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 May 2012 Catalogue Page.

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Page posted May 1, 2012. 

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In this month’s listing we are featuring some new books and items acquired this past month. Also included are many items at greatly reduced prices, early Life-Saving Service and Light-House Establishment photos and documents, Lighthouse Keeper’s appointment letter, USLSS Bronze “C” Lyle Gun & other line guns, LH & LSS mugs, Lighthouse Keeper’s Property Return form, Nantucket photos & stereoviews, Aids to Navigation Maintenance Manual, reproduction Light-House Establishment Traveling Library Box, rare BBT IOV lighthouse burner, early books & photos, Coast Guard WWII china, lightship items, Lighthouse Service projection slides, architectural drawings, silver Congressional Life-Saving Medal, lifesaving badges, and more.

In addition, we are offering 15% off most items on our Engravings & Newspapers & Prints page this month. 

 For additional items please see our many other pages as well by clicking on subject headings at left of page. 

Recently Acquired Items:

12147. Baker, Kimball. “For Those in Peril”: A History of the Ocean City Life-Saving Station. 2011. Ocean City, NJ. 40p. Soft wraps. This story of the Ocean City Life-Saving Station is twofold: the story of the station and its rescuers, and the story of those who, through vision and perseverance, saved this important piece of our history from the wrecking ball. This 40-page, illustrated booklet provides both histories, and invites you to take part in making the rest of the story. A special feature of the booklet is a chronology of station-saving events, beginning with the listing of the property for sale in August 1998 and leading to the station’s restoration phase. Also included: an acknowledgement of those who rallied to preserve this beautiful station on site, and a chart with much information about its U.S. Life-Saving Service rescuers. Interesting account of the 1871 Red-House Type station and the later 1882-Type stations. (M). $10.95. 

U.S. Light-House Establishment Traveling Library Box

Only 1 left - there will be no more made ! 

In an effort to satisfy the intellectual need of remote light keepers and their families, the Light-House Establishment in 1876 first introduced portable libraries and furnished to all light vessels and inaccessible offshore light stations a selection of reading materials. Later the U. S. Life Saving Service also began to furnish identical library boxes to all of their stations as well. These libraries were contained in a portable wooden case, each with a printed listing of the contents posted inside the door. Such library boxes measures about 2 feet high, 2 feet wide, and 8 inches deep. They were made of shellacked white pine strengthened with heavy brass trimmings. Inside were two shelves of different heights. The doors were secured with a bolt on one, and with a mortised lock on the other. On the sides were hinged handles. The cases were constructed so as to make a neat appearance when on a table yet be sturdy for transport. By the end of the century there would be over 700 library boxes in service at lighthouses, and scores more with the life-saving stations.

We had been most fortunate to find a local craftsman who has duplicated these original library boxes in every detail. After acquiring an original, he carefully dismantled it and recorded every measurement and construction detail. Each beautiful reproduction is hand made of heavy pine with dovetail joints, cast brass hinges and handles, back bands, door lock and hand lettered "U.S.L.H. Est. Library No. 138" (number may vairy) , as were the originals 

These boxes will deserve an honored place in your den or library, and would be the perfect place to store your original library books as you find them. For museums these make a perfect companion for your Lighthouse Service or Life Saving Service display. Please inquire for current pricing. Only 1 box remains - no more will be made. 

Just In. 

12134. Dresser, Thomas. Disaster off Martha’s Vineyard. 2012. History Press. 160p. Soft wraps. With its rocky coast and treacherous shoals, shipwrecks were a common occurrence in nineteenth-century Massachusetts. Few claimed as many lives as the City of Columbus. The night was clear and the route familiar for Captain Schuyler Wright and his experienced crew as they sailed a ship equipped with the latest technology. Yet with all this, the City of Columbus went down with 103 souls. Over a century later, Eric Takakjian and the Quest Marine Services team located the wreckage of the City of Columbus on the north ledge of the Devil’s Bridge, off the southern tip of Gay Head. Historian Thomas Dresser takes us into the icy waters of the Atlantic as he recounts the terrible chain of events that led to disaster on that fateful night. (M).  $19.99.

4749. Hough, George A. Jr., DISASTER ON DEVIL’S BRIDGE. Mystic, CT. 1963. 146p. Soft wraps. The most complete account of the wreck and loss of the steamer SS City of Columbus off Gay Head, Martha’s Vineyard in 1884. The first news of the loss came when the Revenue Cutter Dexter arrived in New Bedford on January 18th, with a handful of survivors. The City of Columbus sailed on her maiden voyage from New York on August 28th 1878. The beautifully appointed ship was 275’ long and displaced 2,200 gross tons. On January 17th, 1884, as the ship departed Nickerson’s wharf in Boston bound for Savannah, many on board were anticipating the pleasant climate of the south as an escape from the bitter mid winter cold of New England. Sometime later at approximately 3:15 am the lookout spotted a buoy on the starboard bow in a position where one should not have been. Captain Wright immediately recognized that the ship was perilously close to the rocks on Devils Bridge, a rocky shoal extending out into Vineyard Sound from the South West tip of Martha’s Vineyard at Gay Head. A moment later the ship struck bottom on Devils Bridge. The City of Columbus was doomed, with her bottom badly punctured by the rocks in several places she sank rather quickly, coming to rest with her bow, smokestack and masts out of the water. In the end the loss of the City of Columbus was New England’s worst maritime disaster to date - a total of 104 people either drowned or froze to death in the rigging, only 29 were saved. With a detailed account of the men of the Revenue Cutter Dexter and their heroic rescues, and the attempts of the Life-Savers, this is the most complete and interesting account of this disaster to date. Well illustrated with photographs. Clean, very good copy. (VG+). $28.

3121c. THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS . REPORT 1885. Boston . 1886. 80p. Original stiff wraps. Wonderful report, includes listings of Officers and Trustees, Officers past and present, List of Life-Boats, Gun Stations and Huts of Refuge, List of Awards 1786-1880, 1880-1885, Life-Boat Service 1880-1885, Instructions to Captains of the Life-Saving Stations,  General Summary of the Work of the Society, List of Wrecks and Life-Boat Services, Equipment of Stations, Directions for Restoring the Apparently Drowned, and more. A tremendous amount of information about this important early predecessor to the Life-Saving Service. Includes beautiful photogravure illustrations of Marblehead station and life-boat and medal awards. Contents clean and tight, Original stiff wraps nicely intact, some soiling and edge wear. (VG). $225. Reduced $195. 

6267g. Howe, M. A. DeWolf. THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS - AN HISTORICAL REVIEW 1785-1916. Boston . 1918. 398pp. No. 147 of a limited 1st edition. 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 only light wear, clean, bright.  (VG).  $169. Reduced $155. 

