Welcome to Kenrick A. Claflin & Son Nautical Antiques Online Catalogue

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Massachusetts Humane Society

Lightships

Flags - Ensigns

Clocks

Dinnerware

Martha's Vineyard

Light Lists & Coast Pilots

 

An Early Sample From Our Upcoming 

July - August Catalogue.... 

For Dinnerware (U.S.L.H.S., U.S.C.G., Navy, etc), please visit our new Dinnerware Page !

 For additional items please see our Rare Out of Print page as well.

5419cc. Treasury Department. INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNITED STATES COAST GUARD STATIONS. 1934. 130 pp. Includes general instructions, patrols and lookouts, equipment lists, boat drills and operation and complete beach apparatus drill. In addition, interesting instruction book for the use of Coast Guard Stations covers law enforcement duties of the Officer in charge, action at wrecks, patrols and lookouts, swimming qualifications, classification and descriptions of types of boats used at Coast Guard, boat equipment, various drills and commands, capsizing and righting drill, management of boats in a surf, boarding a vessel stranded or afloat in a heavy sea, signals for use at wrecks, US Storm Signals (with color plates showing day and night signals),ship and aircraft distress signals, resuscitation drill, Beach apparatus drill with great illustration of "Man the beach cart" this is followed by more illustrations showing halt and relative positions of men while placing apparatus, Hawser Cutter, muster at a station, piloting etc. The final section of the book is a question and answer section which is for the purpose of assisting the officers in charge in the instruction of the crews of US Coast Guard Stations. Besides the previously described illustrations there are also illustrations showing positions when shot line is bent to whip, hauling off whip, hauling off hawser, Man lee whip haul off, Man weather whip haul ashore, Hawser cutter arranged for hauling off etc. Gilt embossed black cloth covers, size is 4 3/8” by 6” inches. Moderate wear,  intact, pages expected soiling and tight. Very difficult to find. (VG-). $118 net.

2213e Coast Guard. A MANUAL FOR LIFEBOAT STATIONS (CG-212). June 1949. 203pp. Stamped ”Point Judith Lifeboat Station”.  Includes general instructions, patrols and lookouts, equipment lists, boat drills and operation beach apparatus drill and more. In addition, interesting instruction book for the use of Coast Guard Stations covers law enforcement duties of the Officer in charge, action at wrecks, patrols and lookouts, classification and descriptions of types of boats used at Coast Guard Stations, boat equipment, etc. Excellent diagrams provide good views of equipment  including the new steel beach apparatus trailer, steel shot-line canister and more. Black flexible cloth covers, size is 5 1/4 by 7 ¾”  inches with post binding. Condition is good, flat, tight, very little wear. Includes some updates and out of date pages removed, etc.  (VG).  $76 net.

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.)

  

21344b. Hagar, George J., THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE – Its Origin, Progress, and Present Condition. Frank Leslie’s Popular Monthly. 1878. Pp. 165-183. Disbound. Extremely detailed article describes in great detail the early history of the Service and the work that the crews perform. Includes are lengthy descriptions of the equipment employed along with wonderful engraved illustrations of the stations and equipment. Detailed illustrations include early stations, Senator William A. Newell, Sumner I Kimball, beach apparatus, lifeboats, Francis Metallic Life car, and more. Scarce early article. Clean, crisp, excellent illustrations. (VG+). $26.

U.S. Coast Guard photo.

2974. Long, Charles A. E., Matinicus Isle – Its Story and Its People. Lewiston. 1926. 235+p. Facsimile copy. Excellent source of history and genealogical information about the rocky island of Matinicus, located 60 miles east of Portland. Includes information about the light station there, and particularly the keepers and their families. A rarely found and sought-after reference on the subject. The one copy that I can find on line lists for $120. Older photocopy, post bound. $44.

  

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. 

29218. Life-Saving Service. Directions For Restoring The Apparently Drowned for Saving Drowning Persons By Swimming To Their Relief and for the Treatment Of Frostbites As Practiced In The U.S. Life-Saving Service. Washington Government Printing Office, 1901. 17p. Soft wraps. Rare early pamphlet, some illustrations. Unusually clean, crisp, Very little wear. (VG+). $74. 

 

4365i. United States Life-Saving Service. INSTRUCTIONS TO MARINERS IN CASE OF SHIPWRECK WITH INFORMATION CONCERNING THE LIFE-SAVING STATIONS UPON THE COASTS OF THE UNITED STATES. Washington. GPO. 1908. Revised edition.  56p. Contains information and instructions for use by mariners so that proper co-ordination between life-savers and sailors in distress will be achieved. Includes information on the use of breeches buoy apparatus, signaling, rescue by surfboat, and much more. Also includes complete listing of all Life-Saving Districts and stations in the united States. Three-part folded case with printed  cover. Folded, 3” x 6” with rear pocket, illustrated. Unusually clean, tight, hinges intact [most unusual] in very nice condition. (VG+) . $328 net.  

4371f. Elliot, Major George H., REPORT OF A TOUR OF INSPECTION OF EUROPEAN LIGHT-HOUSE ESTABLISHMENTS MADE IN 1873. Washington . GPO. 1874. 8VO. 288p. Over 31 text figures, 50 engraved plates and charts. Brown govt. type binding with gilt lettering. In 1873 Major Elliot, engineer-secretary to the Light-House Board, traveled to Europe to study the important improvements to the light-house system in England and in France for use in upgrading the lighthouse system in the United States . The results of his findings with regard to light-house apparatus and the management of light-house systems appeared soon afterward in the form of a report to the Light-House Board, and it attracted much commendation. His report may be considered a complete exhibit of the state of the lighthouse service at the time. Profusely illustrated, filled with information. AN IMPORTANT WORK. Clean, tight, save some wear and bumping to binding, slightly shaken. (VG-).  $288 net.  

