading – takes one back for sure. (M). $16.95. (x)
13128a,b.
Light House Establishment 1st Order Lantern Wall
Ventilator c.1880. Rare original 1st Order brass lighthouse lantern
room ventilator removed from Boston Lighthouse during an upgrade in 1999-2000.
Ventilator measures 9” flange diameter, 8” thru-hole diameter. These were
used in the lower lantern walls to provide cool air into the lantern room.
Lanterns had typically 4 – 8 spaced below the lantern glazing. Complete,
rotates to close. Extremely rare. $560 each.
21371.
(silver plate flatware) U.S. Coast Guard marked “U.S.C.G.”
with shield. (VG+).
(3) dinner forks 7 ½” $48 ea.
(1) dinner fork 7 1/8” $48.
(2) cocktail forks 6” $56 ea.
(6) tablespoons 6” $48 ea.
(1) spoon large 7 3/8” $48.
(3) table knife 9 ¾” $48 ea.
(1) table knife 8 ¾” $48.
8341-61.
[cup] United States Coast Guard. Bottom
labeled “Walker China Vitrified Bedford Ohio 1963”. This pattern is a later
pattern which includes one brown stripe around the perimeter bordered by two
thin turquoise stripes. Within the stripe are the United States Coast Guard
emblem with brown crossed anchors surrounding Coast Guard shield. Cup measures 3
7/8” diameter, 2 ¼” high. Little if any wear. (F-). $52.
8341-62.
[saucer] United States Coast Guard. Bottom
labeled “Mayer China Beaver Falls U.S.A. 264”. This pattern is a later
pattern which includes one brown stripe around the perimeter bordered by two
thin turquoise stripes. Within the stripe are the United States Coast Guard
emblem with brown crossed anchors surrounding Coast Guard shield. 6 ¼”.
diameter. Little if any wear. (F-). $52.
8341-56.
[bread plate] United States Coast Guard.
Bottom labeled “Jackson Custom China Falls Creek, PA. USA H12”. This pattern
is a later pattern which includes one brown stripe around the perimeter bordered
by two thin turquoise stripes. Within the stripe are the
United States
Coast Guard emblem with brown crossed anchors surrounding Coast Guard shield. 7
1/8” diameter. Little if any wear. (F-). $36.
8341-58.
[bread plate] United States Coast Guard.
Bottom labeled “Jackson Custom China Falls Creek, PA. USA H12”. This pattern
is a later pattern which includes one brown stripe around the perimeter bordered
by two thin turquoise stripes. Within the stripe are the
United States
Coast Guard emblem with brown crossed anchors surrounding Coast Guard shield. 7
1/8” diameter. Little if any wear. (F-). $36.
8341-57.
[dinner plate] United States Coast Guard.
Bottom labeled “Mayer China Beaver Falls U.S.A. 284”. This pattern is
a later pattern which includes one brown stripe around the perimeter bordered by
two thin turquoise stripes. Within the stripe are the United States Coast Guard
emblem with brown crossed anchors surrounding Coast Guard shield. 8 7/8”
diameter. Only very light wear. (VG+). $48.
8341-55.
[bullion cup] United States Coast Guard.
Bottom labeled “Walker China Vitrified Bedford Ohio I-53”. This pattern is a
later pattern which includes one brown stripe around the perimeter bordered by
two thin turquoise stripes. Within the stripe are the United States Coast Guard
emblem with brown crossed anchors surrounding Coast Guard shield. Two-handle cup
measures 3 7/8” diameter, 2 ¼” high. Only light wear. (VG+). $44. Sold.
8341-54.
[bullion cup] United States Coast Guard.
Bottom labeled “Walker China Vitrified Bedford Ohio I-53”. This pattern is a
later pattern which includes one brown stripe around the perimeter bordered by
two thin turquoise stripes. Within the stripe are the United States Coast Guard
emblem with brown crossed anchors surrounding Coast Guard shield. Two-handle cup
measures 3 7/8” diameter, 2 ¼” high. Little if any wear. (F-). $48. Sold.
8341-60. [saucer] United
States Coast Guard c.1946. Scarce original early pattern
United States
Coast Guard saucer manufactured in the early years of the Twentieth Century for
use in ships’ wardrooms and at some ‘stag’ stations. Made of heavy white
institutional type china, saucer is of the scarce earlier pattern which includes
one turquoise stripe around the perimeter bordered by two thin brown stripes.
Below the stripe are the United States Coast Guard emblem in turquoise with
crossed anchors surrounding Coast Guard shield. Bottom labeled “Jackson China
1946”. Saucer measures 6 ¼” in diameter. With light wear, this is a rare,
beautiful piece. We have had very few pieces in this color pattern over the
years, making this quite worthwhile. (VG). $110.
13121. (stereoview) Railroad
Station, Bradford Street, Provincetown, Cape Cod c.1874 by G.H.