29377. (life ring with water light) Massachusetts Humane Society. c.1941. Extremely scarce life ring measures 19 inches in diameter and is in uncommonly good condition, whitewashed and quite clean with black lettering “Mass Humane Soc’y”. Life ring is attached by an 8 foot rope lanyard to a copper self-igniting light that was designed to be used on ship’s lifeboats. Sold by Marine Torch Company of Baltimore, Md.,  the side is embossed: “The Water Light Res-q-Lite Marine Torch”, etc. The ring buoy once lived in a bracket attached to the pipe rails of a ship’s weather deck, on a lifeboat or on a pier,  and the water light was hung from an adjacent fitting. In practice - if a man went overboard, the first people to be aware of the fact were supposed to throw ring buoy overboard, in the hopes the man could grab it. The water light, hanging from its bracket would be thrown over with the ring buoy it was attached to. The act of pulling the water light from its bracket would break the solder holding an axial rod that penetrated both the top and the bottom of the water light. When the unit hit the water, it would start flooding through the hole in the bottom. Water coming in contact with the lumps of calcium carbide inside the canister would start the production of acetylene gas. The gas would emerge through the hole left by the axial rod in the top of the water light, and the gas would burn - giving off light and thereby marking the location of the ring buoy and, hopefully, the man grasping it. Well made canister measures 5 ¼” in diameter by 9” high overall and is constructed entirely of copper with soldered seams. Canister is still intact and unused. This is a rare set provided by this noted humanitarian organization and would make a fine display. (VG). $445. Reduced $385. 

27290. (stereoview) Massachusetts Humane Society Boathouse, Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. c.1870’s by S. F. Adams, Oak Bluffs, Mass. Early view shows what we believe to be a boathouse of the Massachusetts Humane Society at Oak Bluffs. The building is not labeled but inside can be clearly seen a lifeboat behind the two chairs. In the background can be seen a schooner’s masts at the wharf. Clean clear view on yellow mount. Unusually nice early view. (VG+).  $144. 

12123. (photo) “Whale Boats at the west end of Muskeget Island, (Nantucket) Mass. looking east.” Image c.1910 Frank E Claes collection print c.1950. A print from an original negative from the collection of Frank E Claes later of Camden Maine. This photo of “Whale Boats at the west end of Muskeget Island Mass. Looking east” Original photo was taken in 1910. 8” x 10”. Claes, a very accomplished photographer, photographed throughout New England including Nantucket. He opened a portrait studio in Camden, Maine in 1950. He also copied and made negatives for people, as well as for Historical Societies, Museums, and libraries. He was from the old school, keeping a copy of the negatives of the photos, so that people went back to him for copies. He specialized in reproducing copies of Maritime history, including photos of many ships. His photos have been featured in museums and in books throughout New England including the Maine book WALDO COUNTY - The Way It Was. Great view of early Muskeget life. (F-). $155. 

12155. (photo) Old U.S. Coast Guard Station, Nauset Beach, Eastham c.1978. Original large 9” x 13 ½ b/w National Park Service aerial photograph provides wonderful view of the old Coast Guard station at Nauset Beach on Cape Cod after the great storm of 1978 washed out the entire parking lot into the sea. Great detail of the changes resulting from the storm. After this storm, the roadway leading to the station had to be moved west to re-connect with the station. Another loss from this storm was Henry Beston’s cottage “The Fo’Castle”. Beston spent a year in this cottage in the 1920’s, writing of life and nature on an outer beach. His book, The Outermost House, was published in 1929 and has become a classic in modern literature. Superb image, great for framing. Dated May 27, 1978. (F-). $78.

5426e. Beston, Henry. THE OUTERMOST HOUSE – A Year of Life on the Great Beach of Cape Cod . New York . 1929 [1st U.S. ed.] Even though not marked, believe this is the second printing( First being 1928). 222p. 31 photographs, many by Bradford . A classic of American nature writing, The Outermost House is the journal of a year spent in a small cottage, “The Fo’Castle”, on Coast Guard Beach in Eastham. Through these wonderful writings we can sense the true feeling of life on the solitary beach as we watch the seasons unfold. As we watch the Coast Guardsmen patrol the beach for wrecks and invite a few in to warm themselves, we see too the numerous shore birds and other creatures of the dune world. Cited in 1960 by federal officials as one of the motivating forces in the creation of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this is a true classic and a wonderful vehicle by which to experience the outer beaches. Spine sunned, light wear, frontis page removed, contents clean and tight, otherwise VG+. Scarce early edition.  $78. 

12157. (chart) Massachusetts Cape Cod Bay. 1920. U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. 1:80,000. 34h” x 44w”. Includes all light stations, early Coast Guard stations, etc. Please inquire. 

12153. (mounted photo) Matinicus Rock Light House, Maine . c.1896. Matinicus Rock is a windswept 32-acre granite island, 18 miles off the mainland and 25 miles from Rockland. Noted families in service here included Abby Burgess and her family. Well publicized was her heroism in the winter gale of 1856. Later Abby married Captain Grant and continued her service at Matinicus and later at White Head Light. Excellent close view inside the protection of the buildings includes one of the twin gray granite light towers, attached dwelling and out buildings as well as one of the keepers entering a door. Keepers at the time of this photo included: William G. Grant, first assistant keeper, then keeper (1875-1900); Aldiverd Norton, third assistant keeper (1890-1897); George A. Lewis, third assistant keeper (1892-1898);  James E. Hall, third assistant keeper, later first assistant, then keeper (1896-1908). Photo measures 3 ½” x 3 ½” on 5” square mount. Image is clear though somewhat light. Some spots and wear to mount. Dated on back in pencil August 1896. Extremely rare close view. (VG-). $54. 

12154. (cabinet photo) Surfman No. 4, U.S. Life-Saving Service by J.M. Chase, Newburyport, Mass. c.1880. Original portrait photograph of Massachusetts Life-Saving Service Surfman by J.M. Chase, Newburyport, Mass. This rare posed portrait photograph shows the handsome middle-aged surfman proudly posing in his 4-button single-breasted uniform coat and keppi cap. Clearly visible on his right sleeve is the life ring with crossed oar and pike and the letters “US” “LSS”, and his uniform cap with “U. S. Life Saving Service” clearly visible on the band. On the left sleeve is his surfman rank No. 4. However, below the numeral is a laurel wreath – the first time that we have seen this addition to the insignia. The image measures 4” x 5 ½” on 4 ¼” x 6 ½” mount. Mount is labeled “J.M. Chase, 39 State St, Newburyport, Mass.” Surfman is most likely on the Newburyport or the Plum Island station crew. Rare both for the clarity of the image and for the unusual insignia. This is unusually close and clear, one of the better images we have had in some time. Little or no wear, a perfect piece for framing. (F-). $335. Sold.

