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 Francis' Metallic Life-Boat Company

4234. Pond, James L., HISTORY OF LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES, AND MILITARY AND NAVAL CONSTRUCTIONS. INVENTED AND MANUFACTURED BY JOSEPH FRANCIS WITH SKETCHES AND INCIDENTS OF HIS BUSINESS LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE .... New York . Published and Printed by E. D. Slater 1885. 127. Tall octavo, olive green cloth titled in gilt on spine with gilt embossed vignette of the "1850 Francis Patent Metallic Life-Car". on front cover. Indexed; illustrated in black and white throughout with 17 wonderful engraved illustrations, with several full-page drawings and a folding plate of equipment related to life-saving and life boat construction. With presentation label from Joseph Francis pasted to inside front board. First edition presented to Captain Franklin C. Jessup by Joseph Francis, with Jessup’s name handwritten on Francis’s printed presentation label mounted on the front pastedown. The book is wonderfully illustrated with plates depicting shipwrecks and other maritime accidents, and boats and equipment built by Francis. Chronicles the design and use of Francis’ life-saving appliances including his Patent Metal Life-Car, which saw use on the coast of New Jersey in January, 1850 and was credited with saving 200 lives from the wreck of the Ayrshire. Later the metallic life-car was adopted for use by the United States Life-Saving Service. Excellent descriptions of many terrible wrecks and rescues including the Ayrshire, with many fine engravings. Also includes a great deal of information regarding many other designs of life-saving appliances, some of which were adopted for use by the Life-Saving services throughout the world. The binding is rubbed & stained; the covers are bumped & the head of the spine is chipped. there is insect damage to the portrait frontispiece & to the front edges of the following 3 leaves & of the last 24 pages of the book; there is a short tear to the bottom edge of the folding plate; there is occasional light soiling & staining. A most important work by this early life-saving inventor, a sought after collector’s piece. (VG). $275

27374a. FRANCIS' METALLIC LIFE-BOAT CORPORATION. First Edition. New York . 1852. 114pp. Illustrated history of Francis' Metallic Life-Boat and life-car, with numerous reports and testimonials to its value and use at sea. Francis' inventions were used by various life-saving crews as well as carried by numerous vessels. So great were its successes that the Steam-boat Act, passed by Congress in 1852, required such a boat on all passenger carrying vessels. Full of very detailed descriptions of wrecks and rescues, as well as engraved lifeboat and lifeboat press illustrations, plate of the steamship Independence from which 159 persons were saved by the Francis Metallic Life Boat, the Ayrshire, and more. Moderate wear, pages clean and tight save some light foxing, frontis plate detached,  wraps soiled and bumped but well intact. Gilded cover title bright. (G+). $68.

1029. Reproduction U. S. LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE BEDSPREAD c.1995. This superb find is a wonderful woven bedspread designed from the originals issued by the United States Lighthouse Service and consists of a lightweight but durable 100% cotton, woven in USA by once prominent Riddle Manufacturing (1991-2006). Spread measures approximately 48" by 62". Spread is a dark navy blue on white with both large and small diamond and geometric shape patterns in an alternating pattern style. Centering the bedspread is the large emblem of the Lighthouse Service, approximately 14 inches in diameter. The lighthouse is in the middle of the emblem surrounded by clouds, waves & ocean, and a boat in the distance. “UNITED STATES LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE” is stitched around the scene. Two rows of stitching in a slash design circle the emblem. No rips, tears or unraveling and edges are sewn nice and tight and has never been used. The manufacturer’s label is still attached. Perfect for your bed or as a throw on the couch. (F-). $285.

L-179. Na. THE JOURNAL OF WILLIAM DARLING, GRACE DARLING’S FATHER; AT THE BROWNSMAN AND LONGSTONE LIGHTHOUSES, FARNE ISLANDS , FROM THE YEAR 1795 TO HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE SERVICE OF THE TRINITY HOUSE IN 1860. London . 1886. 100p. Inscribed in pen on the flyleaf  by the brother to Grace Darling: “A present from George A. Darling the only surviving brother of the late Grace A. Darling & the only one living of her brother’s family”. The story of the legendary Grace Darling, the daughter of a lighthouse keeper on the Northern coast of England , has been retold for over a hundred years. In 1838 Grace and her father rowed more than a mile to rescue passengers and crew of a foundering steamship, a deed that was to gain her immortality. One of the first “media” heroines, many Victorian journalists rose to the occasion, taking the simple daughter from life into legend. Published herein is the original personal journal written by Keeper Darling. The pages are filled with details of wrecks and occurrences at the light, as well as various domestic matters, repairs, receipt of stores and much more that reveals the life in an insular lighthouse some miles from the mainland. Wonderful reading, and most rare. In original gilt embossed cloth binding, tight, spine worn with some covering lacking, some edge wear, contents clean and tight. (VG-). $225.

L-180. Marx, Robert F. Spanish Treasure in Florida Waters – A Billion Dollar Graveyard. Boston. 1979. 147p. Cloth wraps. Like his other earlier books, this is a compilation of brief details on wrecks in the Florida and Caribbean waters, this one done in cooperation with area diving clubs. Includes listings of over 370 wrecks with history and salvage information, area history and much more. Scarce. Near fine. (F-). $28.

721b,c. Longo, Mildred Santille. PICTURE POSTCARD VIEWS OF RHODE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES AND BEACONS TOGETHER WITHA BRIEF HISTORY OF LIFESAVING STATIONS. 1990. Rhode Island . 100p. Soft wraps. 8VO. Color illustrated covers. Chock FULL of vintage photographs, engravings, postcard views, Notice to Mariners and other illustrations, this work is a delight to read and to look through. With a chapter on each Rhode Island light station and light-vessel, this interesting work provides views and tid-bits of information not found in most volumes. Also includes chapters on Point Judith Life-Saving Station and the Volunteer Lifesaving Corps. Regardless of where you are from, you are sure to find this most interesting. Out of print, difficult to find. (VG+). $44.

29395a,b. (documents) Lighthouse Keeper Pay Vouchers, Keeper Joshua F. Strout, Asst. Keeper Mary E. Strout, Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine 1869. Capt. Joshua Strout, a native of Cape Elizabeth and a former sea captain, became keeper in 1869 for $620 per year. Strout's wife, Mary, became assistant keeper at a salary of $480 per year. In his 1935 book Lighthouses of the Maine Coast and the Men Who Keep Them, Robert Thayer Sterling called Joseph Strout "one of the most popular lightkeepers of his day or any yet to come. His genial disposition, his hearty laugh, together with his good stories of the sea, won him the admiration of all who met him." Keeper Strout remained keeper until 1904, when his son Joseph W. Strout replaced him, serving until 1928. Pair of original pay vouchers are signed in hand by Joshua F. Strout, receiving the amount of $155 in pay for the three month period ending December 31, 1869, and the second signed by his wife, Assistant Keeper Mary E. Strout, receiving the amount of $100 for the same period. Each document measures 6 ½” x 8 ¼” and is overall clean with one original fold. Superb pieces on these well known keepers would make an exceptional addition to any collection or display. Sold as a pair. (VG+). $365.

1027. Ball, David. To The Point - The Story of Cedar Point. Self published. 1994. 93p. Spiral bound. Nicely done history of Cedar Point in Scituate, with particular emphasis on the history of the lighthouse there,  Coast Guard station, shipwrecks and more. Wonderful accounts of the summer life at this shore community over the last two centuries. Well done, great reading. Illustrated with vintage photos, maps, documents and more. (VG+). $54.

22156L,m,r. [powder can label] DU PONT LIFE SAVING SERVICE POWDER CAN LABEL. Original label from the square tin can that once held black powder manufactured by E. I. Du Pont De Nemours & Company possibly for the Life-Saving Service. On the side was affixed this very nice circular label with a scene of a Life-Saving Service boat pulling toward a wreck in the background, surrounded by “DU PONT LIFE SAVING SERVICE POWDER. E. I. Du Pont De Nemours & Company, Wilmington , Delaware , U.S.A. ” Although it is not certain that Du Pont produced powder for general use by the Life-Saving Service, it is believed that they did submit samples for testing and evaluation and probably bid on such contracts. This is a great find and a wonderful display piece. (VG).  $54.

