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Minot's Ledge Lighthouse - Cohasset Massachusetts

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IRON LIGHT HOUSE ON MINOT ’S LEDGE 1850

22387b. [original lithograph] IRON LIGHT HOUSE ON MINOT ’S LEDGE OFF COHASSET, MASS. BAY…. FIRST LIGHTED JAN 1, 1850, DESTROYED IN THE GALE OF APRIL 16TH, 1851….. T. O. Walker, Litghographers, Boston . 1850. Print is matted to 10 ½” x 14 ½” on original buff stock. Matted in maroon, framed in early period wide gilt decorated 3 ½” wood frame. Overall dimensions 22” x 26”. This is one of only a few known examples of this superb rendition of the early cast iron lighthouse tower constructed on Minot’s Ledge off Cohasset, Massachusetts.

Built under the direction of Capt. W. H. Swift, late of united states engineers, Minot ’s Ledge Light House was a wild and dreary spot on stormy nights and one would think it difficult to find keepers, yet in 1847 there were already 50 applications for the berth. In an original article in the  Newburyport Daily Herald, Thursday January 16, 1851, after visiting with Keeper Bennett at the tower, the author notes: “...Of the lighthouse, I was coolly told [by Keeper Bennett] that it was very doubtful if it stood through this winter, as one of the iron supports had split the rock, and when the sea struck the house, it shook so as take a man off his feet...one of the assistants was thrown from his berth.…During a recent storm, due to the violent oscillations of the structure, the keepers were forced to retreat into the storeroom where they remained for four days without rest.” Just one month later on Wednesday April 23rd. during a furious storm, the entire structure would be swept away with the loss of two of the three keepers.

This large three color image is quite detailed, even to the many parabolic reflectors in the lantern room, station boat, the tower’s iron cross braces and much more. This is the first of two such images that were done of this important structure, the second being done after the loss the following year showing the tower falling in the storm. This lithograph was done prior to most photography and is thus the only view ever made of the completed tower. It is truly a museum quality piece and would grace any wall. This original print is clean and bright,  in unusually good condition. A wonderful find! (VG+).  $1685 net.

BR-87. Snow, Edward Rowe. THE STORY OF MINOT ’S LIGHT. Boston . July 1955. Second printing. 139pp. Green stiff wraps. In 1850 the first lighthouse was lighted on Minot ’s Ledge. from March 27, 1851 until June 5 of the same year and chronicle the deterioration of the cast iron pile lighthouse on Minot ’s Ledge and its ultimate destruction. Minot ’s Ledge was a wild and dreary spot on stormy nights and one would think it difficult to find keepers, yet in 1847 there are already 50 applications for the berth. However, shortly after its completion, the new lighthouse would be swept away by a storm with the loss of two keepers. During storms on this dangerous site, there were violent oscillations of the structure, forcing the keepers to retreat into the storeroom where they remained for four days without rest. Finally on Wednesday April 23rd. during a furious storm, the entire structure would be swept away. Work soon commenced on the second light to mark these exposed ledges as "3514 tons of Quincy granite were hewn into 1079 dovetailed blocks." The stones were cut and pre-assembled on land, then transferred to the ledge for the dangerous 5-year task of raising the new 114-foot lighthouse. The second-order lens of Minot 's Ledge went into service in the fall of 1860. This lighthouse on Minot ’s Ledge was one of the Lighthouse Board's most impressive engineering feats. Illustrated with photos. Probably the most complete and detailed history of the lights at this exposed location. Clean, tight, without dj as issued. Light wear to wraps. Has become quite scarce. (VG+). $88. Reduced $68.

606. (Newspaper)  Minot’s Rock Light House in a Gale of Wind. Daily Herald. January 16, 1851. I have been quite fortunate to find an original copy of the Newburyport Daily Herald, Thursday January 16, 1851, containing a front page account of life within the ORIGINAL Minot’s Ledge Light tower, written in January 1851 after visiting with Keeper Bennett at the tower. ( Just 3 months later this same tower was swept away in a gale with a loss of all hands). In this important account, the author notes: “...Of the lighthouse, I was coolly told that it was very doubtful if it stood through this winter, as one of the iron supports had split the rock, and when the sea struck the house, it shook so as take a man off his feet...one of the assistants was thrown from his berth...” A wonderful and important account with vivid descriptions of life in this historic tower...a premonition of an impending disaster. The article fills fully one half of the front page. Full issue with numerous other articles of the day. Unusually clean, one early fold. (VG). $64.

