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U. S. Navy 

We are continually acquiring wonderful and rare  original antiques and implements relating to the U.S. Navy. Below are photos and information. Inquiries welcomed.

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1153. (lithographed print) Alle Manner Raus! U-352 leaving a wake of spreading foam as her bow breaks the surface, after a series of crippling depth charge attacks from the USCG Cutterhuute Icarus May 9, 1942, by Dianna Garrison. Limited edition lithographed print, signed and numbered of 500 by noted North Carolina artist Dianna Garrison  is a sought after work of art. Originally painted by popular marine artist Dianna Garrison, image is printed on quality stock paper with fade resistant inks. Fighting a better armed opponent three times her size the underdog coast guard cutter Icarus fought and sank a German u-boat on the surface with no casualties. In an eight month period in 1942, the German u-boats sank 609 ships off the coastline of the United States from Maine to Texas. The only defenses during this time period were the "Bucket Brigade Convoys." These slow convoys escorted merchant men from port to port along the coast, escorted by elderly wooden patrol boats that the navy had all but forgotten, converted yachts of the "Corsair Navy" and a handful of coast guard cutters. One of these cutters was the USCGC Icarus (WPC-110).The small 165-foot warship was an Argo class patrol cutter that was built by Bath Iron works in 1932 to fight rum runners. The Icarus made contact with the larger, faster and better armed U-352 at 1620 when it passed within 1900 meters of it. Within minutes the cutter began dropping depth charges and made a total of four attacks on the u-boat in less than an hour. At 1709 the damaged uboat surfaced and was quickly taken under fire by every weapon on the Icarus. The u-boat sank within five minutes and didn’t get off a shot in defence. The coast guard cutter picked up 33 survivors and a body from the u-boat’s 45 man crew. The Icarus had sunk only the second u-boat by a US ship and was the first US unit to capture German prisoners of war in World War II. The overall size is 19.5 x 24 inches, the total image size is 16.5 x 22 inches. Titled in script “Depth charged and damaged by the U.S.C.G. Cutter Icarus, The VII-C class German submarine U-352 rockets to the surface. The crew begins to abandon their soon to founder U-Boat, 27 miles off Morehead City, North Carolina, May 9, 1942.” Beautifully done, would be perfect framed. New, shipped rolled. All prints are signed and numbered by the artist in a limited edition of 500 prints and are printed on heavy weight paper under the direct supervision of the artist. (M). $64.95. 

PA-69. United States Navy. UNIFORM REGULATIONS 1951. Wash. GPO. 1951. 250+p. with numerous diagrams. Includes regulations governing all parts of the uniform for commissioned and warrant officers and enlisted personnel, Naval Academy midshipmen, Reserves, cadets, band, men and women, appearance, grooming, awards, and more. These detailed regulations include all manor of items including coats, hats, trousers, belts, insignia, buttons, badges, neckware, decorations, outfits, bedding, shoes and much more. An excellent, detailed reference. In Coast Guard blue post binding. Contents overall clean, binding soiled. (VG). $24.

PA-70. Department of the Navy. Bureau of Ordnance. CALIBER .45 LINE-THROWING GUN MARK 1 MOD 1 AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. Description, Instructions for Use and Maintenance 7 June 1955. 20p. Soft wraps. Description with directions for operation of .45 caliber shoulder line-throwing outfit. Includes full page photographs of the equipment and proper operation including the re-winding machine. Also includes descriptions of projectiles, shot line, splicing shot lines, use, storage, etc. Used by Coast Guard and Navy. (VG). $22.