1031. Lyle, David A. Catalogue of Condemned Ordnance Stores for Sale at Augusta Arsenal, Augusta, Ga. February 5, 1904. Washington: Government Printing Office. 28p. Soft wraps. The book lists and describes 117 lots and part of lot 118 in table form, to be disposed of by sealed bid. Information includes lot number, quantity, description, condition, weight. Includes such items as small arms of all descriptions, muskets, horse equipment, infantry equipment, cavalry equipment, tools, lanterns, machinery, etc. Booklet measures 8 inches tall, 7 inches long. The front cover is badly worn, missing section on top edge, detached (along first few pages), soiled, and has a note in ink and pencil. Back cover is missing along with several pages in the back. The binding is weak. Several of the auction prices are filled out in ink by the probable buyer. Interesting insight into other duties of Major Lyle. (G). $54.

24379c. [broadside] Treasury Department, United States Coast Guard. LIFE SAVING SIGNALS AND BREECHES BUOY INSTRUCTIONS - USE OF THE GUN AND ROCKET APPARATUS FOR SAVING LIFE FROM SHIPWRECK. CG-811 (Rev. 6-64).These instructions on original broadside were intended to be posted in a steamship pilot house, engine room, and in the seamen’s, firemen’s and steward’s department on most vessels. Includes instructions for attaching breeches buoy apparatus, as well as life-saving signals to and from shore. With three large illustrations of breeches buoy apparatus and additional signal illustrations, this is a scarce relic of the Lyle Gun era. Broadside 10 ½” x 16”. Overall clean, one original fold, great for framing. c.1964. (VG). $65.

24379d. [broadside] Treasury Department, United States Coast Guard. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE GUN AND ROCKET APPARATUS FOR SAVING LIFE FROM SHIPWRECK AS PRACTICED BY THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD. CG-811 (Rev. 1-47). These instructions on original broadside were intended to be posted in a steamship pilot house, engine room, and in the seamen’s, firemen’s and steward’s department on most vessels. Includes instructions for attaching breeches buoy apparatus, as well as life-saving signals to and from shore. With three large illustrations of breeches buoy apparatus, this is a scarce relic of the Lyle Gun era. Broadside 10 ½” x 9 ½”. Includes cover letter from Commander, 9th Coast Guard District (Cleveland, Ohio), noting amended wording and including attached stickers with changed instructions. Overall clean, amended wording attached with tape. c.1947. (VG-). $45.

24379e. [broadside] Treasury Department, United States Coast Guard. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE GUN AND ROCKET APPARATUS FOR SAVING LIFE FROM SHIPWRECK AS PRACTICED BY THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD. CG-811 (Rev. 12-52). These instructions on original broadside were intended to be posted in a steamship pilot house, engine room, and in the seamen’s, firemen’s and steward’s department on most vessels. Includes instructions for attaching breeches buoy apparatus, as well as life-saving signals to and from shore. With three large illustrations of breeches buoy apparatus, this is a scarce relic of the Lyle Gun era. Broadside 10 ½” x 9 ½”. Overall clean, crisp, great for framing. c.1952. (VG+). $55.

793c. Bennett, Robert F. SURFBOATS, ROCKETS, AND CARRONADES. GPO. 1976. 98p. Stiff wraps. Inscribed by the author. Written before the resurgence of interest in the origins of the Life-Saving Service, Surfboats, Rockets, And Carronades  traces the little known origins, successes and failures of the earliest federal efforts in lifesaving along the coasts. During the years from 1848 through 1870 volunteer efforts of private citizens saved countless thousands of lives from shipwreck. To help them, they had only native experience, abundant courage, and some token federal assistance in the form of … SURFBOATS, ROCKETS, AND CARRONADES. This is the story of these first rescue stations and of the later establishment of the Life-Saving Service. Extremely difficult to find. (F). $118.

793d. Bennett, Robert F. SURFBOATS, ROCKETS, AND CARRONADES. GPO. 1976. 98p. Stiff wraps. Inscribed by the author. Written before the resurgence of interest in the origins of the Life-Saving Service, Surfboats, Rockets, And Carronades  traces the little known origins, successes and failures of the earliest federal efforts in lifesaving along the coasts. During the years from 1848 through 1870 volunteer efforts of private citizens saved countless thousands of lives from shipwreck. To help them, they had only native experience, abundant courage, and some token federal assistance in the form of … SURFBOATS, ROCKETS, AND CARRONADES. This is the story of these first rescue stations and of the later establishment of the Life-Saving Service. Extremely difficult to find. Contents clean, tight, light soiling to wraps, light foxing to end papers. (VG).  $88.

721. Longo, Mildred Santille. PICTURE POSTCARD VIEWS OF RHODE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES AND BEACONS TOGETHER WITH A BRIEF HISTORY OF LIFESAVING STATIONS. 1990. Rhode Island. 100p. Soft wraps. 8VO. Color illustrated covers. Chock FULL of vintage photographs, engravings, postcard views, Notice to Mariners and other illustrations, this work is a delight to read and to look through. With a chapter on each Rhode Island light station and light-vessel, this interesting work provides views and tid-bits of information not found in most volumes. Also includes chapters on Point Judith Life-Saving Station and the Volunteer Lifesaving Corps. Regardless of where you are from, you are sure to find this most interesting. Out of print, only a few left. (VG). $48.

1001. P. Van Braem Van Vloten. Communication on the Lighting of the Dutch Coasts. 12th International Congress of Navigation, 1912. 20p. Soft wraps. 2 large fold-out plates. Report covers improvements to coast lighting started in 1906 and discusses both shore and floating lights. Included is information on the organization of the service, electric and other shore lights, floating lights, extensive description of the new depot near Scheveningen with fold-out plan, discussion of research work including burners and fuels with photo and cross section drawing of one such light, second order lighting equipment, light-house towers with a nice fold-out plate showing a number of these, and more. Clean, tight, excellent information and details. (VG+). $54.

9439b. Coast Guard. HISTORY OF BLACKS IN THE COAST GUARD FROM 1790. nd. c.1975. 27p. Soft wraps. History of Blacks in the Coast Guard is written as an informative portrayal of the roles and accomplishments of Black Coast Guardsmen throughout its’ history. Particularly interesting is the history presented relating to the Revenue Cutter Service, Life-Saving Service and Light-House Service. Nicely detailed, one of the few places that I have seen this important aspect presented. (F). $38.

5160q. Kimball, Sumner I. JOSHUA JAMES LIFE SAVER. Boston . 1909. 102p. Original embossed cloth binding, 12MO. A very scarce book written by the Superintendent of the U. S. Life-Saving Service, provides a rare account of the life of one of the most famous life-savers, from the Hull , Mass. Life-Saving Station. Joshua James was associated with the Massachusetts Humane Society from his early youth until he was made keeper of the Hull station of the Life-Saving Service. His sixty years of rescues and the medals that he and his crews earned are chronicled in this scarce work. Clean, tight, with gilt upper page ends, covers light soiling and some wear. An extremely important and difficult to find title written by the Superintendent of the U. S. Life-Saving Service. (VG). $245.

29394. Andrews, Capt. W. D., G.C.V., .[Dominion of Canada Life-Saving Service], Swimming and Life Saving. Toronto. 1889. 136p. With numerous illustrations. 12MO. Gilt embossed blue beveled boards. Inscribed in pen by the author: “To Captain J[erome] G. Kiah, Superintendent 10th District, United States Life-Saving Service, with the compliments of the author ‘97”. “Yours respectfully W. D. Anderson”. A rare tale of 18 years of heroic service and heroism with the US Life-Saving Service in Cleveland and Canadian life-savers. Captain Andrews was responsible for saving the lives of people on the schooner J.R. Pelton heading to Toledo, shipwrecked crews near Buffalo, countless saves in the Toronto Harbor, Kingston and other parts of Ontario. He was also involved in improvements in life saving equipment, including early trials of the Lyle gun and more. At the time of this text, the author had become blind and it was penned by a Mr. Howell. The first 43 chapters of this text is dedicated to all aspects of the art of swimming, teaching and learning the techniques, dangers, strokes and much more. The remaining 12 chapters relate the history and work of the Massachusetts Humane Society, U.S. Life Saving Service, Royal National Lifeboat Institution and other life-saving organizations, as well as describing the equipment (line guns, breeches buoy, etc.) and life-boats used, etc. Well illustrated with engravings, this life-saver tells of various rescues and medals received, of his visits to U.S. Life-Saving stations, use of the Lyle gun and of lifeboats. An esoteric and fascinating account of bravery, plus interesting historical nautical info on lifesaving practices in Canada and the US during the Victorian era. Nice gilt embossed image of a life ring on covers, light wear and soiling. Contents clean and tight. (VG). $148.