27321. Form No. 30.  U. S. Department of Commerce, Light House Establishment. RECEIPT FOR PROPERTY DELIVERED BY SUPPLY VESSEL. Account of Property, etc., Delivered by the Master of the Light-House Supply Vessel …., and Remaining on Hand Prior to Making Deliveries, at the Shinnecook Bay Light-Station, [Long Island, New York] on the 22nd Day of October, 1910. Soft wraps. Six-page Form No. 30, Account of Supplies Delivered by the Master of the Light-House Supply Vessel. Each page lists countless items on hand or delivered on this date by the lighthouse tender. Page includes listings of oil, wicks, chimneys, rouge, whiting, towels, buff skins, soap, various brushes, paint and more. Notations by the keeper indicate quantities on hand, delivered and more. 8 ½” x 14”. Listing covers 6 pages and is a must for researchers working to properly furnish your lighthouse or museum exhibit. Also included is two pages of the Keeper’s Annual Property return for the same station, dated June 30, 1898. Some wear, moderate chipping, a bit brittle from age. (G+). $144.

Keeper George W. Purdy, Gay Head Light Station, Sankaty Head LS, East Chop LS

Keeper Purdy was well known for his hard work despite his daunting disability -  Purdy had lost an arm in an accident in the engine room of the lighthouse tender Azalea some years earlier. The Vineyard Gazette editions of May, 1928 noted an incident that tells of Purdy’s determination: “George W. Purdy, one-armed keeper of East Chop lighthouse, has previously astonished his acquaintances with his engineering feat, but his latest one is the more remarkable of any yet performed. Supplies for the light are landed on the beach at the foot of the high bluff on which the lighthouse is situated. All along the shore of the government reservation is a heavy wall of loose boulders, weighing from one to several hundred pounds each. Placed in an unbroken line to prevent the sea from wearing away the bank, they lie at the water's edge and prevent boats from landing. Because of this, it has been necessary for the lighthouse tender's boat to land on a privately-owned beach, from which the supplies had to be carried over to the government beach and thence up the bank by a flight of stairs. As this made much extra work for Mr. Purdy, he has been engaged in building a boat landing during the past winter, and the completed job is a thing to marvel at. Several boulders, weighing hundreds of pounds, were moved by Mr. Purdy, who worked with his spade and a huge wooden pry to accomplish it. Nearly anyone who considers the prodigious amount of labor necessary in such construction will agree that Mr. Purdy's one arm is worth more than two as used by the average man.” 

 

4410g. Light-House Board, INSTRUCTIONS TO LIGHT-KEEPERS AND MASTERS OF LIGHT-HOUSE VESSELS. GPO. 1902. 55 pages of instructions plus 37 photo and large fold-out plates. Once property of Keeper George Purdy, East Chop Lighthouse, Martha’s Vineyard. Contains a wealth of information, particularly in the plates for use in identifying lamps. Includes complete Instructions for Light-Keepers in Stations with Two or More Keepers, Light Stations With One Keeper, Keepers of Light-Vessels, Management of Lens Lights and Disposition of Lamps and Illuminating Apparatus, Management of Mechanical Lamps, Revolving Machinery, trimming of wicks, morning duties, and much more. Includes all aspects of station and apparatus maintenance. Excellent plates detail all types of lamps and lighting apparatus, lanterns, revolving apparatus, fog signal equipment, bell striking apparatus, and more. Also laid in is a pamphlet “Illustrated List of Parts of the Hornsby-Akroyd Patent Safety Oil Engine”. This engine was used for pumping air to supply fog signals. A very complete and important document. Contents generally clean and tight. Light soiling and foxing to endpapers, covers gilt embossed, moderate wear and soiling, hinges weakening. (VG-).  $565 net. 

29209. Robertson, Martha. A Quiet Life. Whittles. 1997. 199p. Soft wraps. From their inception and through the early years of this century, long before automation, lighthouses were manned by keepers, often with their families in residence. In the case of the Petrie family, in 1922, their number included a new arrival, Martha. Over the years Martha, or Mattie as she was nicknamed, went with her parents to several lighthouse postings around the British Isles. Growing up in the unusual environment that constitutes a lighthouse station, where going out to play can be a major hazard, Mattie witnessed much of which most children could only dream. This book is her story - an account of the unique life of the lighthouse where the mundane activities of a mainland existence become exciting, certainly different and often downright near impossible. Growing up in the 20s and 30s, describing the war years and life in the Wrens, Martha Robertson brings to her story a delightful warmth and more than a touch of humor. This is a truly unusual account of an existence that has disappeared forever as automation puts the seal on lightkeeping as a thing of the past. (VG+). $29.

29212. Claudy, C. H. THE LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES. 11pp. The World Today Magazine. May 1907. Quite a fine article on 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 lightships, life at these outposts, and more. Excellent descriptions. And includes nine large half-tone engravings. Full issue filled with fine articles of the day. Contents clean, tight, wraps light wear and soiling. (VG-). $38.