1295. (drawing plate) Details of Revolving Lantern for Lightships. The Engineer. August 22, 1884. 11” x 16”. Page 142 from The Engineer dated 1884 includes detailed sectional views of revolving lantern for lightships. Includes guide rollers, roof ventilator, sills, roof and more. Also includes is photocopy of second page from same article with additional illustrations. Article is not complete here. The Engineer was a London-based fortnightly magazine covering the latest developments and business news in engineering and technology in the UK and internationally. Founded in January 1856, it is among the world's oldest professional journals. The Engineer was established by Edward Charles Healey, an entrepreneur and engineering enthusiast with financial interests in the railways whose friends included Robert Stephenson and Isambard Brunel. Great detail, fine for framing or research. (VG+). $48.

SR-466. United States Lighthouse Service Brass Wall Clock c.1920-1930's. Original 8-day wall clock manufactured by the Seth Thomas Clock Company for the United States Lighthouse Service. Black on nickled brass face marked: “U. S. L. H. Service” and “Made by Seth Thomas in USA ”. Clocks from the U. S. Light House Service are rare and always in demand. Clock case is of solid brass, nickled with only some still remaining from years of polishing, with removable brass bezel. Handsome nickled face too is in very good condition with only light wear, hands in original black. Overall diameter 7 ¼” Overall height 2 5/8”.Clock with 8-day movement, runs well, includes winding key. This is an exceptional find for collectors of early clocks or Light House memorabilia. (VG+). $1295.

25343b. (block plane) U.S.L.H.S. Early original U. S. Lighthouse Service woodworker’s block plane c.1880-1920's. Hand plane measures 22” long and is branded with the early marking “U.S.L.H.S.” Knife marked Ohio Tool Co. The Ohio Tool Company was relatively large manufacturer of both wooden and cast iron planes, as well as other tools, doing business in the 19th and early 20th Century. While not as good at employing or buying up innovators, they manufactured many of the same sorts of planes as Stanley did. In addition and unlike Stanley, they manufactured many wooden bodied planes, including molding planes, sash planes and plow planes. They were founded in Columbus Ohio in 1851 by Peter Hayden, of P. Hayden & Co. which had been doing business since 1842, and various associates. Rare early compliment of the station tool chest. Complete, in good condition, expected wear. (VG+).  $485. Sold. 

(similar)

12144. (key hole saw) U.S.L.H.S. c.1896-1917.  Early original U. S. Lighthouse Service woodworker’s keyhole saw. The blade is 11 ½” inches long by 1 ¼” inches tall (at handle), the overall length of the saw is 15 inches, with the early marking “U.S.L.H.S.” on wood handle. Medallion on handle embossed: “H Disston & Sons, Philada.” By 1900 Disston was making more saws than any other manufacturer worldwide, and their share of the market increased each year. The medallions on Disston handsaws changed more over time than any other feature on the saw. By using the medallion, one can estimate the age of the saw. In this case, the saw was manufactured between 1896-1917. Rare early compliment of the station tool chest. Complete, in good condition, expected wear. (VG+).  $345. Sold. 

1286. U.S. Lighthouse Service Wood Chisel Gouge. Fine early 1 ½” wood gouge was part of the Lighthouse Service tool chest. Stamped in two places on the hilt are the letters “U.S.L.H.S.” Also marked “Buck Bros. Cast Steel”. Overall length 13 ¼”. In the same lot were two additional wood chisels, flat, ¾” and 1”, both by Buck Bros but Lighthouse Service mark, if any, is not visible. This lot came from the estate of a retired Coast Guardsman, living in Oregon. All are clean, sharp and in very good condition. Rare piece. Lot 3 chisels. (VG+) $225. Sold. 

2726-52. (stereoview) Fair Street, Nantucket. c.1870’s by C.H. Shute & Son photographer. Close, clear view shows great detail of Fair Street from the corner of School Street, looking toward Main Street. The 2 ½- story home at #15 was formerly the home of Judge Defriez. The 3 -story home on the left is #13, now the Ships Inn. Quite clear, clean, some corner wear. Photographer’s label from back partially removed. On green mount. (VG). $88.

12156. (photo) Provincetown - Wreck of British Man-O-War Somerset Exposed c.1973. Clear, close original 8” x 10”press wire photo shows great detail of the remains of the British Revolutionary War warship Somerset exposed on the beach near Peaked Hill Bars as National Seashore Park Rangers take photos. The vessel figured prominently at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The last time the remains had become visible was in 1886. Photo is b/w and includes date and identification on back. Dated June 26, 1973. Clear, close view. Rare view. (VG). $26.

   (later view Mecox LSS) 

858. (mounted photo) U.S. Life-Saving Station (possibly Mecox, NY) c.1878. Clear close view of this 1875-Type station as the crew drills with the breeches buoy apparatus to the drill pole in the foreground. Regarding the identification of this station, Wick York, co-author with Ralph Shanks of “The U.S. Life-Saving Service”, notes: “I think (but I'm not certain) that this is an 1875-Type and that it could be the 1877 Mecox, NY station on Long Island that's on page 78 in our book. However in the book photo (and in all other photos of the station I've seen) the roof of the side lean to intersects the sidewall of the main part of the station below the eave of the main roof. In your photo the lean to's roof is an extension of the main roof. I've also never seen any photos of the station with a gable roof dormer like the one in your photo, although I have seen photos of the station with a shed roof dormer. And the station has two chimneys in the book photo while it has only one in your photo. I've seen photos of most but not every 1875 Type station and the Mecox station is the only one I've seen with an 1882 type tower like this one. It's very possible the Mecox station only had one chimney at some point but I find the lean to roof more difficult to explain.” This is a superb early view, one of the few that I have found of this vintage. Probably taken shortly after the station was constructed. Photo image measures 5 ½” x 8” on original 8” x 10” mount. Beautiful original piece. Overall clean, very good condition, only light moisture to margins of mount, foxing to back. (VG). $285. 

12145a. (copy photo) Cape Henlopen, Delaware, Coast Guard Station. Crystal clear b/w photograph (not digital), taken of the original by a Bethany Beach, Delaware photographer from archive collections, shows the Coast Guard station after collapsing, a victim of the encroaching sea. The station was located 9 miles north of Indian River Inlet, and 2 1/8 miles south of tip of Cape Henlopen. It was built in 1876 – a vastly expanded 1875-Type station. The station was discontinued in 1937.  8” x 10”. Clear, crisp. (F-). $20.

12145b. (copy photo) Port Mahon, Delaware, Coast Guard Station c.1938. Crystal clear b/w photograph (not digital), taken of the original by a Bethany Beach, Delaware photographer from archive collections, shows the Coast Guard station and boat house. c. 1938 image. 8” x 10”. Clear, crisp. (F-). $16.