27364b. U. S. Coast Guard. ORDNANCE INSTRUCTIONS 1938. GPO. 1941. 147p. Complete instructions for guidance of Coast Guard personnel relating to ordnance, gunnery and small-arms training. In addition to Lyle gun powder and operation, instructions include broadside mounts, guns and attachments, fire control, small arms and equipment, powder explosive, ammunition, handling and storage, gunnery and training and more. Complete in original WWII vintage post binder. (VG+).  $64.

29388. Brown, Teresa A., The Story of a Life-Saving Station. January 1896. 6p. Disbound. Wonderful early account of the day-to-day life of the life-saving crews, station life and work routine. Includes a number of fine early illustrations. (VG). $34.

29371. Murphy, Mary. Preservation Values in the United States: A Case Study of Three Lighthouses. Masters Thesis. Texas Tech University. 2007. 142p. This study is an analysis of the preservation values evident in three historic lighthouses: The Roanoke River Lighthouse in Plymouth, North Carolina; the Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse in Cape Charles, Virginia; and the Old Roanoke River Lighthouse in Edenton, North Carolina. These three lighthouses are compared and analyzed according to the preservation values set forth by Austrian historian Alois Riegl in his essay "The Meaning of Monuments and Their Historical Development" and the values implied in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. This study serves four purposes: First, this study establishes the relationship between Riegl's preservation theory and the current preservation guidelines in the United States. Second, this study presents the histories and current conditions of three related historic lighthouses together in a single work. Third, this study makes a recommendation of treatment for the Roanoke River Lighthouse in Edenton based on Riegl's preservation theory. Fourth, this study concludes with a summary regarding the current state of preservation theory in the United States, and of lighthouse preservation in particular. Filled with photographs, drawings and illustrations. Worthwhile reading, and an interesting source of reference for those interested in similar restorations. Available in: High quality paperback ($124)  spiral bound ($32) or as PDF on disc ($24).

26119. Nalty, Bernard C., Dennis L. Noble, and Truman R. Strobridge. WRECKS, RESCUES & INVESTIGATIONS. Wilmington. 1978. 473 p. Blue cloth covered boards lettered in silver. Beginning during the first decade of the nineteenth century, this thoroughly researched text presents a history of the U.S. Life Saving Service and early Coast Guard using a variety of early official reports, documents and writings. With an emphasis on the "...humanitarian efforts, principally the rescue of shipwreck victims, and the promotion of maritime safety..." , the authors present a great detail of information and insights into a number of areas of importance including the origin and development of the service, the use and effectiveness of the Coston light, the improvements and operation of line throwing devices, use of the metallic lifecar, the use and effectiveness of the breeches buoy, lifeboats and their crews, improvements in lifesaving appliances, lifesaving actions during early combat action, rescue on ocean stations, rescue from the air, accidents and their investigation, and much more. Included to illustrate topics covered are numerous accounts of early and more recent wrecks and rescues. A must have information resource and reference. Near fine, rarely if ever opened. (F-). $175. 

U. S. Lighthouse Service b/w presentation slides c.1920-30

28450. (Lot over 117 glass projection slides) U. S. Lighthouse Service b/w presentation slides c.1920-30. This lot was found in the Ludington Coast Guard station in the 1970’s-80’s. The lot was produced by the Lighthouse Service and was likely used in various presentations put on by the U.S. Lighthouse Service and Coast Survey in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Slides measure 3 ¼” x 4” and contain fine, clear b/w photographic images of all aspects of the operation of the U.S. Lighthouse Service including light vessels, tenders, construction of lighthouses, lenses, lamps, fog signal equipment, radiobeacons, clock rotation equipment, airways beacons, interior views, flasher and burner mechanisms, lamp changers, models, buoys, historical letters, submarine signals and much more. Glass slides are all in very good condition, most excellent. There are only three or four that have an cracks or damage at all, and these are minor cracks in the corner of the glass. Each is nicely labeled as to subject and/or location, sometimes with date of image. Please inquire.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE  

We have just acquired two large collections of these rare Annual Reports of the Life-Saving Service and, in an effort to stem the rise of prices over the last few years on these reports, have endeavored to offer them at as low a price as possible. This is the perfect opportunity to begin your collection or to fill those missing years in your present collection. Reports are printed by the Government Printing Office [GPO] and range from 180 to 600 pages. Includes extensive details of operations and of rescues throughout the year. Also details personnel, construction and repairs of stations and equipment, evaluation of new equipment and much more. In addition, many include appended reports such as the new Beebe-McLellan Life-Boat, Dobbins’s surf life-boat, launching wagon, improved breeches buoy traveler block, McLellan’s Tally-Boards, and lengthy report on tests performed on Hunt and Lyle guns on Nantucket Island in 1887, reports on Cunningham rockets, surfboats and more. Quite detailed, becoming exceptionally difficult to find. Typical cloth government binding, contents overall clean, expected uniform very light browning on some copies, hinges tight and intact, covers may have some wear.  $144 net each.  

Years available include: 1879, 1880 (short), 1881, 1883, 1884, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1899, 1901, 1904, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1912, 1914, (CG) 1915, 1916, 1920. (please inquire)

29367. Spears, J. R. and C. H. Claudy. The Life Saving Service and Lighthouses. Bay View Magazine. January 1908. pp. 223- 227. Quite a nice article describes the history of the life-savers and the work that they perform across the country. Also includes a account of the extent and operation of the United States Lighthouse Service, with a bit about its history, with a number of examples of light stations and more. Full issue with wonderful articles of the day. Wraps present but detached, light edge wear and foxing to wraps. (VG-). $22.

27325c. (training manual) United States Coast Guard Third Naval District – Smiths Point Small Boat Training Center Section. 1945. This is a rare copy of a United States Coast Guard Training Manual, for the Smiths Point Small Boat Training section. The official printed manual includes topics such as Oarsmanship, Handling Pulling Surfboats, Landing Craft, Line Throwing Equipment, and Surf Conditions, Nautical Terms and Definitions. Chapter V, Line Throwing Equipment is a 27-page manual section that includes all aspects of maintenance and operation of the bronze Lyle Gun including history, description, equipment, range, shotlines, powder charge, firing attachment, cartridge, securing the gun, haversack, ranges and more. Manual is ring bound and contains about 235 pages. Well worth it for the extensive Lyle Gun operating instructions alone. A rare, interesting grouping. (VG-). $98.

29375. Kerr, Evor Samuel, Jr., THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD, ITS SHIPS - DUTIES - STATIONS. New York . 3rd ed. 1936. 104pp. 8VO. A very nice, rare, early historical sketch of the history and duties of the Coast Guard. Fairly detailed with descriptions and specifications, and over 120 especially nice, quality photos of ships, stations, beach apparatus, small boats, rescues and early aircraft. Clean, tight, some soiling and wear to wraps. (VG) $88.

27362 na. THE VOLUNTEER LIFE SAVING CORPS OF NEW YORK ANNUAL AND SOUVENIR [REPORT] CONTAINING A HISTORY OF THE VOLUNTEER LIFE SAVING SERVICE IN EUROPE AND AMERICA … TOGETHER WITH THE RECORD OF HEROIC RESCUES MADE BY ITS MEDAL MEMBERS FOR THE YEARS 1894, 1895, 1896 AND 1897. New York . 1897-1898. 174p. Gilt embossed blue stiff wraps. Illustrated with numerous photos and drawings. The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning lifeboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. The Service maintained branches in 15 states where there were no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society. They state that the Corps was intended as an auxiliary to the U. S. Life Saving Service. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Information and awards of this service are exceptionally scarce and this has become an interesting collection area. Offered is an interesting early report which includes accounts of rescues performed, photographs, history of the organization, and much more. Interestingly, included is information on lifeboat stations including that at Gravesend on Long Island , which resembled closely early US Life Saving Service stations and houses beach apparatus cart and lifeboats, etc. Eight such crews guarded the area of  Coney Island Creek and Gravesend Bay . Also included is the general report are the awards of rescue medals, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Clean, complete, a bit brittle, frontis page torn but present, back hinge/spine loose. Wrap soiled with some wear but overall very good. Extremely scarce, important report.  (VG-). $285.