Nickerson. Early view provides an extremely rare look at the Provincetown Train
Station located on Bradford Street (formerly Back Street) between Alden and
Standish Streets. The first scheduled train arrived in Provincetown on July
23rd., 1873 to much fanfare. It was reported that when the first train with
dignitaries arrived, old cannons boomed out salutes, church bells were rung and
a brass band helped the crowd march up to the Pavilion on High Pole Hill.
Passenger service to Provincetown ended in July of 1938 but freight service
survived until 1960, when the tracks above North Eastham were then abandoned.
Moderate foxing, light wear, still an extremely rare, close view. (VG-). $56. Sold.
13115.
(advertisement). Grace Line Announces A New Fleet of
Twenty “Santa” Ships. c.1946. 7” x 10”. Perfect for framing.
Shows color vignettes of twenty Grace Line “Santa” ships including the Santa
Clara, Santa Barbara and more. Clean, crisp. Disbound from c.1946 magazine.
(VG+). $22.
13113.
(demitasse cup) Grace Steamship Line.
Measures 2 ¼” high 2 ¼” diameter. Rare little demitasse cup from the Grace
Line (W. R. Grace & Co), New York (1882-69). What later became the Grace
Line originated in 1882 as a line of sailing vessels between Peru and New York.
US-flag service began in 1912 with the Atlantic and Pacific Steamship Company.
The activities of both companies and the parent firm were consolidated into the
Grace Steamship Company beginning in 1916. The firm originally specialized in
traffic to the west coast of South America; then expanded into the Caribbean.
After World War II. Cup bears the Grace Line flag - red with the word
"GRACE" in blue on a white lozenge. Cup is enhanced with a gilt stripe
around rim of cup and along handle. Only light wear to gilding on handle. A rare
steamship collectible. (VG). $78.
13111. Snow, Edward Rowe. ATLANTIC
SUNRISE
. [Published as essay in
Griffin
, Arthur.
NEW ENGLAND
: The Four Seasons With Original Essays by 51 Famous Authors.]
Boston
. 1980. 111 p. DJ. Little known article by Mr. Snow on the appeal that
New England
’s coastline holds for millions of Americans. Edited by Arthur Griffin, this
compendium of his superb
New England
color photography combines with essays by many famous authors. Superb viewing
and reading. A rare difficult to find snow article. (VG+). $24.
20386. Barnett, J. P., THE
LIFESAVING GUNS OF DAVID LYLE.
South Bend
. 1976. 3rd. 108p. Soft wraps. 3rd. updated edition. This is the definitive
reference on this well known backbone of the Life-Saving Service and early Coast
Guard – the Lyle Gun. Using early records and searching out makers and
specimens, the author presents a most complete account of the manufacture and
history of these important tools. Includes Manby mortar, Hunt gun, and numerous
civilian guns including Hall’s, Coston, Cunningham’s rockets, Galbraith,
General Ordnance, Naval Co., Steward, American Ordinance, Sculler, HTP, and many
more. Also includes firing mechanisms, faking equipment, projectiles, octants,
powder, performance tests, and more. Filled with vintage photos and diagrams,
this is an extremely valuable reference on the subject. (M). $21.50.
25156c. Beard, Tom [ed]. THE
COAST GUARD.
Seattle
. Foundation for Coast Guard History. 2004. 368 p. Oversize 10 ½” x 14 ½”.
From protecting our coastlines and inland waterways, to drug interdiction,
combat missions, and its new prominent position as guardian against terrorism as
part of the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Coast Guard
maintains a constant vigil in the safeguarding of American people, property, and
way of life. Its roots stem from the establishment of the Revenue Cutter Service
and Lighthouse Establishment in 1790 to regulate and protect commercial shipping
as well as carry out maritime search and rescue, and the federalization of
volunteer beach life-saving patrols as the Life-Saving Service in 1871. Two of
these organizations merged in 1915 to form the Coast Guard. Now, the spirit and
essence of the Coast Guard is celebrated for the first time in a definitive,
magnificently illustrated, large format book published with the Foundation for
Coast Guard History. Written by an outstanding team, including historians and
distinguished active and retired officers including two Commandants, The Coast
Guard has over 350 pages of riveting and informative text and stories of the
"Coast Guard" experience. Essays on the early history of these
services, lighthouses, beach patrol, lifeboat rescues, search and rescue,
training, aviation, the drug war, and the war on terrorism all have one common
focus: the incredibly trained and highly motivated people that make it all work.
Filled with stunning full-color and vintage photography and historically
inspired paintings and original vintage photographs complement the text. The
Coast Guard enables the history of
America
's Coast Guard to be cherished permanently in a handsome package that all Coast
Guard personnel will be proud to own and—with its unique medallion-inlaid
large padded cover—to display. This book will be read again and again by past
and present personnel, their families and friends, and the countless others that
have been inspired and intrigued by the exploits of the United States Coast
Guard. (M). $75.