12145c. (copy photo) Green Run Inlet Life Saving Station, Maryland c.1880. Crystal clear b/w photograph (not digital), taken of the original by a Bethany Beach, Delaware photographer from archive collections, shows the Green Run Inlet station on Assateague Island, 13 ½ miles north of the lighthouse. Station Green Run Inlet was an 1874-Type station, the first station constructed on the Maryland coastline. During a two-week period in January of 1883, the station crew rescued a total of 50 persons. The station was discontinued in 1929. c. 1880 image. 8” x 10”. Clear, crisp. (F-). $20.

12145d. (copy photo) Rehoboth Beach Life Saving Station, Delaware c.1896. Crystal clear b/w photograph (not digital), taken of the original by a Bethany Beach, Delaware photographer from archive collections, shows the 1876-Type Rehoboth Beach station in 1896. The station was located on beach, abreast the north end of Rehoboth Bay, 6-3/8 miles south by east of the Delaware Breakwater Light. The station was built in 1878 and by 1921 had been discontinued. c. 1896 image. 8” x 10”. Clear, crisp. (F-). $20.

12132. (document) U.S. Life-Saving Service, First District, Great Boar’s Head (Hampton Beach) Station c.1899. B. F. Smart, Keeper. Original hand-written letter dated July 11, 1899, from Keeper Smart to James A. Robinson & Son (clothiers), of Bangor, Maine, in which he orders a light weight officer's suit for himself and discusses the quality of uniforms from other distributors in comparison to those of Robinson & Son. Keeper Smart notes his satisfaction and that he will recommend this clothier to his crew as well. Quite interesting insight. 3 sheets. 8” x 10” on official Life-Saving Service stationery. Rare First District document in overall good condition, light soiling. Two original folds. (VG). $144.

1287. Wilkins, Mark C. Cape Cod's Oldest Shipwreck - The Desperate Crossing of the Sparrow-Hawk. 2011. History Press. 128p. Soft wraps. Over 40 images. In 1626, the Sparrow-Hawk began its final journey across the brutal winter waves of the Atlantic Ocean, departing from the southern coast of England-with America as its goal. As cases of scurvy and whispers of mutiny rose, the hopes of those aboard the small vessel began to fade. The ever-changing coastline of Cape Cod caused the Sparrow-Hawk to run aground. Desperate to repair their ship and attain their goal of becoming wealthy Virginia tobacco planters, they wrecked her again, forcing them to abandon their beloved ship, and take up residence in Plymouth colony. Revealed by the tides over two hundred years later, the wreckage was pillaged by local scavengers and put on display in Boston. Join Mark Wilkins as he delves into the secrets of the Sparrow-Hawk. (M). $19.99. 

SR-461. United States Life-Saving Service. Lyle Bronze Gun “C”. Scarce, original bronze United States Life-Saving Service Lyle Gun complete with Carriage, reproduction Quoin (Elevation Block), and firing mechanism. Muzzle embossed:   “RIW  No 564   1905   T.L.A.  Trunion is embossed: “U. S. L. S. S.”. Original Lyle Bronze Gun “C” Life-Saving Service line cannon was cast for the Life-Saving Service at the Richmond Iron Works in 1905. Records indicate that in 1905 the Richmond Iron Works made 200 Lyle guns and in 1906 they made another 50 Lyle guns. Barrel measures 24 ¼” overall with a 2 ½” bore. Carriage is constructed with wooden cheeks, bound with iron and with four original iron handles and mounting hardware. Carriage measures 30 ¼” overall in length, 10” wide and 9½” high.” Condition is excellent and is quite striking as it has been nicely polished. Barrel is in fine condition, and includes firing mechanism. Carriage nicely finished with old stain on wood surfaces, iron with older paint. Also includes reproduction quoin (Elevation Block). Wonderful patina, needs only light cleaning. This is an exceptionally rare chance to obtain this excellent set. $12,495. Reduced to $11,895. (no discounts apply). 

12136. (lot 3 photos) Highland Wireless – Signal – Light Station, North Truro, Cape Cod c.1900. Rare views taken on the same day detail the U.S. Signal Station, Navy Wireless station and Cape Cod Light Station atop the cliffs on the Highlands of Truro’s outer beach. Great detail of the buildings, flag masts, antenna tower, keeper’s houses, cottages and more. Photos measures 3 ½” x 5” on postcard paper. Clean, clear, light edge wear. Rare  images. (VG). Lot 3 photos $148. Sold.

12139. (news poster) GREYHOUND OF SEA SINKS NANTUCKET LIGHTSHIP. “Illustrated Current News” May 18, 1934. 12” x 19”. This is a rare “Illustrated Current News” poster, dated May 18, 1934. It measures 12 x 19 inches, printed on glossy paper. These Illustrated Current News posters were published 3 times a week. Subscribers were typically stores or newsstands which posted them for viewing by customers. This poster includes photo images of the Steamship Olympic and the Nantucket Lightship. A collision between these two vessels left 7 men dead from the smaller lightship. At the upper center of the poster is a small inset map showing the location of the collision. The poster's headline and caption explain the incident: “GREYHOUND OF SEA SINKS NANTUCKET LIGHTSHIP. Moving through a dense fog at reduced speed, the giant steamship Olympic rammed and cut in two the tiny Nantucket Lightship at her post off the dangerous Nantucket Shoals. Of the crew of eleven only four were rescued….” The poster has the National Recovery Act eagle symbol in its bottom left corner, with the slogan, “NRA Member - U.S. - We Do Our Part.” The N.R.A. was a cornerstone of FDR’s New Deal policies which helped America recover from the Great Depression. Poster is in generally good condition, with some rippling of the paper from an old damp stain on the left side. Also light edge wear, four old pinholes and three short pieces of old tape on its reverse. A small piece of its upper left corner blank margin is missing as well. Even so, the poster remains in attractive condition, and would make a nice display piece matted and framed. (VG-). $68.

7234L. Flint , Willard. A HISTORY OF  U. S. LIGHTSHIPS. [U. S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office] 1993. 21p. 8VO. Soft wraps. Of the few persons steeped in the knowledge of this little known branch of the Lighthouse Service, Mr. Flint must surely be considered the leader. In the 1980’s Mr. Flint published the definitive historical record of all lightships and stations for the Coast Guard and this wonderful pamphlet stems from that endeavor. Filled with 29 detailed b/w photographs, this booklet chronicles some of the important history, disasters and life aboard these vessels. A great booklet. (VG).  $28. Reduced $22.

12146a. (copy photo) Lightship Charleston LV-34 c.1924. Crystal clear b/w photograph (not digital), taken of the original by a Bethany Beach, Delaware photographer from archive collections, shows lightship LV No. 34 Charleston  on station c. 1924 image. 8” x 10”. Clear, crisp. (F-). $16.