29347. Perrenot, Preston B. United States Coast Guard Grade Insignia Since 1834. 69p. 2009. A detailed examination, in color plates and textual explanation, of the grade insignia wornn by line officers, engineering officers, warrant officers, enlisted personnel, and cadets of the United States Coast Guard and Revenue Cutter Service since 1834. Also included are the Coast Guard warrant officer specialty marks, enlisted rating insignia, as well as grade insignia of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Available in printed soft cover ($35) or in PDF format on CD ($16). 

29338. (document) United States Lighthouse Service. Absence of Keeper from Station. November 1, 1911. 1p. Original typed letter on stationery of the Lighthouse Service, Office of Inspector, 12th District, noting that the mont hly report ind icates extended absences for the purposes of securing provisions and receiving mail, and directing him to inform the office immediately of the reason for these extended absences. Interesting piece, great for framing. Overall clean, removed from letter file book, some edge wear. (VG). $58.

29341. (document) Heap, Lt. Col. D. P., Method of Revolving the Optical Apparatus for Light-Houses. (disbound from) Report of the Light-House Board. 1899. pp. 35 – 49. Includes 7 photo plates and one large 13” x 17” fold-out drawing of 3rd Order Revolving Lens and Lamp at Devils Island Light St ation, Wis consin . Excellent discussion of the development and use of apparatus to revolve lenses to produce a fla sh and thus differentiate light stations by this noted light-house engineer. Includes a number of photo plates of various revolving mechanisms. (VG). $54.

29344. U. S. Coast Guard Sword Letter Opener. c.1950-80. Attractive solid cast metal sword with removable scabbard letter opener resembles nicely the actual dress sword. Blade is nicely etched with “USCG” and hilt with cast USCG as well. Attractive opener measures 9 ½”  long and is of metal, with nicely made matching scabbard. Perfect for your Coast Guardsman’s desk.  (VG). $144.

29332. Terras, Donald J. Grosse Point Lighthouse: Landmark to Maritime History and Culture. Evanston. 1995. 112p. DJ. Thoroughly illustrated with over 100 b/w and color photographs that bring to life the history and romance associated with one of the Great Lakes¹ most important landmarks. The Grosse Point Lighthouse is one of only eight lighthouses in the country, and the only one on the Great Lakes, to be designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. A must-have addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in maritime history. Well Done !  (VG+). $32.

29296. na. Keepers of the Light. Coronet Magazine. July 1944. 16 page photo spread includes 28 color views reveal the life of the Coast Guard lighthouse keepers and the men aboard the light vessels in the Third Naval District. Great images include life and work aboard the lightships, a lighthouse keeper veteran from the old Lighthouse Service as he tends the light, lights in the repair shop, tending buoys, radio operator, crew at mess, delivering stores to a light station and much more. Full issue includes numerous articles of the day. 5 ½” x 7 ½”. (VG). $16.

29323. Noble, Dennis L. The Old Life Saving Station at Michigan City, Indiana 1889-1914. Michigan City Historical Society. 1989. 20p. Soft wraps. Reprints from the Indiana History Bulletin includes the above article, as well as “The U.S. Life Saving Service in Indiana” and “Smoke and Shot – A Pictorial Essay on the Beach Apparatus” by the same author. Well illustrated with vintage photos. (VG). $22.

8325b. Douglass, J. W. [for Capt. Ottinger]. APPEAL OF CAPTAIN DOUGLASS OTTINGER AGAINST THE PASSAGE IN THE SENATE, OF HOUSE RESOLUTION, 125, 1ST SESSION, 49TH CONGRESS. January 1887. 20p. Soft wraps. Rare report on behalf of Captain Douglass Ottinger’s claim him as the sole inventor of the life or surf car and requests that Congress delay presenting an award for same to Mr. Joseph Francis. Includes detailed testimony by Captain Ottinger as to the details of his invention and its introduction into the Life-Saving Service, as well as testimony by members of the revenue Cutter Service, Representative William A. Newell, and many others. A most important original early account of the development of this important piece of equipment. Clean, crisp, little wear. (VG+).  $134.

29260. (notebook) U. S. Weather Bureau. Cooperative Observer’s Daily Memoranda. c.1920. 32p. Pocket notebook Weather Bureau Form No. 1011, contains spaces for daily observations including temperature, precipitation, etc. In blue soft wraps. Unused, contents clean, wraps light soiling. (VG). $16.

Shinnecock Bay Light Station, Long Island, New York. 

27285a,b,c,d,e,f,g. (Light-House Keeper’s Receipt) Shinnecock Bay Light Station, Long Island, New York. c.1910. Original Light House Keeper’s receipt for items received from the Engineer, Third Light-House District for use at the light station. Form is No. 11-1950 and is filled out and signed in the hand of Keeper Charles Redfern and dated 1910. Form measures 5 ¼” x 8” and is clean and crisp, may have one fold. (VG+). $44 each (7 available, varying dates)

29259. (view booklet) na. The Outer Banks Remembered – 12 Rare Views of a Bygone Era. Carabelle Books. c.1970’s. Interesting large format 6 ½” x 8” view bookles includes 12 early removable printed postcard photo views of the Outer Banks in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Views include Ocracoke Lighthouse, wreck of the schooner G.A. Kohler, wreck of the Huron, Little Kinnakeet Life-Saving station, Oregon Inlet ferry, Cape Hatteras lighthouse, breeches buoy rescue, life-saving crew transporting surfboat, Bodie Island lighthouse, Nags Head beach and more. Interesting booklet. Light wear. (VG). $48

BR-94. (beginning back issues) Lighthouse Digest Magazine. Want to complete your collection? Here are some of the earliest issues to complete your collection. (1992) Holiday, (1993) February, May, (1995) January, June. $3.50 each. 

BR-95.  [journal] THE KEEPER’S LOG. Journal of the United States Lighthouse Society. San Francisco. Var. Fill out your collection with these back issues of The Keeper’s Log. This is the premier journal for the lighthouse researcher or enthusiast, filled with hundreds of detailed articles on lighthouses, lightships and tenders across the country. Filled with remarkable original photographs. Most interesting reading. Here is a great opportunity to add some of the earlier issues to your collection at an exceptionally low price of $3.50 each, four for $12. Issues from 1985 (Vol 2) to 2008 available. Excellent condition - good historical information. 1988 Issue #3, 1996 Issue1,2, 1997 Issue 2,4, 1999 Issue 3.

BR-1125.  [journal] WRECK & RESCUE. Journal of the United States Life Saving Service Heritage Association. Hull, Massachusetts. Var. Fill out your collection with these back issues of Wreck & Rescue. This is the premier journal for the Life-Saving Service and early Coast Guard researcher or enthusiast, filled with hundreds of detailed articles on the men, their stations and wrecks across the country. Filled with remarkable original photographs. Most interesting reading. Here is a great opportunity to add some of the earlier issues to your collection at an exceptionally low price of $3.50 each, four for $12. Various issues from 1997 (Volume I) to 2005. Excellent condition - good historical information.

BR-117. na. LIGHTHOUSES AND OTHER AIDS TO NAVIGATION IN ALASKAN HISTORY. US Coast Guard. 1990. [reprint of 1974 edition.] 87p. Soft wraps. A book like this should be published on every state, for the extensive vintage photographs and the history provided are exceptional. By 1940 there were 457 minor and major lights in Alaska , 15 fog signals, 316 buoys and much more. The book describes the role of the Lighthouse Service in Alaska from the 1860’s until 1938 and then continues with the work of the Coast Guard since. Includes historical summaries of light stations, architectural descriptions, wonderful early photographs and much more. Over 80 photographs include brass hardware, post lights, buoys. Lighthouse tenders and crews, depots, station boats and boathouses, keepers and their families, and more. Clean, crisp. (VG+). $44.

BR-116. Wolf, Virginia. To The Lighthouse. San Diego. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Modern Classic. 1990. 236p. DJ. To the Lighthouse was first published in 1927. A landmark novel of high modernism, the text centers on the Ramsay family and their visits to the lighthouse on the Isle of Skye in Scotland between 1910 and 1920, and their vacations on the island. (M). $6. 

22355f. U. S. Life-Saving Service prints by Fred S. Cozzens, 1890 as reproduced by the Illustrated American Supplement, 1890. The original paintings were done in 1887 by renowned marine artist Fred S. Cozzens (1856-1928) who studied at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York . Cozzens did many watercolors of yachting scenes and some views of the U. S. Life-Saving Service as we see here. Both are large 10 ½” x 15", original 1890 color prints from the original paintings. One print is entitled "Hold Fast There" [launching to the wreck], and the other "Now Then Boys" [returning with the rescued passengers]. These would look wonderful framed for a display or wall decoration. Clean, crisp, a superb pair. (VG+).  $285 net.