6551. na. The [Minot’s Rock] Lighthouse in the December Gale… The March Gale. The Odd Fellow [newspaper]. April 23, 1851. 8p. Following a severe gale in December of 1850, Keeper Bennet of the iron pile lighthouse at Minot’s Ledge, penned a letter to the Mercantile Journal describing the perilous situation he and the other keepers were exposed to at the light. That letter is reproduced here, followed by a thorough description obtained from the assistant keepers, of sililar perils encountered during a similar gale in March of 1851, just a month before this article was published. Just weeks later this same tower would be swept away in a gale with a loss of all hands. Most interesting and stirring accounts with vivid descriptions of life in this historic tower and a premonition of an impending disaster. The article fills fully two columns. Full issue with numerous other articles of the day. Unusually clean, one early fold. (VG+). $64.

606. (newspaper)  Mr, Gordon’s Account of Minot’s Rock Light House in a Gale. The Odd Fellow [newspaper]. April 30, 1851. 8p. Three full column account details the visit on December 28, 1850 by this reporter, on invitation by Keeper Benner, to the light house for an overnight stay. While there a great gale spread over the area, giving the reporter a first-hand view of the difficulties encountered by the keepers and hinting at the impending disaster. In this important account, the author notes: “...Of the lighthouse, I was coolly told that it was very doubtful if it stood through this winter, as one of the iron supports had split the rock, and when the sea struck the house, it shook so as take a man off his feet...one of the assistants was thrown from his berth...” A wonderful and important account with vivid descriptions of life in this historic tower. The article fills fully three columns. Full issue with numerous other articles of the day. Unusually clean, one early fold. (VG+). $64.

Rare lot all three newspapers $164.

22387c. [original lithograph] THE IRON LIGHT HOUSE ON MINOTS ROCK, MASSACHUSETTS BAY.  by B. W. Thayer & Co’s. , Lithographers, Boston. c.1851. 11 ½” x 13 ½” on original stiff buff stock. This is one of only a few known examples of this superb rendition of the early cast iron lighthouse tower constructed on Minot’s Ledge off Cohasset, Massachusetts. Benjamin W. Thayer was an important early Boston lithographer and engraver in the mid 19th century. known to have been working there 1841-1853. According to Who was Who in American Art (1999), his associates at his company were John H. Buford and John E. Moody. Under the title is noted: “This View is respectfully dedicated to the Underwriters & Merchants of Boston by their Obedient Servant, (may be signed in hand by) "John W Bennett" Keeper. Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1851 by John W. Bennett, in the Clerk's office at the District Court of Mass. THIS LIGHTHOUSE was entirely swept away on the night of April 16th, 1851. The assistant keepers, Joseph Wilson, (an Englishman, aged 20 years) and Joseph Antone (a Portuguese, aged 25 years) were drowned, being the only persons in the lighthouse at the time of the accident." Built under the direction of Capt. W. H. Swift, late of united states engineers, Minot ’s Ledge Light House was a wild and dreary spot on stormy nights and one would think it difficult to find keepers, yet in 1847 there were already 50 applications for the berth. In an original article in the  Newburyport Daily Herald, Thursday January 16, 1851, after visiting with Keeper Bennett at the tower, the author notes: “...Of the lighthouse, I was coolly told [by Keeper Bennett] that it was very doubtful if it stood through this winter, as one of the iron supports had split the rock, and when the sea struck the house, it shook so as take a man off his feet...one of the assistants was thrown from his berth.…During a recent storm, due to the violent oscillations of the structure, the keepers were forced to retreat into the storeroom where they remained for four days without rest.” Just one month later on Wednesday April 23rd. during a furious storm, the entire structure would be swept away with the loss of two of the three keepers. This large black on buff image is quite detailed, even to the many parabolic reflectors in the lantern room, station boat, the tower’s iron cross braces and much more. This is probably from an earlier images that were done of this important structure, another likewise being done after the loss of the tower showing the tower falling in the storm. Though done after the demise of the tower, this lithograph shows the complete tower and prior to most photography and is thus one of the only views ever made of the completed tower. Included in the view is a keeper being hauled up to the tower’s gallery in a basket as men in a small stand by in the towering waves. This is truly a museum quality piece and would grace any wall. Lithograph is fairly bright but has moderate age toning and a bit of foxing, but otherwise is in unusually good condition for its age. It has been matted and framed to 17” x 19” by Haley & Steele Art Dealers in Boston some time ago. (Founded in 1899, the Haley & Steele gallery was a respected purveyor of paintings and prints to the Boston market well into the twentieth century.) Should be reframed. A wonderful find! (VG).  $585. Reduced $265.