12146b. (copy photo) Lightship  Overfalls LV-69. c.1901-1925. Crystal clear b/w photograph (not digital), taken of the original by a Bethany Beach, Delaware photographer from archive collections, shows lightship LV No. 69. Overfalls on station c. 1901-1925 image. 8” x 10”. Clear, crisp. (F-). $16. Sold.

12146c. (copy photo) Lightship  Relief LV-20 c.1880-1918. Crystal clear b/w photograph (not digital), taken of the original by a Bethany Beach, Delaware photographer from archive collections, shows lightship LV No. 20 Relief c. 1880-1918 image. 8” x 10”. Clear, crisp. (F-). $16. Sold.

12146d. (copy photo) Lightship  Fenwick Island Shoal LV-37 c.1892. Crystal clear b/w photograph (not digital), taken of the original by a Bethany Beach, Delaware photographer from archive collections, shows lightship LV No. 37 Fenwick Island Shoal c. 1892 image. 8” x 10”. Clear, crisp. (F-). $16. Sold.

12151. [commemorative dish] An exceptionally rare, bright, gilt decorated commemorative dish featuring a beautiful clear, detailed color image of the “Lighthouse, Newport, Oregon.” c. 1900. One of only a few of this light that I have had, this fairly large oval dish has a large 3” full color image of the tall masonry light tower beside the 2-story keeper’s dwelling, barn and out-buildings. This detailed image shows the light tower and buildings the ocean in the background. This pretty display piece measures 7 ½” long and 4” wide and is enhanced by a decorative gilded and rose colored decorated edge. Nice bright, detailed image reminds one of a painting. Marked “Manufactured Expressly for H.F. Jenkins, Newport, Or.”. Quite clean, bright, only light wear, a beautiful display piece. (VG+). $44.

12150. (blueprint) Sketch Showing Location of Proposed Protecting Pier at Deer Island Light Station, Boston, Mass. October 4, 1902. 15" x 17".  Original blueprint #1432 includes good elevation view of caisson and light tower. Congress appropriated a total of $41,000 for the original lighthouse in 1886. A cylindrical caisson base for the lighthouse, 33 feet in diameter and 30 feet high, was sunk four feet into the gravel of the spit, in about six feet of water. The caisson was filled with concrete, with some space being left for a basement and cisterns. The cast-iron superstructure built on top of the caisson had four levels between the lantern and basement, including living quarters. The lighthouse was painted brown except for the lantern, which was painted black. The new light went into service on January 26, 1890. Due to damage and wear from the seas, the protective wall around the base shown in this plan was constructed in 1902 but in spite of the protective wall, the lighthouse continued to deteriorate. The roof over the lower gallery had to be removed in 1965. The keepers did their best with makeshift repairs, but the lighthouse's days as a staffed station were numbered by the early 1970s. Deer Island Light was abandoned on February 19,1972. Beginning on June 14, 1982, the old lighthouse was removed. Clean, crisp, perfect for framing. $235.

6110i. THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE. Scientific American. February 21, 1891 . Beautiful full front page woodcut engraving depicts six scenes including the breeches buoy rescue, hauling the surfboat, firing a Coston light to warn a ship off, hauling the Francis metallic life-car to a wreck and two others. Wonderful detail and a superb page for framing. Includes complete full page article. Full issue. Clean, crisp. (VG+). $48. Sold. 

7440. Bishop, Eleanor C., PRINTS IN THE SAND - The U. S. Coast Guard Beach Patrol During World War II. Missoula . 1989. 1st. 82p. Soft wraps. Inscribed by the author. 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. Clean, tight. (VG+). $22.  Sold. 

      (Smith Island Lighthouse looking east, 1948. Not included)

12125. (photo) Mail Call, Smith Island Lighthouse, Washington c.1958. Clear, close original 8” x 10”press photo shows great detail of Coast Guardsmen M.L. Goff (station engineer), Richard Morris and Leo Bolina as they open recently delivered mail. The Smith Island Light was located on Smith Island in Washington state. In th emid 20th Century, the bluff on which the lighthouse stood suddenly began to erode. In the 1950s, when the bluff reached the front door of the lighthouse, the station was abandoned. Part of the lighthouse could be seen until Spring 1998 when the last remains toppled into the sea, leaving no structures left on the island. Before erosion toppled it into the sea, maritime author Jim Gibbs obtained permission from the Coast Guard to retrieve the lantern room, which is now part of the Skunk Bay Memorial lighthouse. Photo is b/w and includes date and identification on back. Dated October 15, 1958. Clear, close view. (VG+). $26.

12133. (photo) Edward Rowe Snow c.1972. Photo was taken in 1972 at the South Boston Library (in a snowstorm prior to going up to Fort Independence on Castle Island.) L to R are: Commissioner John Sears, Historian Al Swanson, Historian Captain Jerry Butler, Edward Rowe Snow, and Brigadier General Molla, assistant Adjutant general of Massachusetts at that time. 8” x 10”, clear, very small creases to two corners. (VG). $18.

12143. (photo album) Martha's Vineyard Gay Head Lighthouse Indians c.1920-1930’s. Vintage late 1920's small photo album with 20 original 2 ½” x 4 ¼” gelatin silver photographs of views on Martha's Vineyard. The photographs have the caption's and include Vineyard Haven ( Holme's Hole ), Cliffs at Gay Head (including distant views of the life-saving station), Indians selling Pottery Gay Head, Mrs. Curriers House School Street, Lighthouse Gay Head, Old Pease House built 1838, The House With The Cats, North Water Street, Herman Arey House South Water Street. This album is from the Arey Family on Martha’s Vineyard. In addition there are 8 loose post cards of the Edgartown area dating from the 1920’s – 1940’s. The album measures 6” x 8”and is intact save cover hinge split, loose. Overall clean, some edge wear. (G+). $65.

12137. (photo) Pamet River Life-Saving Station, Truro, Cape Cod c.1900.  The Pamet River station is one of nine stations which were erected on Cape Cod in 1872. Its position was "south three and one-half miles of Cape Highland (later Cape Cod) Light." The station stood on one of the high sand dunes which line the ocean shore in Truro village. When the station was built, it stood several hundred feet back from the high water mark, but the beach was continually eroded. "Sand bars with but a small depth of water over them fringe the shore at this station, extending seaward for several hundred yards, and the history of the station records many fearful disasters on them. It was on these dreaded bars that the terrible ocean tragedy, the wreck of the ship Jason occurred, and also where the three crafts, the Powwow, Miles Standish, and the E. Pavey, were wrecked at one time. The wreck of the Jason was one of the most appalling disasters that has ever taken place on the shores of Cape Cod, twenty-six lives being lost. Of the whole crew, the ship’s apprentice was the only person that managed to reach the shore. Of the whole number, thirty-four, aboard the three ships, twelve were lost." The station was of the Red House design. Records mention that the station received "extensive repairs and improvements" in 1888 when it was modified to enclose the porch and add more space, and somewhat less extensive improvements in 1910. The station was inactive in 1937 and thereafter. Photo measures 3 ½” x 5” on postcard paper. Clean, clear, light edge wear. Rare  image. (VG). $64.