22151b. Stebbins, N. L., THE NEW NAVY OF THE UNITED STATES [ With a Supplement on the Revenue Cutter Service and an Article by Captain Preston H. Uberroth, R. C. S. New York . 1912. 154 p. Extremely difficult to find. Illustrated with over 300 superb printed photographs of Naval and Revenue Cutter Service vessels. All manor of vessels are included from gunboats, protected cruisers, battleships, monitors, unprotected cruisers, armored cruisers, converted yachts and more. Includes a lengthy section on the vessels of the Revenue Cutter Service with a short history. Large full page photos include the Woodbury, Gallatin , Dallas , Thetis, Bear, Fessenden, Gresham , Manning Onandaga, Seminole, Mohawk, Androsscoggin, Acushnet, Seneca, and the Itasca . Among the more noteworthy pioneer American marine and yachting photographers were men like N. L. Stebbins, David Mason Little, Henry G. Peabody. These noted photographers ranged the New England coast from New York to Massachusetts capturing on glass-plate negatives the great yachts and the most animated yachting events of the last quarter of the nineteenth century. During their career they shot thousands of views, a great many of which appeared periodically in numerous yachting publications. Stebbins, himself, during the period 1891 through 1910 published his illustrated coast pilots which still today endure as reference works. This book reproduces in full page format many of his superb views and remains a tribute to early marine photography. Printed soft blue wraps with some expected wear, spine tight but one large chip, contents overall clean and tight. Well worth it and extremely scarce. (VG). $168.

   From Harper's Weekly 9/10/64.

SR-450. Report of the Secretary of the Navy with Appendix, Containing Reports from Officers. December, 1864. Government Printing Office, Washington, 1864. Original blue soft wraps. 750p. Includes 2 fold-out maps and plans, also plate of Rebel Ram “Tennessee”, and others. The Secretary notes: “In submitting the annual report of the transactions of this department and of the navy, with those of the several bureaus for the year, it affords me pleasure to assure you that the condition of affairs is satisfactory, and that the discipline and efficiency of the service continue to be faithfully maintained. After many years of peace and comparative inactivity, the officers and sailors of our navy were suddenly called to the performance of extraordinary and exacting duties, and during nearly four years of exhausting civil war, they have manifested their attachment to the Union and their fidelity to the national flag, by rigidly enforcing a gigantic blockade of our coast, by vigilantly patrolling the great national rivers of the interior, and by a succession of ocean and coastwise expeditions, achievements which have not only added to our naval renown, but greatly promoted our national integrity and strength.” Within he includes extensive reports from all squadron operations throughout the Civil War up to this point, examinations of a number of forts, vessels, and much more. Includes report on assault of Fort Sumter, naval engagements, attacks, sinking of the Alabama, etc. Exceptional Civil War reference. Overall clean, tight, spine tape reinforced, some chipping to wraps. Unusually good condition for its age. (VG-). $110.

JH-74. (clock) Mark I Boat Clock. U.S. Navy by Seth Thomas c.1940’s. 3 ¼” face. Original 8-day wall clock manufactured by the Seth Thomas Company for the United States Navy. c.1940’s. U.S. Navy  boat clock has a 3 ¼” 12 hour black dial, white hands and numbers, and a separate white second hand dial. Below the center arbor, in upper case white letters, are the words "MARK I- BOAT CLOCK U.S. NAVY". Clock is fitted in a World War II vintage phenolic case with a swing open case and was on swing-open mount, which is missing. Clock is in working order and in original condition. (VG). $850.

NL-07. (barometer) U. S. Navy Aneroid Barometer with Thermometer marked “U. S. Navy”. c.1920’s – 1930’s. Face marked “Taylor Instrument Companies Rochester. N.Y. Tycos”.  Back marked “2048”. All in black letters on a white background. 5 ¼” diameter. White dial with curved open face. Barometer has been professionally cleaned and adjusted, works fine as does curved mercury Fahrenheit thermometer. Just slight stain on face, some soiling. A beautiful piece. (VG+). $545.

From Harper's Weekly 9/10/64.