97197qqq. [newspaper] LIGHT HOUSE [CONSTRUCTED] ON COHASSET ROCKS. Boston Journal. March 8, 1849. Lengthy full column article details the new cast iron light-house being constructed off Cohasset. Detailed article discusses the design and construction of the tower, keeper’s quarters, and the efforts involved in anchoring the structure to the ledge. [In the Spring of 1851 this new lighthouse would be swept away by the storm with the loss of two keepers.] Most interesting with a great deal of design information. Full issue with additional articles of the day, light browning, original folds. (G+). $26.

578d. Lawrence , Charles A., THE BUILDING OF MINOT'S LEDGE LIGHTHOUSE. October 1896. 14pp. Disbound. Originally published in the New England Magazine, Vol. XV. No 2. October 1896. Nicely illustrated, describes the design and construction of both lighthouses on this exposed site. Includes portraits of some of the designers and engineers on the project, fitting the masonry on Government Island , the Light Keeper’s homes, and more. (VG). $24.

11327. (photo) Light Keeper George H. Fitzpatrick of Cohasset Welcomes his Relief at Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse c.1940. Clear 6 ½” x 8 ½” press photo shows great view of Keeper Fitzpatrick as his relief climbs the ladder to the lighthouse entrance. Superb view, clear and close. With credit line and description on back, some cropping marks on image. Dated January 22, 1940. Note the ice from ocean swells just below the entrance door. (VG) $78.

11331. (photo) Lantern and tower renovated, Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse, c.1987. Clear 7” x 10” press photo shows great view of the lens pedestal gallery on the ground in Cohasset as the helicopter lifts in blocke from the light tower for repair. A renovation of the tower was carried out in 1987-89. The lantern was lifted off by helicopter and subsequently cleaned, and some of the damaged upper granite blocks were removed and replaced. The Gayle Electric Company of New Jersey, under contract to the Coast Guard, performed the work. The light was relit on August 20, 1989. Good view, clear and close. With credit line and description on back. Dated September 2, 1987 (VG+) $27.

29267. (framed photo) Minot ’s Ledge Lighthouse, Cohasset , Mass. Superb full color aerial photo shows the tall masonry offshore lighthouse. Unusually large, clear, close view, professionally framed to 16” x 20”. (F-).  $245.

9243i. THE UNITED STATES LIGHT HOUSE SERVICE – Its History, Growth and Methods. Part I. Scientific American Supplement. November 25, 1916. Superb four page article describes in some detail the history and particularly the operations of the Service. Part I includes history, organization and duties, jurisdiction, lighthouses, lighting apparatus and illumination, characteristics of lights, and more. Illustrated with fourteen detailed photos and illustrations including Cape Hatteras light, Ambrose Channel LV No. 87, Cape Henry fog signal, Minot ’s Ledge Light, and more. Also includes a fine full front page photo of the ice-incrusted light at Racine Harbor , Michigan in the winter. Full issue, clean, crisp. (VG+). $78.