2726-61. (stereoview) Keeper
Capt. Joseph Winslow, Surfside Life Saving Station, Nantucket by J. Freeman.
c.1878. This extremely rare view provides great detail as station
Keeper Capt. Joseph Winslow stands on the boat ramp demonstrating their new
Merriman rubber life-saving suit. Dated in pencil July 30, 1878. In the
background we can see into the boatroom floor where their early Manby mortar
line gun sits next to the Francis Metallic Lifeboat. The Merriman rubber
life-saving suit was an innovation of the time. The inventor, Clark S. Merriman,
in a bid to help sea-rescue, designed this life preserving suit, which was made
from India rubber and was inflatable. This suit had been tested by Captain
Boyton of the New Jersey Life Saving Service, when he was dropped over the side
of a steamer into the Irish sea , in a gale. Soon suits were issued to some
other stations as warranted, including the Surfside Life Saving station on
Nantucket. The suit did see some use including at the well known wreck of the
Metropolis near the Poyners Hill station in North Carolina in 1878. There, after
a number of unsuccessful attempts to get a shot line aboard the stricken vessel,
Keeper Chappell then donned the Merriman life-saving dress and made two valiant
attempts to carry a line out to the vessel. There are very few views in
existence of the boatroom at Surfside, and even fewer of the Merriman suit. View
is nicely intact with only a bit of edge wear and some very light soiling. A
similar view recently fetched over $700 at auction. (VG+). $245.
13102. Morrison, James. Alcohol,
Boat Chases, And Shootouts! - How The U.S. Coast Guard And Customs Fought Rum
Smugglers And Pirates. Part I 1919-1924. Charleston. 2008. 340p. Soft
wraps. If you like accounts of the Coast Guard, Customs, pirates, boat chases,
rum smugglers, corrupt politicians, conspiracies, violence, and drunken sailors,
then you will love this book! This is an epic story that has been buried by
time. In an age when transporting and selling alcohol was illegal, brave men
went to sea in an effort to stop rum smugglers and pirates. Amazingly, these
true stories of sea battles and chases are not from hundreds of years ago--they
are from the 20th century! This is the true story of how the Coast Guard and law
enforcement attempted to enforce prohibition on the water, much of which has
never been published. (M). $34.
13107. Rustic
Cast Iron U.S. Lighthouse Service Insignia Sign 9”. Dimensions:
6" L x 2" W x 9" H. Solid, sturdy, and durable, this cast iron
U.S. Lighthouse Service insignia reproduction is hand crafted from cast iron,
based on the old Lighthouse Service Watchman’s badge design. Would be most
attractive on your door or wall for decoration. With two holes for mounting.
(M). $29.95 each.
1381. (photo) Light
House Keeping – Bear Island, Maine c.1946. Clear, close, original
8” x 10” Coast Guard photo shows good detail of Mrs. Kennedy, wife of Coast
Guard Keeper Andrew W. Kennedy who can be seen inside the lantern, giving the
exterior of the lantern room windows their daily cleaning. Photo is b/w and
includes date and description on back. Dated March 23, 1946. Clear, close view,
great detail. (VG+). $48.
1386. (token) British
Board of Trade Rocket Apparatus. Proof of Service at a Wreck. c.1883.
This “Token Coin” was issued to the volunteers who assisted a stricken
vessel (shipwreck) and was used to acquire a payment at a later date. The
paymaster would come to the stations and pay the volunteers on presentation of
the token as proof of attending at the rescue. It is stated that this was
introduced to stop pilfering from any cargo that was washed up from the
shipwreck. Token is of bronze and measures 36mm (1 7/16”). The obverse reads:
BOARD OF TRADE / ROCKET APPARATUS surrounding three-masted ship at sea. Reverse
reads: PROOF OF SERVICE AT A WRECK surrounding British royal crown. The design
of the tokens was requested from the Royal Mint in January 1877, a design and
samples of different types of metals was received the following April. A token
the size and shape of a crown coin and made of bronze, an initial order or 3000
was placed, they were delivered in May 1877 at a cost of £10.00.A further order
was placed in July 1883 and delivered in August 1883. 25 wreck tokens were
issued to each Coast Guard station and were stored in a canvas bag and held in
the station. Initially all tokens were identical and issued by the Board of
Trade, (later the British Coast Guard). In 1922, at the formation of the
“Irish Free State” the entire Coast Guard life saving equipment was handed
over to the new government. The Coast Guard was replaced by the “Coast Life
Saving Service” (“Saorstat Eireann”). “THE IRISH HARP” replaced the
crown (dating this piece to before 1922, probably the 1883 minting) retaining
“PROOF OF SERVICE AT A WRECK “, on the reverse side the “THREE MASTED
SAILING SHIP” was surrounded by the lettering “SAORSTAT EIREANN and “COAST
LIFE SAVING SERVICE” The wreck tokens were withdrawn in 1972. Light expected
edge wear, nice chocolate brown patina. Rare piece. (VG-). $125.
For additional items please
see our many other pages as well by clicking on subject headings at left of
page.
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Catalogue Page Changed Monthly.
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to order items:
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or email to check on availability of any item that you would like
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Page updated April 30, 2013
.
How to reach us:
Kenrick A. Claflin & Son Nautical Antiques
1227 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602
Phone (508) 792-6627
All
text and illustrations on web site Ó
James W. Claflin . 04/30/2013
All rights
reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.
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