SR-450. Report of the Secretary of the Navy with Appendix, Containing Reports from Officers. December, 1864. Government Printing Office, Washington, 1864. Original blue soft wraps. 750p. Includes 2 fold-out maps and plans, also plate of Rebel Ram “Tennessee”, and others. The Secretary notes: “In submitting the annual report of the transactions of this department and of the navy, with those of the several bureaus for the year, it affords me pleasure to assure you that the condition of affairs is satisfactory, and that the discipline and efficiency of the service continue to be faithfully maintained. After many years of peace and comparative inactivity, the officers and sailors of our navy were suddenly called to the performance of extraordinary and exacting duties, and during nearly four years of exhausting civil war, they have manifested their attachment to the Union and their fidelity to the national flag, by rigidly enforcing a gigantic blockade of our coast, by vigilantly patrolling the great national rivers of the interior, and by a succession of ocean and coastwise expeditions, achievements which have not only added to our naval renown, but greatly promoted our national integrity and strength.” Within he includes extensive reports from all squadron operations throughout the Civil War up to this point, examinations of a number of forts, vessels, and much more. Includes report on assault of Fort Sumter, naval engagements, attacks, sinking of the Alabama, etc. Exceptional Civil War reference. Overall clean, tight, spine tape reinforced, some chipping to wraps. Unusually good condition for its age. (VG-). $110.

22289. [US Navy dinnerware] A wonderful eggcup (or custard) from the United States Navy dinnerware made by Tepco China of California. Tepco produced china for the Navy and the Army Medical Department during World War II. This very collectible Naval mess egg cup features the top-mark or emblem signifying the Chief Petty Officer, consisting of a deep blue libne border, beneath which us a fouled anchor and the letters "U.S.N." . Cup is 3 1/4" tall, 3 1/8" in diameter, and is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or crazing but does have some minor (but common) glazing flaws. This piece is marked with a green Tepco China U.S.A." stamp. This great piece of Naval Mess porcelain is sure to compliment your collection of military items or war memorabilia. (VG+). $38.

10315. (photo) USS Davis DD-937. USS Davis, named for Commander George Fleming Davis, USN (1911-1945), was a Forrest Sherman class destroyer of the United States Navy laid down by the Bethlehem Steel Corporation at Quincy, Massachusetts on 1 February 1955, launched on 28 March 1956. Great detail. Dated August 25, 1978. With credit line or description on back, crop marks surrounding image. (VG) $12. 

8109yx5. [commissioning pennant] U. S. Coast Guard / Navy Commissioning Pennant. Official U. S. Coast Guard Commissioning Pennant No. 7 (2 ½” h x 48”w). Pennant was flown from the mast-head on commissioning and is fresh, as new, never been flown. Made of  wool bunting. Field consists of red/white stripes, with 7 printed on white stars on blue field at the head. Pennant is probably WW II to 1960’s vintage and has never been flown.  Fresh, clean, may be one small moth hole. Extremely rare, this is a wonderful item for your display and quite difficult to get these original pennants. (F-). $188 net.

5200J-b. Life-Saving Service. Report Of The General Superintendent On The Transfer Of The Life-Saving Service To The Navy Department. 1883. 5p. Original soft wraps. Quite a lengthy reply and discussion by Superintendent Kimball of the recent bill proposed to reorganize the Navy Department and transferring to it the duties and functions of the Life-Saving Service. Includes a detailed discussion of the origins and functions of the Life-Saving Service and in particular their duties, contrasting them with the markedly different duties and skills of the Navy Department. Rare rebuttal by the Superintendent himself, quite interesting reading. Wraps and contents tight, intact, light soiling, some expected edge wear. (VG).  $120.

L-75. Willson, Captain Russell. U. S. Navy. WATCH OFFICER’S GUIDE. Annapolis. April 1942. 319 p. Cloth wraps. The standard manual for enlistees of the U. S. Navy, this is an early WW II latest edition. Regardless of rank or time in service, all Navy personnel find this manual to be essential to their professional development. Illustrated with many color plates of flags and international signals. Subjects include Officer of the Deck instructions, navigation, ship handling, maneuvering, logs, honors and ceremonies, signals, and much more. Some wear and soiling to wraps, contents clean and tight. (VG-).   $34. Reduced $ 17.