29213a. William H. Flayhart. Perils of the Atlantic: Steamship Disasters, 1850 to the Present. New York. 2003. 1st. DJ. 380p. 26 illustrations. The author retells classic ocean liner disaster stories while bringing to light never-before-published but compelling episodes in man's ongoing battle with the sea. A gripping, colorful and deadly history of ocean liner disasters from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, Perils of the Atlantic is a chronicle of the most frightening episodes in the maritime history of the North Atlantic. From 1850 to the present day, the Atlantic has been home to hundreds of ocean liners and cruise ships, each more lavish than the last...all of them symbols of wealth and luxury. Many of us know the stories of the Titanic and the Lusitania. Both tragedies caused tremendous loss of life, even as they made the ships immortal. But there are many little-known accounts of extraordinary survivals at sea, such as the Inman and International liner City of Chicago that jammed her bow into an Irish peninsula in 1892 but stayed afloat long enough for all to be rescued, or the City of Richmond that survived a dangerous fire in 1891, and a year earlier the City of Paris, whose starboard engine exploded at full speed in the mid-Atlantic and yet miraculously still made port. Often such tales are forgotten even if the ship sank: In 1898 the Holland-America liner Veendam hit a submerged wreck and sank at sea, but all lives were saved—so this vessel's dramatic story seemed less important in maritime history than incidents involving human loss. As recently as 2000, the Sea Breeze I sank off the East Coast of the United States while on a positioning voyage, but all her crew members were rescued in a heroic effort by U.S. Coast Guard helicopters. These stories and many others are dramatic, and acclaimed maritime scholar William Flayhart has spent much of the last forty years in search of material from which to create colorful narratives. It is a first-class work; I recommend it highly. (VG). $24. 

  

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.

JOURNAL OF LIGHT STATION LOVELL’S ISLAND RANGE LIGHT, Boston Harbor.

   Keeper Jennings next to the lighthouse. 

D-03. U. S. Lighthouse Service. JOURNAL OF LIGHT STATION FOR THE LIGHT STATION AT LOVELL’S ISLAND RANGE LIGHT, BOSTON HARBOR, MASSACHUSETTS July 1, 1911 to November 30, 1919.  Lovell’s Island Range Lights were erected in 1902 for the accommodation o f mariners coming up the South Channel of Broad Sound, Boston Harbor. The lights were placed in the charge of Keeper Alfred G. Eisener [shown in photo standing at base of tower- photo not included. Known as a poet and a writer, Keeper Eisner is best known for his book Dan, or the Gale of ‘73. In 1919 Eisener was succeeded by Charles H. Jennings, who later transferred to Boston Light. The light was extinguished in 1939 and subsequently torn down. This historic log records the careers of both keepers of this important light station. “….June 30, 1919….This page closes my Light-House life, consisting of 35 years of service, beginning at Cape Ann, ending at Lovell’s Island, Mass. Alfred G. Eisener [Keeper]….” SUPERB Original intact standard issue Light-House Journal: Hard bound folio with half-calf spine and corners. Spine is labeled in gilt embossed letters “306 – Journal of Light Station – Light-House Establishment – Department of Commerce and labor”. Volume measures 14” high by 8 ½” wide and contains 202 form pages completed in the hand of Keepers Alfred G. Eisener, and Charles Harold Jennings, covering the period from July 1, 1911 to November 30, 1919.  This type of record was kept at all stations and contained daily listings of important events, bad weather and other special notes. Each page is signed in the hand of the Keeper. Some of the special notes include Sept. 30, 1918 when the light was extinguished for the duration of the Great War, November 11, 1918 Great War practically ended today – Armistice signed, and sadly: “This page closes my light-house life, consisting of 35 years of service, beginning at Cape Ann, ending at Lovell’s Island, Mass.” signed Keeper Alfred G. Eisener. Also noted are the signatures of the District Inspector after inspection of the station with dates of inspection and various notes. Back endpapers used by keepers to record period of absences during the years. Pages are in good condition, generally clean and tight. Binding lightly soiled, with expected light wear. Hinges are worn, front wrap present but detached, back intact but worn. Spine intact and legible. Spine is clearly gilt embossed: “306 – Journal of Light Station – Light-House Establishment – Department of Commerce and labor” (VG). Reduced to $995.

29127. na. American Merchant Seaman’s Manual. Ed. Felix M. Cornell and Allan C. Hoffman. Cambridge. 1964. 5th. 834p. Stiff wraps. Property stamp on frontis “Commanding Officer, Shinnecock Coast Guard Station, Hampton Bays, N.Y. 11946.” The American Merchant Seaman’s Manual has been the primary seamanship text and reference book for the American Merchant Marine for more than sixty years. Merchant mariners going to sea for the first time need to know as much about their new job, their ship, the sea, and the Merchant Marine as they can. From Marlinespike Seamanship to Navigation and Weather, this manual is designed to provide the knowledge that these new seamen need to embark upon their careers at sea. Clean, crisp. (VG+). $48.

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.

29151. Jones, E. Lester. The Neglected Waters of the Pacific Coast – Washington, Oregon and California. U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Special Publication #48. GPO. 1918. 21p. Stiff wraps. Believe it or not, the Pacific coastline in 1918 had yet to be properly surveyed as the east coast had. This detailed report looks at the history of surveys of the area, harbors and the many shipwrecks occurring along the coast and discusses the need for such a survey. Includes a great deal on past shipwrecks, complete with numerous fold-out charts and photo plates. Some of the wrecks and their causes discussed at some length include the Steamer Bear, U.S.S. Milwaukee (1917) , Steamers Santa Rosa (1911) and Santa Clara (1915), steamer Valencia (1906) and more. Overall clean, tight, some wear to wraps. (VG-). $84.