"Rugged Water" by Joseph Lincoln, film by Paramount Pictures c.1925

5174g. Lincoln , Joseph C., RUGGED WATER. New York . 1924. 385p. DJ. Hard bound. A gripping, fictional account by one of Cape Cods ' most noted writers of the Life-Saving Service on the outer Cape . The “Setucket”Life-Saving Station is left in the charge of Calvin Homer. A raging storm proves that the right man was at the head of the crew when, under Homer’s command, all those stranded on a vessel were saved. Later Homer would be made Number One man. This account appears to be the Monomoy Point Station as the basis for the story, with a good account of the day to day as well as rescue activity. Clean, light age toning, tight, in gilt embossed sunned binding and in original [though many chips and portion of spine missing] dust jacket. Quite rare to find this title with its dust wrap. (VG).  $32.

29240a,b. (movie still photos) Rugged Water by Paramount Pictures c.1925. Two original press photos from the silent era film Rugged Water. The film had a cast consisting of Lois Wilson, Baxter Warner, Wallace Beery, and Phyllis Haver. Filmed at the famous Lasky studio in Hollywood, tThis Cape Cod melodrama was based on a novel of the same name written by Joseph C. Lincoln and published in 1924. Calvin Homer (Warner Baxter) expects to be promoted to captain of the Setuckit (Chatham) Life Saving Station, but Bartlett (Wallace Beery) is appointed because of his political connections. Bartlett's daughter Norma (Lois Wilson) convinces Homer to stay in spite of her father's antagonistic ways. Soon a romance springs up between the two of them, even though Myra Fuller (Phyllis Haver) has already finagled a proposal out of Homer. Eventually Myra breaks it off, however, leaving Homer free. When a storm blows, Bartlett's religious fanaticism proves to be nothing but a cover for his cowardice and he refuses to send his crew out to rescue a vessel in distress. Homer takes charge and saves the day. Bartlett is fired from his position, and Norma becomes angry with Homer. When he takes heroic measures to rescue Bartlett -- who dies in spite of his efforts -- she forgives him and the couple are reunited. (Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide). Photos measure 7 ½” x 10?, b/w and are on heavy cloth-backed paper. Both are clear and close – great images and a perfect companion for the book. (VG+). $74.

29248. (newspaper) Life-Saving Service – Report of the Chief of the Bureau – Two Hundred and Thirty Five Lives Imperiled, and Only One Lost – An Extension of the Service Contemplated – The Storm Signal and Life-Saving Stations Connected. New York Tribune. December 4, 1873. Lengthy two column article details the progress made in the fledgling Life-Saving Service with a look toward future improvements. Includes listing of the current 81 stations, costs, plans for the future, English vs. American life-saving methods, what has been accomplished in the two years they have been operating on the coast, table of wrecks in the 1872-1873 period, and more. Excellent early account of the early years of the service. Full newspaper contains 8 large pages with interesting early articles of the day, only light occasional foxing, unusually clean and crisp. (VG+).  $74.

2845. (Architect’s view) A Life-Saving Station for the Coast of New England by Albert B. Bibb, Architect c.1886. American Architect and Building News. January 23, 1886. A beautifully detailed, hand colored, original plan image from the American Architect and Building News shows Albert Bibb’s design for a life-saving station for the New England coast. Later known as the Bibb #2  Type. This image is extremely hard to find, as the American Architect and Building News not only had a very small circulation during that time, but very few were actually preserved or colored as this has been. Plan measures 8 ¾” x 6 ¼” inches and has been professionally matted. Overall mat size  9 by 11 inches. Plan includes  elevation view and small plan view. Finely detailed and beautifully hand-colored, plan is shrink wrapped for protection. Plan is in near fine condition, clean and crisp, perfect for framing. (F-). $128. 

29222. [full page plate] United States Life-Saving Service, 1899-1915. The Company of Military Historians. Winter 1976. Two page article with b/w full page plate details the various uniforms used by the United States Life-Saving Service including Keeper’s uniform, cook, surfman winter and other dress, storm suit, summer uniform and more. Also includes numerous pieces of equipment including Lyle gun, powder box, beach lantern, early station and more. The Company of Military Historians has published a continuing series of articles and military prints, Military Uniforms in America , for many years. These b/w or full color prints are executed by different member artists to illustrate military dress relating to the American scene. As far as possible, the plates show items of material culture never illustrated before or not accurately depicted in the past. They are a unique form of reference. With over 800 plates completed to date, this continuing series represents the single most comprehensive documentation available on the subject. Excellent article and drawing, great for reference. Full issue with additional articles on other military uniforms and equipment. (VG+). $44. (plate shown in color for information only.)

29234. (plan set) Renovation of the Saugerties New York Lighthouse. c.1986. 5 sheets. Very interesting 5 full size 24” x 36”sheets by Ryan Biggs Associates PC. Dated September 5, 1986. Five sheets include Site Plans, Floor Plans, Floor Framing Plans, Wall sections And Details, Elevations. Great information for this style of lighthouse structure. Clean, crisp, shipped rolled. (VG+). $48.

29204. (program) Exhibition of the United States Life Saving Service Crew, Magnolia, Mass. 1905. 4p.Rare folded program details the drill events to be presented by the experienced crew of the Gloucester Life-Saving Station including use of their Beebe McLellan Self-bailing surf-boat. Also appearing in the demonstrations, acting as the sailor in distress, was to be a sailor recently wrecked and actually rescued by the crew of the Cahoon’s Hollow Life Saving Station on Cape Cod in 1896. Clean, light wear, brittle at one early fold. Rare memento. (VG-). $46. 

29115. (document) Letter of Introduction for Charles F. Allen c.1888. One page letter on stationery of the Fresno Canal and Irrigation Company, recommending Mr. Allen for a position either on the road or in the shops, noting that Mr. Allen was a thorough and competent machinist. Some years later Mr. Allen would perfect and receive patents for a number of inventions, and later would become a lighthouse keeper on the West Coast at stations including Humboldt Bay and Point Hueneme, California, serving the Lighthouse Service for thirty-eight years. For 15 years he was keeper at the big government station at Point Conception. Document is overall clean with some wear and original folds. (VG-). $28.

   Lot of original U.S. Lighthouse Service, Letters of Appointment as Keeper, Humboldt Light Station, Point Hueneme Light Station, Point Conception Light Station, California, to Charles F. Allen c.1890’s. Please see Charts & Documents page.

29228. (comic strip) Hawkshaw the Detective – The Thrilling Tale of the Fourth of July Excursion and the Shifted Light. June 1919. Hawkshaw the Detective was a comic strip character featured in an eponymous cartoon serial by Gus Mager between 1913 and 1922, and again from 1931 to 1952. Twelve frames pasted to three album pages follows Detective Hawkshaw as he attempts to locate river pirates. He falls right into their hands as the pirates have tied up the crew at the Life-Saving Station and moved the light beacon to lure the ship onto the rocks. Read the remaining frames as the pirates fire the life line to the ship and Detective Hawkshaw comes ashore in the breeches buoy. A great early Life-Saving Service related comic strip. Overall clean, some wear and tattering. (VG-). $38.

A-165. [set 6 trade cards] Liebig Company Lighthouse Set c.1880. Set of six turn of the century trade cards for Liebig Company’s Vegitable Extract. Published by Liebig’s Company in Antwerp . Superb set depicts six different picturing a detailed artist’s illustrations of lighthouses of Europe. Light stations depicted include those in Germany, France, Britain, Romania, Italy and Portugal. Each card includes two or three scenes including lightship, Fresnel lens, pilot boat, etc. Meat and vegitable extract had been conceived by German chemist Justus von Liebig, it was a method to preserve meat with all its nutrients while reducing its size. New marketing strategies were to be devised to publicize the new product which at the time was perceived as revolutionary (1850). Mr. Boucicaut, the owner of a department store in Paris , had a brilliant idea, that of giving as a present an illustrated card to every kid and mum in the shop. Every Thursday new cards were distributed so to keep the kids interested in going back regularly to the store. This kind of advertisement spread very quickly in Paris where lithographers were soon to become very fashionable. They used to prepare standard card designs to which it was later added a caption for the specific product they had to publicize. The Liebig Company started publication around 1870 and ended in 1975, after having published more than 11,000 different types of cards; every subject is nearly always in a set made up of six cards. Liebig Company is now renown for having published cards for more then a century. Liebig cards collection is still very appreciated today for their high quality of printing and design which was never really matched by any other company. Set is in fine condition, clean and bright and has been matted but mat needs replacement. A lovely set that would grace any collection. (F-).   $124.