24131b. Secretary of the Navy. Hydrographic Office. No. 87. THE 1931 INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS. American Edition. Volume I. For Visual and Sound Signaling. Wash. Reprinted 1943. 362 p. Black cloth printed boards. The International Code of Signals was first drafted in 1855 by the British Board of Trade and subsequently published in 1857 as a means of maritime communications. The original publication showed 17,000 signals using 18 flags, part of which was specific to the United Kingdom and another part that contained universal signals to be used by all nations. Adopted by most sea-faring nations, the system was revised in 1932 to include seven languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Norwegian. Detailed text includes thousands of signals, as well as color plates of signal flags and flags of maritime nations. Includes alphabetical spelling table, urgent signals, phrases, general vocabulary, semaphore, and more. Also includes a complete list of US Coast Guard stations with location and latitude and longitude, and Coast Guard Instructions to Mariners in Case of Shipwreck. Contents clean, tight, some overall wear. (VG-).  $48.

1019. Foster, Colonel Frank C. and Lawrence H. Borts. Military Medals of the United States. Fountain Inn. 2010. 192p. Soft wraps. Military Medals of the United States, here in its seventh edition, is an authoritative reference work on the subject. Included are complete criteria for every Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine award since 1939. All decorations, service medals, and ribbons shown in b/w or full-color and accompanied by dates and campaigns as well as detailed descriptions on proper wear and display. The many illustrations make this book a truly beautiful reference work. The book also contains detailed information about the various devices worn on each ribbon, guides to the proper wear of medals and ribbons on the uniform, and much more. There is even a special section on United Nations mission medals. Included are: Criteria for all medals listed in full detail with dates and campaigns; Superb front and back color pictures of all U.S. Military decorations, service medals, marksmanship medals and ribbons, plus commonly awarded foreign medals; Separate color ribbon display in correct order of precedence for Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine awards since 1939; Complete chapter on devices for awards and ribbons – cross referenced with medals; Complete section on wear and display of U.S. Military Medals for all branches; Valuable section on how to claim your medals from the government. (M). $24.95.

29261. Borch, Fred L. and Charles P. McDowell. Sea Service Medals – Military Awards and Decorations of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Annapolis. 2009. 184p. DJ. Sea Service Medals is the first and only complete historical examination of all the personal awards, decorations and medals that may be awarded to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel for heroism, achievement and service. As a comprehensive history of all awards and decorations of the United States' three sea services, this book serves as a valuable guide to the rich traditions of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. It provides little-known historical information on the background and development of each award and decoration, along with details of its design and award criteria. The decorations examined include well-known awards for combat heroism such as the Navy Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, and the Silver Star. Non-combat heroism awards such as the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and Coast Guard Medal are also discussed. All decorations and medals for achievement and service are examined, ranging from the Navy and Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal to the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. Fifty full color photographs of sea service awards, including illustrations of never-before-published rare Navy Medals of Honor, provide context for this unique history. (M). $34.95. Our Price $31.46. 

1084. Petersen, Gordon A. J. and Lieut. Robert H. Rankin. A Guide to U. S. Navy Insignia Including U.S. Marine Corps and Coast Guard with Flags and Decorations. Whitman Pub Co. Racine, Wisc. 1942. 62 pages with over 180 color illustrations. Good early reference, filled with illustrations. Includes a bit of the history, Line of Rank, specialty and distinguishing marks, special insignia, caps, devices of rank, and more.  Small oblong with glossy gray stiff covers. Some corner wear. (VG-). $38.

24131c. Secretary of the Navy. Hydrographic Office. No. 88. THE 1931 INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS. American Edition. Volume II. For Radio Signaling. Wash. 1933. 418 p. Black cloth printed boards. The International Code of Signals was first drafted in 1855 by the British Board of Trade and subsequently published in 1857 as a means of maritime communications. The original publication showed 17,000 signals using 18 flags, part of which was specific to the United Kingdom and another part that contained universal signals to be used by all nations. Adopted by most sea-faring nations, the system was revised in 1932 to include seven languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Norwegian. Detailed text includes thousands of signals for use in radio communication. Includes alphabetical spelling table, urgent signals, phrases, general vocabulary, and more. Contents clean, tight, only light overall wear. (VG+).  $48.