  

29162. Powers, Paul A. They That Go Down To The Sea - A Bicentennial Pictorial History of the United States Coast Guard 1790-1990. Pub. by Chief Petty Officers Association (Taylor Pub. Co.), 1990, 11" x 9", 208 pages. Foreword by Alex Haley. DJ. Filled with hundreds of vintage photos and illustrations, covering the Coast Guard’s 200-year  history from the early Revenue Cutter Service sailors;  the Civil War era 1861-65;  the Cutter Bear in Alaska; The U. S. Lighthouse Service; WWI; WWII; Ocean Stations; Vietnam; Coast Guard Aircraft; Coast Guard Cutters and Craft and more. A book about the people and how they lives, about life on board the early cutters and at the light stations, about fighting the raging surf, or a gun battle during the war. A pictorial history of the men and women who have left their mark on the story of America. Long out of print, very difficult to find. (F). $112. 

22566c na. THOREAU’S CAPE COD WITH THE EARLY PHOTOGRAPHS OF HERBERT W. GLEASON. Barre. 1973. Edited by Thea Wheelwright with Introduction. 96 p. Soft wraps. This is a very unique book that will appeal greatly to those who love the stunning landscape of Cape Cod and the words of Henry David Thoreau. This book features the early photography of Herbert W. Gleason. At the very beginning of the 20th century a remarkable collaboration was initiated when Gleason, former minister and inspired photographer, set out on Cape Cod with his camera to follow exactly in the footsteps of a man who had traveled there 54 years before. Herbert Gleason’s photographs are excellent in themselves. His reverence for nature, and his ability to reveal its beauty through the camera, led him to eventually work with other naturalists such as John Muir, John Burroughs and Luther Burbank. Henry David Thoreau’s account of his journey on the Cape fascinated Gleason, and he decided to meticulously record in photographs the scenes, which had remained unchanged, that Thoreau had described. Each of the 50 photos included is juxtaposed  with the inspiring words and prose of Thoreau. Some of the photographs include: Pleasant Bay at South Orleans, Mill Pond, Chatham, Harwich Port, the Sound, Muddy Creek toward Pleasant Bay, Crystal Pond, Orleans, Nauset Three Sisters Lighthouses and  Bluffs, Eastham, Wellfleet Bluffs from Cahoon’s Hollow, Wellfleet Dunes, Truro, Herring Pond, Chatham, North Truro, Pamet River, The Clay Pounds, Telegraph Hill, Provincetown, and many more. This book finally fulfills Gleason’s intention to merge the camera eye with Thoreau’s mind’s eye. The physical character of the Cape is here – the severe beauty of beach and dune, the expanse of ocean and sky. A feast for the eyes and soul. Clean, tight, some wear to wraps. (VG). $28.

6366x. Putnam, George R. LIGHTHOUSES AND LIGHTSHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES. Cambridge , MA . 1917 1st. ed. 308 pp. Scarce first edition. Contains 48 photos and maps. Historical and descriptive work by the Commissioner of lighthouses. Good information from a most reliable source, nice overall view. Includes chapters on the history and organization, Boston Light and the Colonial Lights, US lighthouses around the country, lighthouse construction and apparatus, lightships and lighthouse tenders, buoys and daymarks, fog signals, the light-keepers, and much more. This most important work has become quite scarce. Contents unusually clean and crisp, front cover bright with nice image of Boston Light, light soiling to covers and spine, light bumping to corners. (VG). $148.

926b. Anderson, Charles M., ISLE OF VIEW – A History of South Manitou Island . Frankfort , MI. 1979. 111p. Soft wraps. Having lived on the island for thirteen years in the early part of the century, the author developed an intimate knowledge of the area and a love of this lovely secluded island. For more than a century this area of Michigan has boasted a strong maritime presence and the work of the Coast Guard and lighthouse keepers here is second to none. In addition, the author’s personal friendship with the keeper of the Coast Guard station here provides an insight to their way of life. Quite a nice account of the life here with much lighthouse and life-saving material. Illustrated with photographs. (VG). $20.

 

     (image from my collection.) 

9321. Bennett, Captain Robert F., (USCG Ret.) SAND POUNDERS. Coast Guard’s Historian’s Office. 1999. 193p. Soft Wraps. Released just ten years ago, is this interesting work by this noted Coast Guard author. This detailed work takes a different approach -  interpreting the history and work of the Life-Saving Service as based on its Annual Reports for the years 1870 through 1914. Hundreds of details and interpretations are pointed out here that rarely find their way into most books on the subject, making this a most informative work and well worth adding to your library. Illustrated with 25 vintage photographs and engravings. This title is long out of print. A copy surfaces only every few years - most interesting and well worth the price. $58.

980b. Kobbe’, Gustav. HEROES OF PEACE – VOLUNTEER LIFE-SAVERS. 8p. Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine. June 1899. Disbound. Details the work of the early life saving crews including the Massachusetts Humane Society and noted life-saver Joshua James. In addition, individuals who have assisted the Life-Saving Service are given due credit including three women and a lad assisted the keeper of the Long Beach LSS, who rescued the crew of the bark Martha P. Tucker at Point Lookout, Long Island. Also highlighted are West Coast and Great Lakes rescues, and work of the Gay Head Indians in rescuing survivors of the City of Columbus off Martha’s Vineyard , and much more. Includes a fine illustration entitled “A Signal of Distress”, from a painting by Winslow Homer. (VG+). $32.

21493c. Couch, Danny, Noah Price and Shawn Gray. THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE ON HATTERAS ISLAND . [Sea Chest. Volume 4, Number 2, Winter 1977]. 64p. Soft wraps. Most interesting and detailed chronicle includes history and development of the 10 Life-Saving Stations on Hatteras Island . Also includes construction and architecture, duties of the keepers and crews, rescues and acts of bravery, listings of Keepers and Surfmen, and much more. Well illustrated with well over 40 vintage photos and illustrations. Very difficult to find. (VG).  $44.

22156L,m. [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).  $58.