12130. (view book) na. Picturesque Narragansett Bay [Newport and Block Island]. Rhode Island. nd. c.1900. 32p. Soft wraps. 6 ½” x 9 ¼”. This scarce turn of the century view book of Newport, Block Island and the Narragansett Bay area features 34 large full and half page photo-gravures of local views. Views include Steamer Mount Hope; Rhode Island Capitol; City Hall; Market Square; Westminster Street; South Water Street; Canal Street; Providence and Newport Steamboat Company - Dyer Street; Wharf of the Steamboat Company; Rocky Point; Providence; Scenes in Pawtuxet; Beach at Newport; Ida Lewis Lighthouse on Lime Rocks; Brenton Point Life Saving Station; Berkeley Chapel, Middletown, RI; Castle Hill, Newport; Bailey's Beach, Newport; Morton Park; Ochre Point; Fort Dumplings, Jamestown, RI; Brenton's Reef; Block Island; Newport Harbor; Lighthouse on Torpedo Station; Profile Rock; Point Street Bridge; Field's Point; Crescent Park; Light Houses - Comimicut Point, Bullock Point, Kittle Point, and more. Quite nice views, scarce booklet. Wraps with corner chips, contents tight, one page chipped, dark moisture stain to upper right corner of about half the pages. Great early views. (G+). $34. Sold. 

12142. (photo) U.S. Life-Saving Station, Mantoloking, New Jersey c.1900. The Mantoloking station was built in 1872 "two and one-half miles south of the head of Barnegat Bay." Until June 1, 1883, this station was referred to as the Swan Point station. The 1898 Annual Report mentions that "new buildings adapted to present requirements are being erected in place of old and inadequate ones" at this station. In 1938, the station appeared in the records as an inactive station. The property was turned over to GSA in 1953. This photo was taken shortly after the new Jersey-pattern station was constructed in 1898. Photo measures 3 ½” x 5” on postcard paper. Clean, clear. Rare  image. (VG+). $96.

1040b. Short & Mason Aneroid Barometer. “Tycos” brand. Distributor “Paul A. Meyrowitz, Fifth Avenue, New York.” c.1900 – 1920’s. Face marked “SM” (Short & Mason) “Tycos London” “Compensated” on a silvered dial. All in black letters on a silvered dial. 5” diameter, with original glass, in brass case with brass besel. Barometer is clean and works well, some aging/discoloration to dial. With ring for hanging. Still a beautiful piece. (VG). $124.

2726-51. [stereoview] Wreck of the Bark W. F. Marshall on Nantucket, Massachusetts c.1877. By J. Freeman. Extremely rare view of the beautiful wooden vessel well up on the beach on the south side of the island near Mioxes Pond. She came ashore on the morning of March 9, 1877 in thick fog. The crew was safely landed by the crew of the Surfside Life-Saving Station but the vessel was considered a total loss. This extremely rare view shows great detail of the vessel with the breeches buoy hawser still in place, while onlookers survey the vessel. View is remarkably  clear and clean, with only some corner wear.  It is extremely difficult to find views of Nantucket shipwrecks and this view is certainly one of the better ones. (F-). $144 net.

2726-50. (stereoview) Main Street. Looking West up Main Street from Corner of Orange Street, Nantucket. c.1870’s by unknown photographer. Close, clear view shows great detail of Main Street and particularly the Pacific National Bank. Quite clear, some light soiling and corner wear. By unknown photographer on buff mount. (VG). $66.

2726-48. (stereoview) Shady Street View, Centre Street, Nantucket c.1870’s by J. Freeman. Great early view shows a lovely view down tree-lined but deserted Centre Street on Nantucket. A greatly detailed view, overall clean and clear, only very light foxing, some corner wear. (VG). $44.

2726-45. (stereoview) Sankaty Head Lighthouse, Nantucket. c.1873 by J. Freeman. Early close, clear view shows great detail of Nantucket ’s landmark light station on Sankaty Head. Early view with Fresnel First-order lens visible as keeper and visitors look on from tower gallery. Quite clear, only light foxing. Dated on back “August 9, 1873. 165 ft. above level of sea. Rare view. (VG). $58.

2726-49. (stereoview) Main Street. Looking West up Main Street from Corner of Orange Street, Nantucket. c.1870’s. By Kilburn Brothers. Close, clear view shows great detail of businesses along the road, including the Pacific National Bank. Quite clear, some light foxing, a few spots, light soiling. (VG). $78.

2726-47. (stereoview) Wreck of the Brig Poinsett on Nantucket September 3, 1870. by J. Freeman. Extremely rare view of the aftermath of the wreck as the beautiful 2-masted wooden vessel continued to be driven well up on the beach, later to break up, on the south side of the island near Nobadeer Pond. She came ashore on the morning of August 30, 1870 . She was heavily laden with sugar and all but 40 casks were lost when she soon broke up and became a total loss. It was said that fragments of the vessel were strewn along the beach for miles. This extremely rare view was taken before she broke up and shows good detail of the vessel as life-savers and citizens work to salvage her. View is clear, close, only light edge and corner wear. It is extremely difficult to find views of Nantucket shipwrecks. (VG+). $68. 

2726-46. (stereoview) View of the Athenaeum, Nantucket c.1870’s by C.H. Shute & Son, Edgartown. Great view from the front showing the Athenaeum with a large lantern on an iron arch over the gate and several unidentified men standing in front. A greatly detailed view, overall clean, light soiling to mount and some edge wear. (VG). $88.

Early Line Guns for Saving of Life available:

CT-05.  C. C. Galbraith & Son Inc.  USCG marked  Serial # 890  $2,220

CT-06.  Coston Signal Co.  USI marked  Serial #2576(currently listed on your site) $2,340

CT-07.  Hawley Smith  Serial #215  $2,220

CT-08.  Sculler Safety Corp.  Serial #3129 $2,220

CT-09a,b.  Two line gun projectiles that would go with any of the above guns $144 each

All are very early pieces in ideal condition for the collector.

12141. (timetable folder) Portland Steam Packet Company. 1892. 3 ½” x 7 ½”. Attractive timetable was issued in 1892 by the Portland Steam Packet Company for it steamship service between Boston and Portland, Maine. The folder opens out to 14” x 15” and has information on fares, railroad connections, and excursions. There is a map of the line showing its railroad connections and nice vignettes of the lines steamships “Tremont” and “Portland.” 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 listed in this timetable,  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. Timetable is as originally folded, printed in black on buff paper stock by the Rand Avery Supply Co., Boston. Beautifully printed with wonderful vignettes of a company walking beam side paddle wheel steamers Portland and Tremont, Portland Harbor, map, and more. Unusually clean, only very light soiling two edges, otherwise very good. (VG+). $148. Sold.