9479e. LIGHT BOAT AT MINOT’S LEDGE. Gleason’s Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion. July 12, 1851. Full issue. 7½" x 10". Beautiful detailed early woodcut engraving showing a complete, close view of the Minot’s Ledge Light Vessel on station. Nice detail showing this early light-vessel with central raised lantern, masts and deck structures. Storm-tossed ship in the background lend an ominous air to the scene. With article describing the destruction of the iron tower on this station and thus the need to this vessel which was built for Brandywine Shoals. This is one of the earliest renditions of United States light vessels available. Clean, light moisture staining to margins and corners but still presentable. (VG-). $54.

V-02. [print] Large 14” x 20” b/w print taken from original lithograph of Minot’s Ledge Light House c.1903. Taken from the original illustration by artist William P. Bodwell, the original of this exquisite poster was issued by a teacher's journal in October 1903. The text gives basic facts about this historic lighthouse, designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, that was completed Sept. 16, 1860, replacing the earlier lighthouse that came down in a storm in 1851. As this lighthouse is still in existence, but closed to the public, appreciators of its historical importance can have a rare glimpse of the interior as of 100 years ago, with resident lighthouse keeper, by the following illustrations: First Structure on Minot's Ledge (sitting on delicate framework); Minots Ledge Lighthouse - Low Tide; Trial Foundations - Cohasset (where the lighthouse was set up, showing cottages on shore and lighthouse in distance); Keepers' Cottages Gov't. Island; A Convenient Stairway ( the keeper greets a visitor who's climbing the stairs); Looking Homeward - The Little Ones (the uniformed keeper scans the shore with a telescope, lifeboat nearby); The Entrance - Looking Out (view of area just inside the entrance); Night Duty - The Watchroom (the keeper reads a paper by the cast iron heater, and view of some machinery with wheel); Lighting Up (keeper adjusts the lamp mechanism); On the Parapet - The Fog-Bell (view of bell on walkway, keeper standing by looking at sailboats in the distance); The Storeroom - The Well (a view of a small room with tiny open window and a round trap door in the floor); Kitchen and Dining Room (view of wooden sink and cast iron range stove; The Captain's Sleeping Room; A Summer Visitor (woman in turn of the century clothing sitting in a chair, which is being lowered by a rope or chain); Sectional View (cross section view showing number of floors, stair turns, lamp mechanism, number of feet between levels). At lower right corner it says "Illustrated by Wm. P. Bodwell. Minot's Light. 1896." with facsimile of his signature. Bodwell (1852-1940) painted maritime subjects over the years. This superb rendition provides possibly the only views of the interior of this noted beacon and is perfect for framing. Printed on a beautiful buff woven stock, this would look wonderful framed for a display or wall decoration. (M). $15.95 each.

V-01. [print] Large 17 ½” x 21 ½” b/w print taken from original lithograph of Minot’s Ledge Light House, Massachusetts Bay near Cohasset c.1860. Taken from the original, this superb rendition is perfect for framing. Detailed views include full elevation and sectional view of entire light tower, with sectional plan views through various elevations. Legend includes numerous statistics on the tower construction and dimensions. Printed on a beautiful buff woven stock, this would look wonderful framed for a display or wall decoration. (M).  $15.95 each.  

9331b. DESTRUCTION OF THE IRON LIGHTHOUSE, ON MINOT ’S LEDGE, BOSTON HARBOR . Gleason’s Pictorial Drawing Room Companion. July 12, 1851 . Superb half-page engraving of the 1850 iron lighthouse tower on Minot ’s Ledge as it topples over in the great gale. Included is a brief account of the great storm and the destruction of the iron lighthouse. In this interesting article, the author tells of Keeper Bennett who survived the gale by being off the light at the time, and who the next morning discovered, strewn about on the beach, fragments of the light tower. Killed in the storm were Keepers Joseph Wilson and Joseph Antonio, who maintained their post to the end. Most interesting is the authors description of the remains left after the storm. A most interesting early view of this tower and one of the very few done at the time. (VG).  $68.