A-164. Light House – Reward of Merit c.1860. The Reward of Merit, a small token of congratulation, was given by the teacher to a pupil for amongst other things punctual attendance, good conduct and improvement at school. Small chromolithographed cards were a popular medium for rewards of merit in the late 19th century and were carefully pasted into scrap albums later where they could be viewed at family gatherings to show the children's accomplishments at school. This early piece has a fine early engraving of a lighthouse by Childs, and the poem “Light House”, with a red border decoration. The obverse bears the words “Reward of Merit To….. From….Teacher…. [date] ..186”. Clean and crisp, piece has been protected in older frame but could bear re-framing. A beautiful piece for decoration or collecting. Reward measures 2 ½” x 4”. (VG). $88.

2919. (halftone print) The United States Government Lighthouse and Signals Exhibit [at the World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago. 1894]. Disbound from Reminiscences of the Fair. Vol.1, No.12, April 16, 1894. Large 8” x 10” b/w view of the Lighthouse Establishment exhibit at the 1894 World Exposition in Chicago . This United States Government Lighthouse and Signals plate is particularly nice, showing detailed model of Spectacle Reef Lighthouse, Five Fathom Bank Light Vessel, gas buoys, whistling buoys, lens lantern, lamp and burner and more. With detailed written description of the view. Unusually  clean and crisp. (VG+). $84.

A-166, 168. (posters) U.S. Coast Guard 1955-1960. 30" x 40". Some wear to edges. Rolled. Rare designs. (G-VG). $96 each. 

2916. (gravure print) Screw Pile Lighthouse. c.1890. Large early gravure print provides a great view of an early screw pile lighthouse. Possibly a prototype, this image is was probably done by the U.S. Light House Establishment for an annual report or other publication. Image measures 4” x 8 ½” on original 8 ½” x 12 ½” mat. Great, clear image, some soiling and foxing to mat. (VG-). $42.

999. [Coast Guard] U. S. COAST GUARD MAGAZINE Publication of the U. S. Coast Guard. c.1935-38. Filled with informative notes and articles about the men and stations in all of the districts, including life at some of these remote stations and more. Includes some particularly good notes on the duty, beach patrol, rescues, sinking and damage, notes of the districts and more. Illustrated with hundreds of photographs and wartime cartoons. Staple bound, soft wraps, 46 - 80 pages. Have many issues dating from January 1935 to October 1938 [not inclusive]. (VG). Have 86 issues dating from January 1941 to June 1957 [not inclusive]. (VG). @ $8 each.

2904. (Architect’s view) Light House at Spectacle Reef, Lake Huron. c.1887. American Architect and Building News. March 26, 1887. A beautifully detailed, hand colored, original plan image from the American Architect and Building News. This image is extremely hard to find, as the American Architect and Building News not only had a very small circulation during that time, but very few were actually preserved or colored as this has been. Image measures 7” by 11 ½” and had been professionally matted. Overall mat size  11 ½” x 15 ½”. The Spectacle Reef Lighthouse cost $406,000, one of the most expensive lights built on the Great Lakes, and is considered by many to be the best specimen of monolithic stone masonry in the United States. The work on the lighthouse, which stands on a submerged limestone reef off the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinaw, was commenced in May 1870. Today the structure still exists, exhibiting alternating red and white flashes. Finely detailed and beautifully hand-colored, shrink wrapped. Plan is in fine condition, clean and crisp, perfect for framing. (F). $144. 

28420. (documents) U.S. Lighthouse Service, 11th District. Radiophone Tests and Equipment. February 20, 1929. 4 pieces. Lot includes typed letter on Lighthouse Service stationery acknowledging assistance in evaluating signal strength and quality during recent radiophone tests conducted by Lighthouse Service radio station WWR. Document is signed by the Superintendent of Lighthouses, 11th District. Included is a second sheet describing the 50 watt crystal controlled transmitter, along with another printed photo of the equipment, which was constructed by Lighthouse Service personnel at the 11th District shops. Included also is the original mailing envelope with printed Lighthouse Service return address. Nice Lighthouse Service lot, good information. Clean, some wear. (VG). $65.

28398e. [proposal] Engineer Office, U.S. Army [ U. S. Light-House Service]. ADVERTISEMENT, SPECIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL FOR MATERIAL FOR RANGE TOWERS AT FORT MONROE, VA. January 21, 1902. 10p. (5 sheets). 8 ½” x 12”. Without wraps, unbound. Contains complete Advertisement, Guarantee, Proposal form, Specifications for furnishing all structural steel and iron necessary for construction of six range light towers, 5 of the low type and 1 tower of the high type. Good for research, interesting reading. Only light soiling,  intact save a bit brittle, some edge chipping. (VG-). $54.

28398f. [proposal] U.S. Engineer Office. ADVERTISEMENT, SPECIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL FOR FORT WOOL, VA. January 27, 1902. 12p. (6 sheets). 8 ½” x 12”. Without wraps, unbound. Contains complete Advertisement, Guarantee, Proposal form, Specifications for furnishing various construction items to Fort Wool including Portland Cement, stone, sand, yellow pine lumber and ties, various steel and iron items, and more. Good for research, interesting reading. Only light soiling,  intact save a bit brittle, some edge chipping. (VG-). $24.

28397. (cover) Official White House envelope addressed to the Bureau of Lighthouses c.1939. Interesting early original printed official envelope from The White House, addressed to the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Lighthouses. This original envelope was mailed at Washington, D.C. on January 4, 1939 and may once have contained information on the impending change-over to the Coast Guard. A great memento for framing. 3 ½” x 6 ½”. (VG). $34.

21458c,d. Johnson, William Wallace. THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE.  New England Magazine. April 1890. (disbound) pp. 134-145. Quite a nice article detailing the history and work of the Life-Saving Service. Beginning in the 1700’s with the Massachusetts Humane Society, the author discusses the early years and into the 1880’s. Includes nine fine early engravings and photo images including a fine image of Superintendent Sumner I. Kimball, day signals, beach patrolman, beach apparatus cart, Peaked Hill Bar station on  Cape Cod , and more - quite a good article.   $28.  

North Scituate Life Saving Station c.1890-1910 

The finest original views that we have ever had. Original cabinet views, each a full 10” x 12” and with gilded edges show superb detail in an unprecedented format. Station is the North Scituate Bibb #2-Type station, built in 1887 and located near Minot, Mass. Clearly the largest and finest views that we have yet seen. 

25362. Interior view $685 net.        25363. Exterior view with crew posing on the boat ramp. $375 net.  

     28383. Anderson, Maizie Freeman. Keeper of the Light. (Down East Magazine 1960’s ?) 3p. Wonderful article by Maizie Freeman Anderson who grew up at Petit Manan Light Station, where her father James H. Freeman was keeper in the 1930s. She wrote about her childhood there in this excellent article. She writes that: “No trees grew in the shallow soil of Petit Manan, but there were patches of grass and a few hardy wildflowers grew in abundance, even among the rocks -- sweet pea, buttercups and others. We had a small cranberry bog yielding berries to can each year. We tried putting in a vegetable garden, using seaweed for fertilizer, but we gave it up as hopeless. We also tried keeping a cow, because fresh milk was a rarity. I shall never forget getting her there; you've never lived until you've shared a rowboat with a cow!.... When playing we usually kept to the top part of the shore. ... None of us could swim. There was really no place to learn in the frigid Atlantic. ... Once I found a complete set of false teeth, which I treasured highly and kept on my dresser to admire. They disappeared one day, probably because my mother hadn't shared my enthusiasm.” Anderson remembered one particularly high tide when the entire island was under a foot of water. The chicken coops were floating in the cranberry bog. The family moved everything of value to the second floor of the house. When Maizie Freeman Anderson was six years old she was taken by her father to Jonesboro for her first day of school. After an hour of school, Maizie was so homesick that she put her head on her desk and sobbed. She was let out early and was picked up by her father in the afternoon. She was grateful to return to her island home. "Up ahead was my island, and I watched the tower for the light. Soon it came, sending its beam out over the ocean as if to say, 'Welcome home.'" Anderson remembered small, rocky Petit Manan as "a paradise." Well worth reading. Includes one large early photo of the light station. Disbound. (VG+). $36.