23556. Price List 63. NAVY, MARINES AND COAST GUARD. GPO. June 1936. 16p. Soft wraps. Contains list of publications available relating to the US Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. Subjects include air almanacs, cargo handling gear, mooring bits, fire hose, medicine chest, compress air plants, annual reports, direction finders, lots of pamphlets on all manor of subjects, instruction manuals, directories, and tables of data, indexes and catalogues, etc. Light foxing. (VG-).     $8  

8397a,b. Williams, Colonel Dion. ARMY AND NAVY UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA How to know Rank, Corps and Service in the Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Foreign Countries. New York. 1918. 302p. 12MO. One of the earlier and most complete references on the subject by a well known authority, profusely illustrated. Includes uniforms of the Coast Guard and Lighthouse Service, and some Congressional life-saving medals. Clean, tight, only light wear. Quite rare, and one of the few that includes the Lighthouse Service. (VG). $118 net.

Admiral Edward Ellsberg

Admiral Ellsberg was a man of many unique and diverse talents, and his achievements ranged from submarine salvage, petroleum engineering, public speaking, heroic salvage and engineering feats during World War II, to the authoring of seventeen books. His salvage of the S-51 in 1925-26 was the first time a submarine had been salvaged in the open ocean. Several of Ellsberg's inventions, including the underwater cutting torch, stabilized pontoons, and a system to rapidly raise a sunken sub were developed for this Herculean task. While he was chief engineer of Tidewater Oil he developed several patents for the oil refining business. As a public speaker he was prolific, first about the raising of the S-51, and then in the 1930's his speeches were about preparedness for war. During World War II his salvage and engineering feats had a major impact on the outcome of the war. Few American naval officers have been as unconventional as Edward Ellsberg and still managed to rise to the rank of rear admiral. In 1941 Ellsberg managed to refloat two Italian dry docks that everyone considered unsalvageable. Then, as Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's salvage officer for North Africa, he unblocked the sabotaged port of Oran, raised more dry docks, and rescued torpedoed ships. In 1944 he was instrumental in preparing the artificial harbors that made the Normandy landings a success. These World War II accomplishments earned Ellsberg the Order of the British Empire but only reluctant notice from his own navy, although he exerted a lasting influence on U.S. submarine recovery operations. If these achievements weren't enough, he wrote seventeen books chronicling his career, arctic exploration, sunken treasure and other topics.

28308. Ellsberg, Commander Edward. On the Bottom. Flat Hammock Press. 2004. 256 pages w/ photos, with added CD, & DVD. With an introduction by Edward L. Beach, Captain, U. S. Navy (Retired). First published in 1929, this enthralling work has become one of the greatest true stories of adventure, dogged determination, courage and loyalty ever written. On the evening of September 25, 1925 the U.S. Navy Submarine S-51 was rammed by the steamship SS City of Rome in open seas off Block Island, Rhode Island, and sank in 132 feet of water, with the loss of 33 lives. This disaster evoked such a storm of popular indignation against the Navy Department that something had to be done. It was felt that at all costs a determined attempt must be made to raise the S-51, if only to restore public confidence. No vessel had ever been raised from such a depth, and to the technical mind the thing was impossible. The task of salvaging the submarine fell to Lieutenant Commander Edward Ellsberg and a group of naval divers scavenged from all over the fleet. It was done painstakingly over a nine month period and involved obstacle after obstacle, all the while battling rough seas, icy waters, and "the bends." Working in hard hats with lead boots, in minimal light, while dragging air lines behind them, each diver had about an hour of exhausting and terrifying work before a lengthy decompression process. It is no exaggeration to say that the impossible was achieved. Originally published in 1929, this magnificent account of the struggle on the ocean floor to salvage the sunken U.S. Navy submarine, S-51, has become a modern classic of the sea. What was not included in Edward Ellsberg’s gripping account are specifics of the accident, the aftermath, and the extent that the event touched the nation. This expanded edition presents this and more by including an introduction, a publisher’s preface, additional photographs, an afterword, and appendixes. Also added is a recording of the period song "Sinking of the Submarine S-51," an oral history by Commander Ellsberg, and a video disc of rare on scene newsreel footage. "A marvelous tale, filled with moments of horrified expectancy, of glad thrills, of impossible deeds and endurances, of achievements that smack of magic." (The New York Times). (M). $34.95