9479e. LIGHT BOAT AT MINOT’S LEDGE. Gleason’s Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion. July 12, 1851. Full issue. 7½" x 10". Beautiful detailed early woodcut engraving showing a complete, close view of the Minot’s Ledge Light Vessel on station. Nice detail showing this early light-vessel with central raised lantern, masts and deck structures. Storm-tossed ship in the background lend an ominous air to the scene. With article describing the destruction of the iron tower on this station and thus the need to this vessel which was built for Brandywine Shoals. This is one of the earliest renditions of United States light vessels available. Clean, light moisture staining to margins and corners but still presentable. (VG-). $54.

5579. (photo) Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse, Cohasset, Mass. c.1907 by M. Reamy. Superb 11” x 14” mounted photo provides an unprecedented, close view of the tall masonry lighthouse on Minot’s Ledge near the entrance to Boston Harbor. In 1855 work began on this famous granite structure to replace the iron pile structure that was destroyed in the great gale of 1851. The lantern and second-order Fresnel lens were put into place, and the lighthouse was illuminated on November 15, 1860 and the structure has lasted through countless storms since. Because of the large size of this view, this is an extremely detailed piece, even to the linen cloth covering the large Fresnel lens, and more. Excellent early view is exceptionally clear and crisp, light edge wear. (VG+). $225.

27369. [glass plate negative] Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse, Cohasset, Mass. c.1900. Superb 5” x 7” glass plate negative provides a great close view of the tall masonry lighthouse on Minot’s Ledge near the entrance to Boston Harbor. In 1855 work began on this famous granite structure to replace the iron pile structure that was destroyed in the great gale of 1851. The lantern and second-order Fresnel lens were put into place, and the lighthouse was illuminated on November 15, 1860 and the structure has lasted through countless storms since. . Because of the large size of the negative, this is an extremely detailed piece. Excellent early view is exceptionally clear and crisp and should print well. (VG).      $138.

4115b. [stereoview] Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse, Cohasset, Mass. (c.1875). By J. H. Williams, Scituate, Mass. Rare view shows a clear, fairly close image of the tall granite lighthouse tower perched on the rocky ledge at low tide. Good detail, little wear or soiling. (VG).  $36.

2755. [magic lantern glass slide set) Boston Harbor Lighthouses. c.1890-1910. Beautiful clear b/w  set of three (3) glass projection slide set featuring three Boston Harbor lighthouses. Lighthouses include Boston Narrows “Bug” Light, Boston Light and Minot’s Ledge Light. Slides measures 3 ¼” x 4” and presents a superb, clear images. Some original tape missing from glass edges, but still intact, no cracks, great images. (VG).  $88.

22114c. (souvenir creamer) Minot ’s Ledge Lighthouse, Cohasset , Mass. c.1900. A striking creamer is finely decorated and bears a large full color image of the tall masonry lighthouse perched on the rocks off Cohasset , Mass. as a sailboat ties up at the base. The unusually large and detailed image includes all aspects of the unusual light tower. This superb piece is enhanced by a beautiful coloration, a decorative gilt decoration and trim along the rims and borders. The creamer measures 3 ½” high. Marked “Made in Germany for Joseph St. John, Cohasset, Mass. ” Very clean, no cracks or checks, bright and bold, superb image. A very detailed, pretty item for your display. (VG+). $148.

22114b. (souvenir creamer) Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse, Cohasset, Mass. c.1900. A striking creamer is decorated in a bright rose pattern, and bears a large full color image of the tall masonry lighthouse perched on the rocks off Cohasset, Mass. The unusually detailed image includes all aspects of the unusual light tower, with the wood lifeboat hanging from the tower davits. This superb piece is enhanced by a beautiful decorative gilt decoration and trim around the image and along the rims and borders. The creamer measures 4 ¼” high. Marked “Made in Germany for M. G. Seaverns & Co, North Scituate, Mass.” Very clean, no cracks or checks, bright and bold. . A very detailed, pretty item for your display. (VG+).  $198.

8466b. (souvenir cup) c.1900. Striking piece features the Minot's Ledge Light House, Cohasset, Mass. on a bold hand painted mug or cup. This early piece is quite distinctive and enhanced by a hand painted image of the tall masonry light tower off Cohasset, with  a torquoise background decoration. Measures 3 ¼” high by 2 ¾”  in diameter. Marked “Made in Germany for M. G. Seaverns & Co., North Scituate, Mass.” Clean, bright, no chips or cracks, just light wear to rim. A bright, bold piece for display. (VG+). $155.