21460d. Lighthouse Service. THE UNITED STATES LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE. Washington . GPO. 1923. 111p. Original soft wraps. Provides a complete and detailed overview of the U. S. Light-House Service, its history as well as descriptions of various lighthouses, light-vessels, river-lights, fog signals, duties of personnel, etc. Chapters include Duties and Organization, Jurisdiction, Cooperation, National Defense Activities of the Lighthouse Service, District Limits and Offices, Aids to Navigation, History and Growth of the Lighthouse Service, Types of Construction of Lighthouses, Lighting Apparatus and Illuminants, Distinctiveness and Characteristics of Lights, Visibility and Candlepower of Lights, Fog Signals, Radio Fog Signals, Buoys, River Lighting, Lighthouse Depots, Light Vessels, Lighthouse Tenders, Recently Built Lighthouses and Vessels, Personnel, Light-Keeper’s Quarters, Saving Life and Property, Lighting of Bridges, Private Aids to Navigation, Laws, Publications, Exhibits of the Lighthouse Service, Past and Present Officers of the Lighthouse Service, and much more. Well illustrated with over 50 official photographs. Contents only occasionally soiling, a few small tears, wraps some wear, spine chipped. Possibly the most complete and well organized overview of the Lighthouse Service available, extremely rare. (VG1). $168 net.

20218d. Vent, Myron H. SOU TH MANITOU ISLAND : FROM PIONEER SETTLEMENT TO PARK. Springfield , Virginia . 1973. 105p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with vintage photographs. Contains a history of the Life-Saving Service on South Manitou Island , Michigan beginning in 1902 through the Coast Guard era. Also includes a similar history of the Lighthouse Service there, the work of the keepers and their families. Appended also are excerpts from the life-saving station log, a listing of keepers of the lighthouse, life-saving station and Coast Guard station, and much more. Great reading. Light wear. (VG-). $38.

964. [training manual] U. S. Coast Guard. AIDS TO NAVIGATION TRAINING MANUAL - LIGHTHOUSES AND LIGHTSHIPS. August 1953. About 400 p. Detailed manual used for training of personnel in the operation and maintenance of the lamps and apparatus used in lighthouses and light vessels. Complete with diagrams, illustrations and some photographs. These are a “must” if you are restoring these items, are a collector or maintain a light station as they include many early items including equipment, sizes, lanterns, flashers, burners, pilots, sunvalve, fittings, tools, lamp types, lamp-changers, flashers, focusing, installation, major and minor lights, single and double tank incandescent oil vapor lamps, tanks, pumps, cleaning lamps, accessories and tools, mantles, relief valves, Aladdin lamps, oil wick lanterns, triangular oil lanterns, post lanterns, lens lanterns, lamps, buoy types, lighting, sound apparatus, maintenance, whistles, gongs, bells, percussion units, CO2 bell striker, electric solenoid bell striker, diaphone, automatic siren, diaphragm horns, reed horns, coding, installation, control, theory of fog signals, and more. Chapters include: Light Sources, Lenses & Revolving Apparatus; Electric Lamps & Apparatus; Incandescent Oil Vapor Lamps & Apparatus; Fog Signals; Fog Signal Coding Devices; Basic Engine Room Operation; E.S.D.C. Controller, Radiobeacon Operation & Maintainance;  Radiobeacon System and Equipment, Radio Telephone Procedures, and more. Excellent reference. Spiral bound, light wear. (VG). $285.

2966. U. S. LIFE SAVING SERVICE POCKET NOTEBOOK. Original brown U. S. Life-Saving Service pocket notebook, cloth bound with marbled page edges. 4” x 6 ½”. These were used by keepers and inspectors as well as engineers and surveyors for observations and notes. Cover printed with book number 1833, and lettered “U. S. Life-Saving Service”. Clean, fresh, never used. Extremely scarce. (VG+).  $185

 

2972. [lighthouse logbook] Canadian Department of Marine and Fisheries. Lighthouse Service. Diary for Hand Horn or Fog Bell. Providence Bay Lighthouse.  c.1921 -1922. 6pages (months). Soft wraps. Interesting printed log book used at Providence Bay Lighthouse on Lake Huron in the province of Ontario. This dairy has hand written daily documentation for the weather conditions for the months of May, June, July, and August of 1921 and June and October 1922. According to the instructions in the diary, the forms were to be torn out monthly and forwarded to the home office. Entrys include times of thick weather, time of start and stop of horn, and remarks on weather conditions. The Providence Bay Lighthouse was built on the south shore of Manitoulin Island in 1904. When the lighthouse was destroyed by a fire, it was replaced by a skeleton tower that was deactivated in 1973. Printed on the inside front cover of the journal are the printed instruction for the lighthouse keeper’s responsibility in maintaining the journal as instructed by A. Johnston, Deputy Minister. Logbook has marbled wraps with original orange tape spint. Moderate wear, some tape repairs as expected. Overall fairly clean. (VG-). $144 net.

27152. [lighthouse logbook] Canadian Department of Transportation, Light Station Engine Room Diary c.1950-70’s. 30p. Soft wraps. Interesting printed log book / engine room diary for use at light station to record running times and and other pertinent information for engines and generators, hoist engines, pumps, etc. Logbook is pristine, never used, clean, tight, complete with original carbon papers tipped in. (VG+).  $74 net.

2329. na. OFFICIAL REGISTER OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE APRIL 1, 1880 (WITH POST OFFICE ADDRESSES). April 1, 1880. GPO. 19p. Original soft wraps. Scarce booklet includes complete listings of Superintendent, assistants, Inspector of Life-Saving Stations, assistants, District Superintendents, assistants, Board for Examination of plans and devices, complete listing of all station Keepers with mailing addresses, and complete listing of Life-Saving Districts and stations. In original wraps, clean, crisp, as new and probably never opened. Extremely rare opportunity to obtain this original booklet and needed information in remarkable condition. (F). $125.