23480. Ellsberg, Edward. HELL ON ICE – THE SAGA OF THE “JEANNETTE”.  New York . 1938. 421 p. DJ. Another famous work. A tremendous story of the heroism of men facing such hardships as had never been recorded before on the Jeannette’s first voyage seeking  the North Pole by way of the Bering Sea . This is a tale of men locked two years in the Arctic pack, of sudden disaster, of desperate flight across the cruel ice, of a wild small boat passage over storm swept Arctic seas to the barren, frozen tundra of Siberia. One of the most enduring testaments to man’s courage and weakness. (VG). $34.

23478. Ellsberg, Edward. UNDER THE RED SEA SUN.  New York . 1946. 500 p. DJ. What men do under extraordinary pressure, how some rise to unexpected heights, is a fascinating subject. One of the writer’s best tales, here he tells of his own experiences, facing with his men an almost incredible ordeal, in which the reader will find himself absorbed. Taking place in Italy on the Red Sea during World War II, the author is confronted with a challenge of titanic proportions. One of the great maritime epics of the day.  (VG). $32.

22126. Loubat, J.F. THE MEDALLIC HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1776-1876. Flayderman; New Milford, CT; 500 p. 1967 reprint of work originally published in 1878 in an extremely limited edition. This edition is a limited one also. Based on official records and correspondence of the U.S. Gov't and Congress. Medals from 1776-1876 for singular acts of valor on land and sea are described in detail from the terms of their award to the designer, the number struck and whether in gold or silver as well as detailed information about the incident that prompted the issuance. Includes over 170 engravings in exact size by Jules Jacquemart. In addition to medals to George Washington for retaking Boston and numerous other was and presidential medals, includes Army and Navy medals of honor, Wreck of the Steamship San Francisco medal, Loss of the steamer Metis medal, First Class Life-Saving Medal, Second Class Life-Saving Medal, and more. A most interesting reference on the subject. (M). $78 net.

2291. Thompson, Lawrance. THE NAVY HUNTS THE CGR-3070. Garden City. 1944 First printing. 150 p. B&w photographs. Detailed account of the U.S. Navy's search for the missing Coastal Picket vessel Zaida and her crew of nine enlisted men. The Zaida was a private 58-foot yacht owned by George Ratsey before the U-boat crisis off the Atlantic coast of the United States during World War II. Zaida was converted to Coast Guard Reserve Boat 3070, and was on anti- submarine duty in the Eastern Sea Frontier in 1942 when she was blown far out to sea. Quite interesting. Dark blue cloth over boards with blue stamped spine lettering. Mild browning to textblock edges and endpapers, otherwise clean and tight, nice copy. (VG). $28.

22477. [movie film] This is a large 400-foot roll of 8mm home movie film made in 1954 about boating on Long Island Sound. These home movies feature lots of wooden pleasure boats, large Navy ships, and damage from Hurricane Carol of 1954. Much of the film was made from a family's wooden cabin boat that cruised up and down Long Island Sound, from New York City, and perhaps to Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. The boat was the Rango from Norwalk, Connecticut, from the South Norwalk Club marina. The people on the cabin cruiser do a lot of fishing. One town had a bascule bridge, that opened in the middle. The boat is shown leaving a breakwater with a light tower at the end. A lighthouse is also shown, as is Coast Guard vessel # 83346 (see scan), at a marina dock with a Texaco gasoline sign. A large Chinese junk is strangely at the marina too. The Navy destroyer #369 is shown; the ship's name is the Thaddeus Parker, and it is at the Brooklyn Navy Yard together with other vessels. The hurricane footage is all along a town, showing dozens of sunken and wrecked boats, at finger piers and along the shore, on a dreary cloudy day. Another scene is on a sunny day at a large beach party. The motor boat apparently traveled to Mystic Seaport, where a large 3-masted ship is shown, perhaps the Charles W. Morgan, also a large white sailing ship is next to it. There are also close-up shots of the lightship Cornfield, which was on duty at the time in Long Island Sound. A rough, handwritten description of the film came with the reel, mentioning a little bit of everything. Condition of the film is excellent. $58.