28346. Boddington, Jack. A CONQUERED SEA - An Illustrated Record of the United States Presidential Lifesaving Medal and Related Awards. Self published. 1990. 90p. Soft wraps. Scarce reference lists Presidential Lifesaving Medals and associated awards from 1853 up to 1939, as well as registers of recipients where available, images of the medals, and more. Very good reference work on the subject with good detail and information. Recipients’ listing includes date, the award, the name of the recipient, their rank, nationality, their ship and what US ship they saved as well as information on the award itself. Clean, tight, very nice copy of a rare publication. (VG+). $64.

28191. (advertisement) Life-Saving Service Benevolent Association Was Founded by Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company’s First President in 1849. Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company. June 1938. Large full page advertisement features a large image of surfmen landing in their surfboat and includes an account of the Life Saving Benevolent Association’s founding and work in procuring lifeboats and shore stations before the founding of the Life Saving Service. 8 ½” x 12”. A nice piece for framing. (VG+). $28.

9215g. Wechter, Nell Wise. THE MIGHTY MIDGETTS OF CHICAMACOMICO. Manteo , NC . 1992. 78p. 12MO. Soft wraps. The name Midgett has stood out in the annals of the Life-Saving Service and the Coast Guard for over one hundred years. More than 150 living members of the Midgett family have made these services a career. Seven men of the Midgett family have been awarded the nation’s highest award – the Gold Lifesaving Medal for “Extreme and Heroic Daring” and three have received the Silver Lifesaving Medal. In remembrance of the skill and daring of Chief Boatswain John Allen Midgett, the Coast Guard has named a recent cutter the Midgett. This interesting little booklet centers on the lives of three of the famous family; Cap’n Ban, Cap’n John Allen, and Cap’n Levene Midgett. These three all served as Keepers of the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. Most interesting reading on the Life-Saving Service on the Outer Banks. Illustrated with over 32 photos of Outer Banks stations and crews. Difficult to find. (VG+).  $42.

 20386b. Barnett, J. P., THE LIFESAVING GUNS OF DAVID LYLE. South Bend . 1976. 106p. Soft wraps. 2nd updated edition. This is the definitive reference on this well known backbone of the Life-Saving Service and early Coast Guard – the Lyle Gun. Using early records and searching out makers and specimens, the author presents a most complete account of the manufacture and history of these important tools. Filled with vintage photos and diagrams, this is an extremely valuable reference on the subject. (M).     $12.50.  

28177. (newspaper) Blunt, Messrs E & G.W., IMPROVEMENT OF THE LIGHTHOUSES" - "REJOINDER OF E & G. W. BLUNT TO THE REPYL OF PLEASONTON TO THEIR COMMUNICATION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY ON THE SUBJECT OF LIGHTHOUSES. New York American. May 25, 1838. 4p. In November of 1837 Messrs Blunt argued that the U. S. Light-Houses were greatly inferior to those of Great Britain and France, that the system of superintending them and their management was bad and that the Light-House Establishment was kept up at greater cost than necessary. This article by the Blunts is in rebuttal to Mr. Pleasontons' reply to the 1837 article. In this detailed article, by the respected publishers of Coast Pilots of the day present considerable information relative to the efficiency and operation of individual lights throughout the country. Includes testimony, examples as well as table of limits of visibility, distance from land objects, etc. of existing U.S. lights and much more. Unusual early details. A full 65 column inches long. Full newspaper contains 4 pages with interesting early articles of the day, only light occasional foxing, expected wear. (VG). $88.

28173. (magazine) An Amateur in the Lighthouse Service. QST Magazine. May 1924. American Radio Relay League (amateur  radio operators) Full issue 112 pages. Account of amateur radio station NASK that was installed by the operator at the remote Stannard Rock Lighthouse in Lake Superior and a similar station at the Marquette Lighthouse in an effort to provide communications . Account speaks in some detail on the equipment used and some contacts achieved. 2p. Full issue, includes numerous articles and advertisements of the day related to the field of amateur radio. Complete issue, covers nicely intact, light wear. (VG). $28.

Sought After by Collectors and Modelers...

957. [lightship model] Nantucket Lightship No. 112. WAL 534. Again we have found this sought after model of the Nantucket Lightship No. 112, by Lindberg Classic Replicas. This unbuilt kit #717, copyright 1986, is a 1/95 scale replica and one of only a few ever designed of a U. S. light vessel It is also fairly close to HO railroading scale of 1/87. It likely had its origins as the Pyro and Frog kit of the same subject in the late 50s. Lindberg bought the molds and produced the kit for a few years. It has been sought after for many years since going out of production in the late 1980’s. This is complete and unopened, in as-new condition and is a perfect way to spend the cold days of winter. This is an exceptional find for you lightship enthusiasts as very few were produced and still fewer have survived. (VG+). $78 net.

27182b. (Architect’s view) Fourth Order Light House, Mobile Middle Bay, Alabama. c.1888. American Architect and Building News. April 14, 1888. A beautifully detailed, hand colored, original plan image from the American Architect and Building News. This image is extremely hard to find, as the American Architect and Building News not only had a very small circulation during that time, but very few were actually preserved or colored as this has been. It measures 5 ½” by 7 ½” and had been professionally matted. Overall mat size  11 ¾” by 9 ½”. Due to high labor costs in the post-Civil-War South, the lighthouse was prefabricated in the North and then shipped to Mobile Point, where it arrived in 1885. The screwpile lighthouse consisted of a wooden hexagonal dwelling with a roof that slopped upwards to the centrally located lantern room. The lighthouse was supported by seven legs extending from each corner of the superstructure. After the piles had been screwed into the bottom of the bay, the structure suddenly settled seven and a half feet on September 12, 1885. Wooden piles were hurriedly driven around the screwpiles and succeeded in stabilizing the lighthouse. On December 1, 1885, the light from a fourth-order Fresnel lens first cast its beam from atop the lighthouse. Today the structure still exists, topped by a red navigational beacon. Finely detailed and beautifully hand-colored, shrink wrapped. Plan is in fine condition, clean and crisp, perfect for framing. (F).  $122. 

27299. (a paper read before the Philosophical Society of Washington) Johnson, Arnold Burges, Clerk, U. S. Light House Board. THE HISTORY OF THE LIGHT HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. April 2, 1881. 7p. Inscribed by the author. Without wraps. Account of a paper prepared by Mr. Johnson to be read elsewhere, traces the rise and progress from the first beacon on Point Allerton raised in 1673 to the present (1881). Includes information on sound propagation and the work of Professor Joseph Henry, expensed and annual budgets for lighting and a number of other points. Inscribed by Mr. Johnson to “Hon. Lorenzo Johnson with the compliments of his bro[ther] Arnold”, with some additional notes in his hand. Light soiling, early folds. Rare piece by the Clerk of the U. S. Light House Board. (VG). $112.

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.

2770. A Circular Steel Light Tower at Sturgeon Bay Canal. Engineering News and American Railway Journal. November 9, 1899. One third page article details the new type of lighthouse structure favored by the Light-House Board recently constructed at Sturgeon Bay on Lake Michigan. Article includes good detail of the design and construction of the iron light tower and lantern and includes a large 2-page supplement with photos and sectional views of the lantern and tower, stairway, foundation and more. The supplement measures 20 1/2" by 14 1/4" and is blank on the back. It has one fold in the center where it was folded to fit into the publication. The remaining journal is chock full of interesting articles including: The Heaviest Passenger Locomotive Ever Built (for the Lakeshore and Michigan Southern Railway), Early Railway Construction in the United States, Large Atlantic Cargo Steamers, A Centrifugal Railway for Pleasure Resorts, a couple articles on railroad signaling and more. Also included are engineering news bits and many interesting advertisements. Full issue, 10 ½” x 14 ¼”, 30 pages, clean save light edge staining. (VG). $48.

26355. (PDF file on CD) Report of the United States Light-House Board. Presented to Congress by Rear Admiral W. B. Shubrick, U. S. Navy, Chairman. October 15, 1869. Approx 80p. Includes complete report on construction, repairs and replacement of each and every light and vessel from #1 at West Quoddy Head, Maine to #383 at Ediz Hook , WA . Also includes improvements in equipment, expenditures, new lights established and the overall condition and operation of the Establishment. Excellent details on conditions and equipment. This volume was transcribed as faithfully as possible for inclusion as a PDF file on CD, which provides quick reference as well as the ability to cut and paste sections for inclusion into your work. Excellent resource. $19.95.