2975. Gowdy, Jim. GUIDING LIGHTS OF THE DELAWARE RIVER AND BAY. Mizpah. 1991. 2nd. Post bound. 106p. Early printed prototype for his later enlarged work of the same title, which became the most comprehensive history ever written on the lighthouses, lightships, tenders and depots of the Delaware River and Bay – from Cape May to Gloucester City and Philadelphia to Fenwick Island . This earlier detailed history was painstakingly research by the author. Using records from the National Archives, Coast Guard, and private collections this early work provides wonderful reading. Great account of these important lights, in a rare early format.  (VG). $34.

  

2976. (view book) na. Attractive Bits Along Shore : Portsmouth, Rye Beach, Isles Of Shoals, Old York, Kittery Point. Portland, Maine. 1890. H. Wilbur Hayes. Red cloth hardcover. 7” x 10”. 94p. This scarce turn of the century view book of the New Hampshire coast features more than 64 large full and half page photo-gravures of local views. Views include Kittery (Portsmouth) Navy Yard, Lieut. Greeley’s Fleet, Wallis Sands Life Saving Station, Fort Constitution and lighthouse, Frigate Constitution, USS Kearsarge, Kittery Navy Yard, Celia Thaxter’s cottage, Isles of Shoals, Star Island Harbor, Whale’s Back Lighthouse, Boon Island, Nubble Lighthouse, mills and historic homes, harbors, brewers, many churchs, street scenes, navel scenes and much more. Combined with 30 pages of descriptive text, this book is wonderful for reading or research. Quite nice views, scarce booklet. Binding has some wear and spotting. Pages are intact but spine is becoming loose. Light to moderate occasional soiling. Scarce. (VG-). $74.

2950. [woodcut engraving] Fresnel Lens – Elevation View c.1800-1860. 10” x 13”. From early engineering magazine. Beautiful, clear and detailed engraving shows elevation view of large Fresnel lens apparatus on pedestal. The view is most detailed and would be a must for anyone publishing works on the subject or simply interested in the early lens apparatus. A scarce early engraving, would be quite stunning matted for framing. One early fold, otherwise clean and bright. (VG-). $66.

7295e. Inglis, William. LIFE-SAVERS ON OLD MALABAR. Harper’s Monthly. January 1908. 11p. Excellent account of the Life-Savers on Cape Malabar , (Monomoy), off the elbow of Cape Cod , their daily life, culminating with an account of the famous Wadena disaster. Includes rare details of their daily existence along with eight detailed engraved illustrations. Most interesting reading on the subject. Full issue includes numerous articles and advertisements of the day. (VG-). $42.

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.

 

2931. Eldridge, Muriel and Richard. The Lighthouse keeper’s Daughter. A Play in One Act. New York. Samuel French pub. 1935. 16p. Soft wraps. A laughable pantomimed farce, showing that virtue hath its just reward. The lighthouse keeper’s daughter, an innocent maiden, has a villainous suitor who plots to gain her father’s money and then to slay him. At dusk he accomplishes his task and escapes, but the attempted murder is discovered in time for the handsome doctor to save him, and win the hand of the daughter. An interesting early play. Light wear, page loose, overall good condition in original blue wraps. (VG-). $14.

 

X-01. Smeaton, John [1724-1792]. A NARRATIVE OF THE BUILDING AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EDDYSTONE LIGHTHOUSE WITH STONE: TO WHICH IS SUBJOINED, AN APPENDIX, GIVING SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LIGHTHOUSE ON THE SPURN POINT, BUILT UPON A SAND. London. 1793. Second Edition, corrected. Folio [approx. 21” x 15”] . 198 pages. Completely illustrated with 23 large original engraved plates. First published in 1791, this more sought after second edition was published , correcting the errors that appeared in the 1791 edition. Bound and rebacked with calf, gilt embossed label on spine, marbled boards. Most rare, only three known in the past ten years. A detailed and complete original day-to-day account of the construction of the famed Eddystone Lighthouse by the design engineer himself. A very detailed account, particularly of the repeated frustrations and efforts of the designers and workers at this exposed site, the storms and rescues and their ultimate success. This most important work covers the history of the lighthouse, the construction of lighthouse towers, illumination and sources of light, catoptric system of lights, and much more. John Smeaton is generally considered to be one of the world’s greatest lighthouse engineers, whose work became the foundation for all else to follow. This was Smeaton's first project as civil engineer. Two earlier lights on the Eddystone reef had been destroyed and this system of dovetailing and interlocking stone developed by Smeaton was used for offshore lighthouses for centuries to follow. The longevity of the Eddystone light is a lasting tribute to his genius. A very complete and excellent work on the subject by this renown early lighthouse engineer. With 23 large 12” x 17” engraved plates including Winstanley’s original lighthouse, Elevation and Section of Rudyers’s Lighthouse, Elevation and Plan Views of Eddystone Rock, 1759 lighthouse [multiple views], Plans of Stone Construction, Horizontal and Vertical Sections of the Eddystone Lantern with Chandeliers, Construction process and equipment, Millwork Furniture and Utensils, Sectional View of High Lighthouse Upon the Spurn Point, and much more. A scarce and important museum quality reference, a MUST for the serious and quite scarce. Overall clean, pages bright but with some light foxing about the margins, cover page some light soiling and foxing, possibly rebacked professionally in the past, with new endpapers, quite crisp and tight. With library stamps for Garrison Library, Malta but none obscure text. This is one of the most important works in the history of civil engineering. This item is of museum quality, and is extremely rare, only a few known copies. (VG).  $1,680 net.