27282. (commemorative vase) c.1898 A superb, large commemorative vase featuring a beautiful, detailed full color image of “Minot’s Ledge Light (house), Boston Harbor.” The beautiful vase measures a full 5 ½” high and 3 ¼” in diameter, and is enhanced by a beautiful decorative gilt trim and ornate handles on the sides. Bulbous base of the vase sweeps upward into a slender upper rim, making this a most attractive piece. Very clean, no cracks or checks, a very detailed, pretty little item for your display and quite rare lighthouse piece. (VG+).  $68 net.

2779. (souvenir trivet) c.1900. “Minot’s Ledge Light House, Cohasset, Mass.” A bold, detailed commemorative trivet featuring a detailed b/w period image of the tall granite lighthouse perched on this dangerous offshore ledge. The superb trivet is square and measures 6 ¼” and is enhanced by a beautiful decorative gilt trim on the rim. Marked “Wheelock China, Made in Austria for Estate of Allen O. Sates (sp), Cohasset, Mass. Clean, bright, , no cracks or checks, a very detailed, pretty little item for your display. Unusually bright piece. (VG+). $194.

23547. [newspaper] PROPOSALS FOR BUILDING AND EQUIPPING FOUR LIGHT VESSELS,  Treasury Dept., Office Lighthouse Board, Washington. The Republic, Wash. D.C., Jan.4, 1853. Over a full front page column headed describes in great detail specifications for three light vessels: One to be delivered at Boston , one to be delivered at a point to be designated by the Board in Vineyard Sound, and for one to be delivered at Smithville, ( Cape Fear ,) North Carolina . Full construction details are included. In addition, on the back page is a 3 1/2" column notice requesting proposals for the erection of a lighthouse on  Minot 's Ledge, War Dept., Bureau Corps Topographical Engineers, signed in type by J. J. Abert, Colonel Corps Topographical Engineers. Full early newspaper contains four pages with articles of the day, light browning and expected wear, 2 folds. (VG-).    $34 net.  

23444. Bryant, Gridley. DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS OF A PLAN FOR A LIGHT-HOUSE ON MINOT'S LEDGE, NEAR THE ENTRANCE TO BOSTON HARBOR. c.1850’s. 8p. Disbound. Bryant was best known for his involvement as engineer and one of the founders of the Quincy Railroad, one of the pioneer American railroads. This pamphlet gives a detailed description of the building and construction details for a light house on Minot's Ledge, also called Cohasset Rocks. He recommended a stone lighthouse following "the disastrous occurrence to the iron pile Light house on that place" (1850). Includes details on the design, description of the proposed building, the construction process, and much more. Excellent construction details. No plan, disbound, stitch marks, light soiling, else a very good copy with the pencilled signature of the Rev. Daniel Might above the title. $88 net.

L-170. Snow, Edward Rowe. THE STORY OF MINOT ’S LIGHT. Boston . 1940. First edition. 139pp. Stiff wraps.  Special signed and numbered copy No. 494 of a special autographed edition. In 1850 the first lighthouse was lighted on Minot ’s Ledge. from March 27, 1851 until June 5 of the same year and chronicle the deterioration of the cast iron pile lighthouse on Minot ’s Ledge and its ultimate destruction. Minot ’s Ledge was a wild and dreary spot on stormy nights and one would think it difficult to find keepers, yet in 1847 there are already 50 applications for the berth. However, shortly after its completion, the new lighthouse would be swept away by a storm with the loss of two keepers. During storms on this dangerous site, there were violent oscillations of the structure, forcing the keepers to retreat into the storeroom where they remained for four days without rest. Finally on Wednesday April 23rd. during a furious storm, the entire structure would be swept away. Work soon commenced on the second light to mark these exposed ledges as "3514 tons of Quincy granite were hewn into 1079 dovetailed blocks." The stones were cut and pre-assembled on land, then transferred to the ledge for the dangerous 5-year task of raising the new 114-foot lighthouse. The second-order lens of Minot 's Ledge went into service in the fall of 1860. This lighthouse on Minot ’s Ledge was one of the Lighthouse Board's most impressive engineering feats. Illustrated with photos. Probably the most complete and detailed history of the lights at this exposed location. Clean, tight, crisp, rarely opened, only light shelf  wear.  Clean, tight little wear, a very good copy. Has become quite scarce. (VG+).  $168 net. Reduced $84.