26223. (Architect’s view) First Order Light House on Fowey Rocks, Florida. c.1888. American Architect and Building News. February 25, 1888. A beautifully detailed, hand colored, original plan image from the American Architect and Building News. This image is extremely hard to find, as the American Architect and Building News not only had a very small circulation during that time, but very few were actually preserved or colored as this has been. It measures 8.75 by 12.75 inches and had been professionally matted. Overall mat size  11 by 16.5 inches. When the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, located on a small area four miles from Soldier Key, was complete, Cape Florida Lighthouse was discontinued and keepers John and Simeon Frow were transferred from Cape Florida to Fowey Rocks, where they lit the lamps for the first time on June 15, 1878. Finely detailed and beautifully hand-colored, shrink wrapped. Plan is in fine condition, clean and crisp, perfect for framing. (F).  $128.

26320. (reply card) U. S. Life Saving Service c.1912. Early reply card addressed to the General Superintendent was used to continue or decline further receipt of future Annual Reports of the Life Saving Service. This particular card is filled out by the Providence, RI Historical Society declining future reports. Postmarked 1912. Great collectible, address side is clean and unmarked, perfect for framing. (VG+). $48.

J-64. na. BEACON LIGHTS – Guides to Wandering Steps. c.1886. 20 p. Beautiful full page engraved color images of area lighthouses by Harlow, each preceded by of inspirational Poetry by Tennyson, Moore , Shelley, Scott, Byron , Young , Wordsworth and Dryden. Each lighthouse is named with a bit of information about its location, construction and characteristic  (ie. …Range 22 miles , two towers 100 feet apart and 250 feet above the level of the sea , mineral oil used , first erected 1827 , rebuilt 1862…). Lights include Sandy Hook, Navesink Highlands, Brant Point, Whales Back Light, Portland Head, Owls Head, Petit Manan, and Bass Harbour. A lovely and inspirational Victorian collectible. Light soiling, one lt stain and one chip to cover, contents clean, with cloth ties. (VG).  $118 net.

26220. (matchbox labels) Collection of European matchbox labels feature lighthouses, buoys or lightships. Labels are all original, never used and measure from 1 ¼” x 2 ¼” to 3” x 4 ¼”. Brands include Searchlight Safety Matches, Lightship Safety Match, Eddy Safety Match, Flashlight Safety Match and more. Countries represented include England, Sweden, Russia, and others. 14 designs or sizes. (F-). $1.60 each or $11 for 8 assorted.  

26212. Tag, Thomas A.  CHURCH STEEPLES AND FOG SIGNALS. Dayton. 2006. 20p. Spiral bound. Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume to his list of publications – Church Steeples and Fog Signals. This detailed account covers a long neglected area of lighthouse equipment – the mechanical weight-driven fog bell strikers. The author covers a history of fog bells, bell construction, wave actuated bells and clockwork-striking machinery. Included are Lowell Fog Bell Strikers, Custer Strikers, Daboll Strikers, Stevens, Gamewell, and more. Thoroughly illustrated with early photographs and  drawings, this booklet makes most interesting reading.  (M). #26212   $26.

26186. (architectural reproduction prints) U. S. Life Saving Station, Caffey’s Inlet, North Carolina. Views c.1936. Built in 1874, the station was located about 9 miles south by east of Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Measured and drafted for the Historic American Buildings Survey, these reproduction prints measure 11" X 17"., scale ¼” = 1’. The six prints include: Print one displays a map around the area of Caffey's Inlet highlighting the location of the life saving station. Print two displays an exterior view of the North elevation of the structure. Print three displays an exterior view of the South elevation of the structure. Print four displays an exterior view of the East elevation of the structure. Print five displays a sectional view of the East elevation of the structure revealing details of the interior. Print six displays details on the molding and eaves found on the structure. Great for research or display. Set 6 prints $48.

26155. [full page advertisement] Columbia Pictures. TARS AND SPARS – United States Coast Guard. Life Magazine. December 24, 1945. Tars and Spars premiered in 1945 starring Janet Blair and Alfred Blake. The movie was based upon the stage show Tars and Spars and was produced in cooperation with the United States Coast Guard. Typical boy meets girl song and dance fare, the watery world of the Coast Guard provides the setting for this musical that is loosely based on the famed Guard show Tars and Spars and makes fun of war movies. The story centers on the exploits of a heroic sailor who has never been to sea. Howard Young (Alfred Drake) is a coast guardsman who has been on shore duty for three years despite his efforts to be sent into action. His nearest approach to sea duty was on a harbor-moored life raft for 21 days as part of an experiment with a new type of vitamin gum for the government. He meets Christine Bradley (Janet Blair), a SPAR, sent to take over his communications job and, by things he leaves unsaid, she thinks his life-raft experience was the result of a ship-wreck at sea. Stars Alfred Drake of Broadway fame, as S 1/c Howard Young, Janet Blair as SPAR Christine Bradley and comedian Sid Caesar who was already on active duty as Seaman Chuck Enders. Chief Petty Officer Victor Mature was in the original stage version. Tars and Spars launched the career of Caesar as a comedian. Nice two color, full page add would be perfect framed. Disbound, clean, only very light age toning. (VG+).  $12.

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.

uu. Brenton’s Reef Lightship. (Fine). $78.

yy. Vineyard Sound Lightship. (fine). $78.

hh. Penfield Reef Lighthouse. (Fine). $68.

ii. Point Judith Lighthouse. (Fine). $68.

d3. Point Judith Lighthouse. (Fine). $68.

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

tt. Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse. (Fine). $68.

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.  

Shown is a Chance Bros. lamp and lens assembly.

2659. Tag, Thomas A. THE FRESNEL LENS MAKERS PART IV - CHANCE BROTHERS GLASS WORKS. Dayton . 2006. Soft wraps. Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume to his list of publications – The Fresnel Lens Makers Part IV Chance Brothers Glass Works. Part IV of five parts, describes the development of the early Fresnel lenses and defines the companies and individuals who took part in this effort. Augustin Fresnel had assistance from many sources as he developed and perfected his lens. This part details the work of the Chance Brothers Company in England , from its beginning as a glass window maker to its production of Fresnel lenses for the world market, and to its final demise in 1977 after being divided into several companies.  (M).  $26.  

Ask about Tom's other works on the subject.

8213(4). Block of 4 National Parks Centennial series commemorative stamps. Block  shows a view down the beach toward the lighthouse at Cape Hatteras. Four stamps, 2c denominations, unused, 1972 issue. Scott #’s 1448, 1449, 1450, 1451. (M).  $1.50.

See also our recently updated Commemorative China page

25217. [magic lantern glass slide set) Life-Saving Service - Throw Out the Life Line. c.1890-1900. Beautiful full color  glass projection slide set featuring the Life-Saving Service rescuing shipwrecked sailors by breeches buoy. Six superbly drawn hand colored slides depict the shipwrecked crew, and the life-savers on shore as they shoot the lint to the stricken vessel using the Lyle gun, set up the breeches buoy apparatus and then haul the crew to shore. Slides measures 3 ¼” x 4” and presents a superb, clear images. (F).   $88.  

B-305. (First World War Cartographic Curiosity)  Milton Bradley Co. GAME OF THE NEW U.S. MERCHANT MARINE and INTERNATIONAL SALESMAN. Springfield Mass, Copyrighted 1918, but ca. 1919. Prepared under the direction and approval of the U. S. Shipping Board. Game board 20” x 34”, divided into 4 panels, in original wooden box with attractive full color lithographed cover , 2 spinners, 6 cast metal ships pieces. A Mercator projection map shows the globe as colonial possessions of the European powers. The German holdings are indicated as "Former German Possessions". The islands north of New Guinea are designated as "Japanese Mandate". Key & scale at the bottom right; the index at the bottom left is of "Ports of the World & Chief Exports", including Australia (Freemantle, Adelaide, Sydney, Hobart). A circumnavigation route around the glob is marked in red with player directions printed near each spot. Full directions are printed on the inside of the box cover. The cover has an attractive lithographed view of New York harbor with a liner in the foreground. The box bottom is splitting, otherwise clean and bright, very good condition. A wonderful Merchant Marine and game collectible. (VG). $295.

Page updated February 08, 2010 .

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