 

 

2772a,b. Bearse, Clarkson P. Sr. THE TRAGEDY OF MONOMOY BEACH . Harwich. 1943. 70 p. Mr Bearse, a native Cape Codder , was a former member of the Life Saving station that figured in the Monomoy Disaster in which so many life savers had been lost. Due to an injury received in the line of duty he was unable to report for service, or otherwise he would have been another victim rather than the author of this rare insight. For many years he retained the facts of this famous tragedy and his modesty caused him to refrain from telling his story, until friends finally prevailed upon him. An extremely rare account from one who was there! Also includes the World War II  Honor Roll for Chatham. Light blue wraps, printed on laid paper with engraved illustrations of Chatham Lighthouses at the bottom of each page. Only very light wear, nice copy. (VG+).  $58.

2932. Mason, John. Disaster off Monomoy. Yankee Magazine. March 1968. 5p. One of the most distressing on the Massachusetts coast. It resulted in the drowning of 12 persons, 5 from the stranded coal barge Wadena and 7 from the crew of the Monomoy Life-Saving Station. The circumstances of this lamentable ship wreck and sacrifice of the life-saving men is related in this riveting account. Early in the evening of March 10, 1902, following the rescue of the crew of the barge Wadena,  the life-saving crew struggled to maneuver their surfboat from the wreck. As the heavy seas pounded the surfboat, the panicked crewmen from the barge stood up, clinging to the surfmen as they struggled to work their oars. Just then a heavy wave rose up, fell broadside upon them, and the boat went over, throwing all into the churning ocean. The men clung to the overturned craft, but in the freezing waters soon the sailors and rescuing surfmen succumbed to the sea one by one. The awful tragedy was almost complete and poor Surfman Ellis, the lone remaining sole, was nearly hopeless, but the boat eventually drifted into less turbulent water. The centerboard slipped part way out of the trunk so that he could clutch it and hold his place far more securely. Nevertheless, he might soon have perished had not assistance soon reached him. The barge Fitzpatrick, which had stranded at the same time as the Wadena, was still intact on the shoal. On board were Captain Andrew Welsh, master, Captain Benjamin Mallows, marine underwriter, and Captain Elmer F. Mayo of Chatham, in charge of wrecking operations. Mayo quickly went to the rescue in the barge’s dory and with superior efforts was able to drag surfman Ellis into the boat. The loss of seven men from the Monomoy crew and five from the stranded barge plunged Cape Cod into a deep gloom. In recognition of Mayo’s extraordinary merits, the Secretary of the Treasury bestowed upon him the Gold Lifesaving Medal, awarded only to those who display the most extreme and heroic daring in saving life from the perils of the sea. Surfman Ellis, for his devotion to duty, his faultless courage, and his self-sacrificing fidelity to his comrades, was likewise honored. He was also promoted to keeper of his station. Oddly, years later, when writing the original article in 1925, the author photographed Mr. Mayo with all of his medals, but Seth Ellis refused to pose, and neither would comment on what was probably the largest event in their lives. Residents of Chatham noted that neither man had spoken to the other ever since the incident – we wonder why? This most interesting article includes a fine large photograph of Elmer Mayo, one of the few close views ever taken. Full issue, wonderful New England articles. (VG). $32.

2267. [commemorative coin] 1 ¼”  silver coin commemorating the Centennial of the Peak of the U. S. Life Saving Service in Chatham, Cape Cod Mass. Issued in 1983, the face has a raised figure of a lifesaver on foul weather gear with lantern and flare in hand, with “Surfman” in raised letters to his right and “U.S. Life Saving Service” to his left with “Chatham Massachusetts 1/2 troy ounces, .999 fine silver” around border. Obverse has raised scene of surfboat being rowed to a wrecked ship during a violent storm with “Lifesavers Of Chatham Peak Of Service Centennial 1883 1983” around border. Coin comes in its original fitted maroon velveteen box which has Cape Cod Mint in silver letters on white satin inside cover.  Each bronze and silver coin is one of only 1000 minted by Larry Williams of Cape Cod Mint in 1983. This remains a fine, sought after Cape Cod life-saving commemorative piece. (M). Silver $74 net. Bronze $58 net.  

2671. [commemorative coin] 1 ¼”  silver coin commemorating Wind Power in Chatham, Cape Cod Mass. Issued in 1984, the face has a raised figure of the Chatham windmill with “Chatham Massachusetts 1/2 troy ounces, .999 fine silver.” around the border. Obverse has raised scene of another windmill pumping water to the salt beds with “Wind Power in Chatham” around the border and “Old Salt Works” in the scene. Coin comes in its original fitted maroon velveteen box which has Cape Cod Mint on white satin inside cover.  Each bronze and silver coin is one of only 500 minted by Larry Williams of Cape Cod Mint in 1984. This remains a fine, sought after Cape Cod commemorative piece. (M). Silver $64 net. Bronze $48 net.

   

558e. O’Connor, William D. HEROES OF THE STORM. [With an introduction by Sumner I. Kimball, Superintendent of the United States Life-Saving Service.] Cambridge . 1904. 281pp. Inscribed by S. I. Kimball, General Superintendent of the Life-Saving Service on fly leaf to “Hon. O. H. Tittman with regards of S. I. Kimball June 25, 1907.” As Assistant Superintendent of the Life-Saving Service, the author relates tales of the work and of the men of the Service as few can. His intimate knowledge and access to official sources allow him to relate the storys of these dramatic rescues as never before. Both he and General Superintendent Kimball realized that the exploits of his lifesavers were dramatic and could sway politicians who controlled funding for the Service. Therefore, he put included the accounts with the glamour needed to loosen up the purse strings of Congress for the Life Saving Service program. The recipient of the book to whom it was inscribed by Kimball, Otto Hilgard Tittman, was Superintendent of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Commissioner of the International Boundary Commission, and later President of the National Geographic Society. Clean, bright, tight, nice embossed cover, light bumping to corners. Avery  nice copy of a very scarce book. (VG+)  $185.