6367bb. Snow, Edward Rowe. THE STORY OF MINOT ’S LIGHT. Boston . July 1955. Second printing. 139pp. Soft wraps. Special signed and numbered copy No. 529 of a special autographed edition. With laid in map of Romantic Boston Bay and Cape Cod . In 1850 the first lighthouse was lighted on Minot ’s Ledge. from March 27, 1851 until June 5 of the same year and chronicle the deterioration of the cast iron pile lighthouse on Minot ’s Ledge and its ultimate destruction. Minot ’s Ledge was a wild and dreary spot on stormy nights and one would think it difficult to find keepers, yet in 1847 there are already 50 applications for the berth. However, shortly after its completion, the new lighthouse would be swept away by a storm with the loss of two keepers. During storms on this dangerous site, there were violent oscillations of the structure, forcing the keepers to retreat into the storeroom where they remained for four days without rest. Finally on Wednesday April 23rd. during a furious storm, the entire structure would be swept away. Work soon commenced on the second light to mark these exposed ledges as "3514 tons of Quincy granite were hewn into 1079 dovetailed blocks." The stones were cut and pre-assembled on land, then transferred to the ledge for the dangerous 5-year task of raising the new 114-foot lighthouse. The second-order lens of Minot 's Ledge went into service in the fall of 1860. This lighthouse on Minot ’s Ledge was one of the Lighthouse Board's most impressive engineering feats. Illustrated with photos. Probably the most complete and detailed history of the lights at this exposed location. Some age toning, a bit of soiling, some corner wear otherwise tight, good copy. Has become quite scarce. (VG).  $148 net.

BR-97. Snow, Edward Rowe. THE STORY OF MINOT ’S LIGHT. Boston . July 1955. Second printing. 139pp. Stiff wraps. In 1850 the first lighthouse was lighted on Minot ’s Ledge. from March 27, 1851 until June 5 of the same year and chronicle the deterioration of the cast iron pile lighthouse on Minot ’s Ledge and its ultimate destruction. Minot ’s Ledge was a wild and dreary spot on stormy nights and one would think it difficult to find keepers, yet in 1847 there are already 50 applications for the berth. However, shortly after its completion, the new lighthouse would be swept away by a storm with the loss of two keepers. During storms on this dangerous site, there were violent oscillations of the structure, forcing the keepers to retreat into the storeroom where they remained for four days without rest. Finally on Wednesday April 23rd. during a furious storm, the entire structure would be swept away. Work soon commenced on the second light to mark these exposed ledges as "3514 tons of Quincy granite were hewn into 1079 dovetailed blocks." The stones were cut and pre-assembled on land, then transferred to the ledge for the dangerous 5-year task of raising the new 114-foot lighthouse. The second-order lens of Minot 's Ledge went into service in the fall of 1860. This lighthouse on Minot ’s Ledge was one of the Lighthouse Board's most impressive engineering feats. Illustrated with photos. Probably the most complete and detailed history of the lights at this exposed location. Clean, tight, some bumping to corners and some edge wear. A good copy. Has become quite scarce. (VG). $78 net.

ERS-120. (wood chips) Steamship RMS Titanic and Original 1850 Minot’s Ledge Light House. From the personal collection of Edward Rowe Snow, found in his barn,  come these rare wood chips from the SS Titanic and Original Minot’s Ledge Light House. Mr Snow was fond of making special editions of his books by including these and other momentos in the volumes. It has been well established that such chips that Mr. Snow included were indeed authentic and a number of photos and written accounts exist verifying the sources from which these chips were made. Included are two wood chips, along with a photocopy of Mr. Snow’s 12 page typewritten description of contents which he included in his package “The Drama of New England in Charts, Maps and Memorabilia by Edward Rowe Snow". In this, he discusses how he obtained these wood pieces, along with a number of other items that he included in his books and pamphlets. A rare opportunity to obtain these sought after pieces. $22.