26281. (DVD) War Zone - World War II Off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. A film by Kevin Duffus. In 1942, the United States suffered one of its worst defeats of WWII, not in Europe or the Pacific, but along the nation’s eastern seaboard. Three hundred ninety-seven ships were sunk or damaged and nearly 5,000 people were killed. For six months, 65 German U-boats hunted merchant ships practically unopposed within view of coastal communities. The greatest concentration of these attacks occurred off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. “War Zone” features eyewitness accounts of lifesavers, merchant sailors and residents, and describes how life was altered when war was waged on Outer Banker’s doorsteps. Learn the truth behind decades-old urban legends of German spies, saboteurs and sympathizers. Viewers will marvel at the courage of a young mother who delivered her newborn son in a storm-tossed lifeboat off Cape Hatteras and how the event marked a turning point in the battle of “Torpedo Junction.” Most amazing is the first-hand account of the nearly calamitous first engagement between a U-boat and a U.S. Navy destroyer, and the sinking of the U-701, just 22 miles from Hatteras. “War Zone” is a story of infamy, irony, and innocence lost. 180 minute 2-DVD Set $19.95.  

744. Navy Department. REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COAST SIGNAL SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES. Wash. 1898. 18pp. The Signal Service was organized to open and maintain communications, to note the development and progress of storms, to predict probable future atmospheric conditions and to report on the conditions of the sea and navigable rivers. Signal Service Stations were established in connection with lighthouses and life-saving stations, connected by telegraph and offered communications to ships at sea by light or flag (and later by radio). They also summoned assistance to vessels in distress from the nearest life-saving stations or ports. Regulations identify districts and stations, duties and discipline, care of stations and property, daily drills and routine. Includes a complete listing of stations. (Photocopy $3.60)

21162. Knight, William E., THE COAST GUARD NAVY OF WORLD WAR II. 1998. 209p. Soft wraps. In this self published account, Quartermaster Chief Bill Knight provides numerous first-hand vignettes of his wartime experiences on Coast Guard vessels in the Pacific theatre. Some humorous, some sad, some shocking but all are engrossing in this detailed account that will add significantly to your insight to life in the Coast Guard during wartime. Of this book, Rear Admiral Russell R. Waesche Jr. wrote that "This fine book adds significantly to those of the excellent masters who have gone before…." Includes a complete listing of ships manned by the Coast Guard during the author’s ten year stay, numerous photographs, and much more. An extremely detailed account. This title was self published and has not been generally available before. [wholesale discounts also available]. (M). $24.95.

2398. Larzelere, Alex R., THE COAST GUARD IN WORLD WAR I. Annapolis. 2003. 240 p. The U. S. Coast Guard suffered the highest percentage of losses of any armed force in World War I, yet until now the extent of the Coast Guard’s involvement remained little known. The Coast Guard was transferred to the Navy when war was declared in 1917. A small service of less than 5000, it was made up of highly experienced cuttermen, sorely needed for the Navy’s rapidly expanding fleet. This first ever account combines personal journals and letters, reports of commanding officers, personnel records, interviews and much more to bring this history to life. Well illustrated and fine reading. (M). Published at $32.95. Our Price $29.95.