12148. Wright, John Hardy. Provincetown Volume I. Arcadia. 1997. 128p. Soft wraps. 180 vintage photographs. On November 11, 1620, the Mayflower landed at the tip of Cape Cod, allowing the Pilgrims their first glimpse of America and their first contact with what was to become their new home. In the nearly four hundred years since their arrival, Provincetown, a charming and historic seaport town, has been an important port for fishing and whaling vessels, a favorite destination for vacationers, and a haven for those looking to make this unique community their home. Established in 1727, Provincetown first found prosperity in the trade and commerce of the fishing and whaling industries. At the turn of the twentieth century, however, the seaport’s beguiling charms and innate beauty were discovered by artists and writers who flocked to the seashore in successive droves. The more than two hundred black and white images in this delightful volume, chronicle the evolution of Provincetown—from the conception, building, and dedication of the Pilgrim Memorial Monument, America’s tallest granite monument, to the activities of residents and tourists at work and play in the three neighborhoods of this enchanting Cape Cod town. Superb photographs, well worth it for the photos alone. (M). $21.99.

12149. Wright, John Hardy. Provincetown Volume II. Arcadia. 1998. 128p. Soft wraps. 180 vintage photographs. By the beginning of the twentieth century, picturesque Provincetown–– incorporated in 1727––was no longer one of the major seaports of Massachusetts involved in the whaling industry. The fishing industry was still going strong due to the hard-working Portuguese fishermen, but commercial interests looked towards tourism as they had in many other towns and cities. Where once fishing shacks and warehouses dotted the shoreline off Commercial Street, comfortable and well-appointed guesthouses and restaurants emerged to support the growing numbers of day-trippers (many of whom arrived by ferry from Boston) and vacationers who were discovering this charming town at the very tip of Cape Cod. Tourists had visited Provincetown early on. Henry David Thoreau made three walking trips on Cape Cod around 1850, but it was not until the turn of the century that artists, followed by playwrights, authors, and musicians, realized they could live inexpensively in a community that fostered creativity. The artistic and literary culture of Provincetown was enhanced by hangers-on who enjoyed the Bohemian lifestyle. Counter-culture hippies of the 1960s blended in with the colorful personalities of those individuals who came to “P-town” to pursue an alternative lifestyle. Gays and Lesbians have transformed many aspects of the town—both architectural and cultural––in its evolution from a fishing village to a popular and prosperous year-round resort community. Provincetown Volume I focuses on the architecture and social history of this atypical town. This eagerly anticipated sequel features views of the shore, harbor, and ocean, the whaling and fishing industries, art and artists, playwrights and authors, entertainers, and alternative lifestyles.  Superb photographs, well worth it for the photos alone. (M). $21.99.

23262f. [SURFMAN CHECK) “ U.S. LIFE SAVING SERVICE DISTRICT No. 2 STATION No. 11  SURFMAN No. 6. [Cahoon’s Holllow or Nauset Station, Cape Cod] from c.1881 and is in good original condition. It measures 2.25 inches high by 2 inches wide. The check is made of brass and has an aged dark patina with pitting from years in sand and salt water. This U.S. Life Saving Service Surfman check came from the Cahoon’s Hollow or Nauset Life Saving Station (depending on year) on the Cape Cod coast (District #2, Station #11). The station was located on the outer beach, one of thirteen Cape Cod stations. The Nauset Coast Guard station still exists as past of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Check is in good but worn and weathered condition, with expected surface wear from repeated use but is still easily readable. A superb find. $1195.

8116b. AN UNSINKABLE SELF-RIGHTING LIFEBOAT AT LEWES, DE. Scientific American. June 25, 1887. 1p. Very nice article with large 6” x 9 ½” engraving describing the trials of the Norton Patent Lifeboat in a gale off the Life-Saving Station at Lewes, Delaware. Article describes in good detail the construction of this new model lifeboat with illustrations of longitudinal and transverse sections, and a large illustration of the boat at sea. In this trial, with the wind blowing 46 mph and in rough seas, to show the great stability of the boat, Captain Norton laid on more sail than normally would have been used, laying the boat over nearly on her beam ends, with the lee gunwale under water. Still she answered her helm well even in this position, and when the sail was eased off, the boat immediately righted. Detailed description of boat and trials. Full issue filled with articles of the day. (VG+). $68.

12131. [view book] FIFTY VIEWS OF SIASCONSET (ACTOR’S COLONY) NANTUCKET. Photographs by Burr McIntosh, New York City. John F. Murphy, Boston . 1904. 48p. This scarce turn of the century view book of Siasconset on Nantucket Island features 50 beautiful lithographed views from photos of local scenes. Mostly 5” x 6 ½” views include: the Actor’s Colony, Harry Woodruff cottage, Miss Isabel Irving, Miss Mary Shaw, Miss Lotta Linthicum, Mr Vincent Serrano, Miss Henrietta Crossman, Miss Evelyn Southerland, many home interiors, the Golf Club House, playwright Charles Meltzer, Tennis courts, Mr Aubrey Briscoult, Siasconset residences, The Anchorage, Auls Lang Syne, the China Closet, fishermen’s huts, Sancaty Lighthouse, Marconi Station, Broadway in Siasconset, The Orr Cottage, the Schoolhouse, Livery Stable, Town Pump, The Casino, Beach Hotel, the Ocean View House, Church of Siasconset, and more. String bound, contents clean but slight insect damage (small hole) to about half of the views,  covers well soiled, edges worn. Quite nice views, scarce booklet. (G+). $48. Sold.

12129. na. The 200th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of Chatham, Massachusetts 1712-1912.  Memorial or Report of the 1912 Celebration. 1913 Edition. Published by the Authority of the Town Celebration Committee. 120p. Cloth wraps. 8 photo plates. Book by the Town Celebration Committee commemorates the 200th celebration in Chatham during the anniversary year. Includes extensive descriptions of the celebration, parades, floats, addresses by local dignitaries, concerts and balls, dinners, residences decorated, water carnival including demonstration and drills by the local Life-Saving Service crews from the Chatham and Monomoy stations, history of the town and residents, Chatham lighthouses, power and surf boat races, and more. Wonderful Chatham collectible, great information. Ex lib with occasional library stamps and pocket, one page bottom half missing. Pages some occasional light soil, a few tears, wraps edge worn, spine worn, some spots. (G+). $38.