Lighthouse & Lightship Trade Cards

Beautiful multi colored trade cards c. 1880’s showing a very nice, close, multi colored images of lighthouses, light-vessels or buoys. These fantastic cards were issued by the Duke Tobacco Co. as an insert premium in their brands of HONEST LONG CUT  and G. W. GAIL & AX’S Tobacco and Cigarettes during 1889. These cards are from a fairly rare series of 25 cards entitled , " LIGHTHOUSES", and are designated as N119 in Burdick’s American Card Catalogue. The front of each card features a colorful die cut image of a particular lighthouse, light-vessel or buoy, while the back features advertising for Duke Tobacco. The lithography for the cards is exceptional, full of vibrant color and detail and was done by the Giles Co of New York . Labeled “Smoke and Chew Honest Long Cut Tobacco” or G. W. Gail & Ax’s Navy on the obverse. Trade cards were used as are our present day advertising or business cards. Nice images, die cut to shape of lighthouse, vessel or buoy. Each approx. 4”w x 2½”h. A very pretty set to collect and display. Extremely difficult to find and a most valuable collector’s item.

#605 

ww. Sandy Hook Lightship. (VG+). $78.

p. Sandy Hook Lightship. (Fine). $78.

c. Bartlett Reef Lightship. (VG-). $68.

eee. Vineyard Sound Lightship. (VG-). $68.

ii. Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse. (VG). $58.

mm. Stratford Shoal Lighthouse. Two folds to base. (VG). $38.

LL. Sanibel Island Lighthouse, Florida . (Fine). $68.

c3. Bell Buoy. (VG+). $54.

nn. Bell Buoy. One fold. (G). $34.  

20532. Korpela, Janet Winn. IRA WINN – LIGHTHOUSE PIONEER. New Brighton, MN. 2000. 93p. Soft wraps. Ira Win was an early 19th Century metal worker who designed and built lantern rooms for the U. S. Light-House Establishment between 1850 and 1870. Based on his early journals, notes and letters, the author has put together a fascinating story of his work, and of three generations of an American family. The book "follows his footsteps" through a number of lighthouses on which he worked including Minot’s Ledge Light, Montauk Point, Cape Blanco, Charlotte-Genesee, and more. In addition to constructing lanterns, Mr. Winn designed the circular iron stairways used by the Service as well. Well illustrated, a most interesting account in a little known area. (M). $12.50.

Page updated March 27, 2012

Procedure to order items:

1. I suggest that you call us or email to check on availability of any item that you would like other than recent books. As items go quite quickly, please call and leave a message to reserve items that you would like. I will return your call, hold the items and await your letter or credit card information. We will also weigh the items and advise postage. 

2. You may then call or email credit card information, or forward a check in the mail.

Most items are mailed US Priority Mail or UPS. Additional information on our "Ordering Page".

Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.

Can't find what you are looking for?
We can help you find that needed book or item.
mailto:jclaflin@LighthouseAntiques.net

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 . 03/27/2012 All rights reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.

Please purchase American made products - 99.99% of the items that we sell are American made or are printed in America. For the few new items that we sell, we make every effort to purchase American made wherever possible. Buying American made puts American workers to work, creates additional jobs, and saves energy for transportation. 

Please make every effort to recycle. All of the packing material and most of the cardboard that we receive is recycled by re-using it when shipping our products to you. We have reduced our paper use for catalogue subscriptions by over 90% and continue to try to save in these areas. Any items that cannot be re-used are sent to recycle, as is all of the paper and catalogues that we receive in the mail. Please continue to recycle such items when you receive them as well. This will aid in conserving our valuable resources and will reduce the energy necessary to make additional products. 

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All text and illustrations on web site Ó James W. Claflin . 05/01/2012 All rights reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.