2944. McCandles, Byron and Gilbert Grosvenor. Flags of the World. The National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C. 1917. 140p. Inscribed by the authors. Elusive early reference book measures about 7 1/2" by 10" and contains about 140 profusely illustrated pages. There are 1197 flags illustrated in full color and an additional 300 black and white illustrations. The book is primarily devoted to flags but does devote 6 pages to Patches and Insignia of the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and Red Cross. Includes detailed descriptions of each flag shown, use, history and more. Book devotes numerous pages to US and foreign military standards, guidons, pennants, signal flags, as well as signals in use by Coast Guard, International Code of Signals, and more. The book shows evidence of some wear and use. There is some fraying at the bottom of the spine, a few minor page tears, a previous owners inscription on the flyleaf, and a few smudges. The binding remains sound and the text is reasonably clean. Hard to find early insignia reference that belongs in every serious collector's library. (VG). $78.

27402. (poster) International Alphabet Flags, Phonetic Alphabet, Morse and Semaphore Alphabet. c.1956. Full color poster prepared by All Hands Magazine for the Bureau of Naval Personnel shows the complete international flag and Morse alphabet in full color. Large poster measures 15” x 23” and shows each flag in full color. Just a bit of light foxing to one side, light edge wear. Would flatten and frame nicely. (VG-). $24.

2115J,m. [color plate] color plate UNITED STATES FLAGS. c.1903. Stone chromolithograph color plates by Julius Bien & Co., one of the finest US lithographers of the early 20th century. This 1-page 6 ½” x 10” color plate disbound from an early encyclopedia details 17 types of United States flags. Most interesting are the Lighthouse Service flag, Revenue Marine Ensign and Revenue Marine Pennant. Also includes views of Union flag and jack, Secretary of Navy, yacht Ensign, Admiral’s flags and more. Clean, crisp, great for reference or illustration. (VG).  $24.

2115i. [color plates] FLAGS FOR MARITIME DISPLAY OF THE INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS. c.1903. Stone chromolithograph color plates by Julius Bien & Co., one of the finest US lithographers of the early 20th century. This 1-page 6 ½” x 10” color plate disbound from an early encyclopedia details the 27 letter flags including the Answering Pennant. Clean, crisp, rich saturated colors characteristic of the stone litho process. Printed on stiff paper--blank on the reverse. The condition is excellent, would look wonderful matted and framed. Also included are two additional sheets of Merchant Flags of Maritime Nations. Includes maritime flags of Austria-Hungary; Belgium; Denmark; France; Germany; Great Britain; Italy; Mexico; Russia; Spain; Sweden; and Japan, Argentine Republic; Brazil; Chili; China; Costa Rica; Ecuador; Greece; Netherlands; Norway; Portugal; Peru and Venezuela. (VG+).  $24.

2115L. [color plate] FLAGS FOR MARITIME DISPLAY OF THE INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS. c.1903. Stone chromolithograph color plate by Julius Bien & Co., one of the finest US lithographers of the early 20th century. This 1-page 6 ½” x 10” color plate disbound from an early encyclopedia details the 27 letter flags including the Answering Pennant. Clean, crisp, rich saturated colors characteristic of the stone litho process. Printed on stiff paper--blank on the reverse. The condition is excellent, would look wonderful matted and framed. (VG+).   $22.

LG-153. US Navy Officer’s Collar Device. This device was worn by all ranks from flag through chief warrant officers from 1941 to the present. The device shows the new position of the eagle. In May 1941 the eagle was changed to face right, the wearers sword arm. This is quite a nice version as the crossed fouled anchors are 1/20 12k gold, behind silvered eagle and shield. Overall 1" high. Shown top right. (F). $32.

LG-152. US Navy Officer’s Cap Device. This device was worn by all ranks from flag through chief warrant officers from 1941 to the present on their summer working uniforms. This is quite a nice version as the crossed fouled anchors are Sterling, 1/20 10k gold, behind silvered eagle and shield. Overall 2 ¼" high. Shown bottom right (F-). $34.

Page updated May 04, 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 . 05/04/2012 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.