12122. (complimentary pass) Portland Steam Packet Company. 1887. 2 3/8” x 3 7/8”. Pass #229 dated until December 31, 1889, allows Mr. W.A. Stone, Master Mechanic, of the Louisville, Evansville & St. Louis Railroad free passage on vessels of the Portland Steam Packet Company. Pass is printed in black on buff card stock by the Franklin Bank Note Company. Beautifully printed with a wonderful vignette of a company walking beam side paddle wheel steamer. Includes printed signature of the company president. 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. Only light soiling, otherwise very good. (VG+). $88.

(chart) Original U.S. Coast Survey “Minot’s Ledge off Boston Harbor” 1853. Scale 1: 10,000. Measures 21” x 21”. With light original folds, tissue reinforced on back, hand colored. (VG). $265.

2282. Julian, R.W. MEDALS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT, THE FIRST CENTURY, 1792-1892. El Cajon, Ca: The Token and Medal Society, Inc. 1977 Cloth. No Dust Jacket Issued. First Edition. Quarto. 424 p., heavily illustrated. This is the essential reference for collectors of United States Mint Medals struck during the period. The work describes and illustrates United States Life Saving Medals, Massachusetts Humane Society, Shipwreck commemorative medals, Military & Naval Medals, Mint and Treasury Medals, Assay Commission pieces, Indian Peace Medals, Bache Coast Survey medal, Presidential Medals, Personal Medals, Commemorative Medals, School Medals, Agriculture, Mechanical, Scientific and Professional Medals , Marksmanship Medals, Religious and Fraternal Medals, and more. Includes information on the issuance and minting of the medal type, sizes, counterfeits, rarity, background, metal content and much more. An essential reference on the subject. (M). $68 net.

12135. Lesko, Barbara and Leonard Lesko. Lighthouse Life. Outskirts. 2009. 220p. Soft wraps. Ever want to live at a lighthouse? Crashing waves and howling winds were constants in the lives of the authors of Lighthouse Life once they became owners of an historic New England lighthouse. After living in its 1828 keeper’s cottage for 18 years, Barbara Lesko has written about the experience, both the challenges and delights, that she and her husband Leonard faced at Nayatt Point Light on Narragansett Bay. Once settled in, the Leskos faced many challenges: restoring a decayed beacon, keeping the tower painted, maintaining the granite seawall, and gardening on a wind swept, salt sprayed property. They suffered through ferocious winds and hurricanes, but enjoyed interacting with wildlife, watching the migrations of birds and the approach of weather fronts, as well as the ever changing view of sails and passing ships plus the fishing and oystering off their point. They were determined to bring a lighthouse lens back to the lantern room and had many experiences hunting for appropriate antique lighthouse equipment for the tower and finding period furnishings for the cottage. Nayatt Point Lighthouse went on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Readers who love lighthouses or who follow nautical history, or who are involved with preservation of historic architecture or environmental issues, or even with collecting antiques will find much to enjoy within these pages. (M). $16.95. 

SR-465. C.C. Gailbraith Co Line Gun. Bronze. Please inquire. 

26315. Wermiel, Sara E. LIGHTHOUSES: Norton/Library of Congress Visual Sourcebooks in Architecture, Design & Engineering. New York. 2006. 384 p. DJ. This pictorial survey of the icon of steadfastness and strength: the American lighthouse, is the newest addition to the Norton/Library of Congress series. This abundantly illustrated book conveys the romance and beauty of lighthouses and beacons while explaining the development of the forms, materials, architecture, and engineering of their structure: wood, masonry, cast-iron plate, on- and off-shore skeletal, caisson, and reinforced concrete. It covers lighthouses from all parts of the United States from the late eighteenth century to the 1940s, when control of lighthouses was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard. Numerous images of lighthouses from coast to coast provide examples of striking design and setting, celebrate technological achievement and the work of important engineers, and include associated structures such as keepers' quarters, fog signal buildings, boathouses and boat railroads, cistern buildings, barns, and workshops, as well as interiors and working details of the light mechanisms. With over 1200 illustrations, many of rarely seen views, this is sure to be one of the better books this year. Includes CD-ROM containing all of the images shown in the book for even better viewing. (M). Publisher’s price $75. Reduced $64.

2789. THEY HAD TO GO OUT – True Stories of America’s Coastal Life Savers From The Pages of “Wreck & Rescue Journal”. Gwinn. 2007. Forward by Fred Stonehouse. 208p. Soft wraps. They Had to Go Out represents an unprecedented gathering works of talented historians working in the field of Life Saving Service history, taken from the pages of Wreck & Rescue Journal. Included are the writings of Ralph Shanks, Fred Stonehouse, Dennis L. Noble, Maurice Gibbs, and John Galluzzo.The stories reach from Massachusetts to Michigan to Washington, covering some of the accounts of bravado and selflessness of the men of the U. S. Life Saving Service, shedding more light on perhaps the most exciting aspect of America’s maritime history. (M). Published at $16.95. Reduced $12.95.

26211. LaGuardia-Kotite, Martha J. So Others May Live – Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers: Saving Lives, Defying Death. Guilford. 2006. 208p. DJ. So Others May Live is the untold story of the U.S. Coast Guard’s quiet but resolute rescue swimmers. From deep ocean caves on the Oregon coast to the panicked and chaotic streets of post-Katrina New Orleans, here are their stunningly heroic stories and the greatest maritime rescues attempted since the program began in 1985. These feats, told through the eyes of the heroes, reveal an understanding of how and why the rescuer, with flight crew assistance, risks his or her own life to reach out to save a stranger. The book covers diverse environments: oceans, hurricanes, oil rigs, caves, sinking vessels, floods, and even Niagara Falls. It is truly a can’t-put-it-down collection of accounts. (M). ). Published at $22.95.  Reduced $16.95.

22245. Bailey, John. SENTINEL OF THE JERSEY CAPE – THE STORY OF THE CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE. Medford. 2001. 119 p. DJ. This historical account of the famous Cape May Lighthouse is an intriguing blend of historical observation and personal sentiment. With its readable narrative, beautiful photographs, and nine appendices including Cape May Lighthouse at a glance: its chronology and geography, an inspection report from 1851, and a history of its keepers, this book provides both a fascinating history of the lighthouse and a glimpse into an era and way of life that has long passed. Includes a narrative of the towers and grounds, a section on the keepers, the station during the Coast Guard years, and much more. (M). Published at $22.95. Our price $21.45.

Do you know where this is ?. 

I recently picked up this c.1920-1930 photo of this unidentified U.S. lighthouse. Note the tall flag mast to the left. There is also a U.S. Life-Saving station nearby as evidenced by the surfboat crew launching for the daily drill. There is also another double-ended boat sitting on the dune top. Photo measures 3 1/2" x 5 1/2". 

The first person to identify this location and I can confirm it, this original photo is yours free. 

Now Available: 

United States Lighthouse Service & Lifesaving Service. Heavy weight 10 ounce mugs. $8.95 each. 

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