25351a. Rice, Frederick Jr. THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE. New England Magazine. May 1908. 3 p. Disbound from early magazine of the day. Quite a nice article detailing the present needs of the service, the inadequate pay rates and especially the increasing difficulties in obtaining qualified men. With three fine illustrations. Clean, crisp. (VG+). $26.

2704. Davis, Rebecca Harding. LIFE SAVING STATIONS- History, Anecdotes, and Famous Shipwrecks, Etc. Reprint from Lippincott's Magazine (Mar. 1876): pp. 301-310. This article by Rebecca Harding Davis, originally appearing in Lippincott's Magazine in 1876, presents an interesting discussion of the history of life saving stations, surf boats, and wrecking crews in the United States and particularly along the coast of Newe Jersey. Written as an interview with several old-hands at a life saving station on the Jersey Coast, includes anecdotes, discussion of the history of the lifeboat service in Britain and the U.S., pilfering of wrecked ships, life saving apparatus, etc. A scarce reference to early coastal lifesaving services in the New Jersey and Long Island area, with mention of several shipwrecks. New, staple bound card stock covers. Dimensions: 8.5x11 inches Page Count: 11. (M). $9.95.

 

20230. Farson, Robert H., TWELVE MEN DOWN – Massachusetts Sea Rescues.  Yarmouth Port. 2000. 246p. 191 photos and illustrations. In Colonial Days Massachusetts turned to the sea for her livelihood. With the growth of coastal and deepwater fleets, many trips ended in disaster. The loss of life was so great that in the late 1700’s the Massachusetts Humane Society was formed. Their work up to World War II, and the work of its successor the U. S. Life-Saving Service, are detailed in this wonderful new work. From Martha’s Vineyard and Cuttyhunk, to Nantucket, Cape Cod and up the coast to  Salisbury Beach , there were small stations with surfboats and breeches buoy apparatus. This is a book about rescues near the coast by men who rowed small boats into mountainous waves, many in bitterly cold weather. Thousands of sailors were saved by these intrepid men and their story of selfless dedication comes alive in Mr. Farson’s work. Nicely illustrated with numerous vintage photographs. (M). (Published at $36.)                         Special Purchase Price  $24.95.

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.

 

5359g. Reynaud, M. Leonce [...Director of the Light and Buoy Service...] MEMOIR UPON THE ILLUMINATION AND BEACONAGE OF THE COAST OF FRANCE ...TRANSLATED FOR THE USE OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE BOARD OF THE UNITED STATES by Peter C. Hains, Major of Engineers, U.S.A. Wash. GPO. 1876. Large format 4to. (10 1/2” x 14”) 226pp plus 39 plates including some fold-out. With tipped in Circular of Officers on Duty Under the Light House Establishment dated 1893. Superb book translated for the use by the Light-House Board in examining lights and equipment in France for possible incorporation in this country. Includes very complete discussions of history and principles of lights, range of lights, many different types of illuminating apparatus, lenses, fuels as well as structures and locations. Includes also the complete MEMOIR UPON A NEW SYSTEM OF LIGHT-HOUSE ILLUMINATION by Augustin Fresnel (14pp), as well as Instructions for Servicing and Management of Light-House Systems, Service of Floating Lights, Rules for Light-Keepers, etc. 39 superb full page and fold-out plates show all aspects of equipment including lens, lamps, lighthouse construction, light-vessels, buoys and more. Embossed, original half-morocco boards, minor rubbing, marbled end papers, contents complete, clean, tight, nice copy. Excellent reference, a MUST for the serious and quite scarce. (VG)  $495. 

  

 

    

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

 

2913. (documents) Charles F. Geiss, Assistant Supervisor, Telephone Lines, U.S. Coast Guard, 1917-1918. Early lot includes over 175 pieces relating to the construction and repair of U.S. Coast Guard telephone lines connecting stations in Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and New York during the wartime period of 1917-1918. Lot includes 91 telegrams and 84 letters, on official Coast Guard stationery, many signed by Captain Commandant E.P. Bertholf, Acting Captain Commandant D. P. Foley, R. R. Waesche (later Commandant of the Coast Guard), and more. All are addressed to Charles F. Geiss, Assistant Supervisor, Telephone Lines, U.S. Coast Guard and are dated 1917 or 1918. Geiss was based in Green bay, Wisconsin but spent considerable time in Florida overseeing projects there. These items are sewn into early letters received binder for his files. Subjects covered include laying cables to lighthouses in the Florida Keys, connecting Coast Guard Stations and 8 Houses of Refuge, as well as lighthouses along Florida’s east coast, as well as connecting stations and Weather Bureau offices on the Great Lakes, and more. Some of the stations mentioned include: (Florida) Jacksonville, Key West, Miami, Fort Pierce, Titusville, houses of refuge (8), Cape Canaveral, Hillsboro Inlet, Fowey Rocks, Carysfort, Sombrero Key, American Shoals, Mosquito Inlet; (Great Lakes) White Fish Point, Sleeping Bear Dunes [Point], Beaver Island, Glen Haven, Manitou Islands; (New York) Orient Point, Long Island, Plum Island. Documents are sewn into an early letters received binder. Some are a bit brittle or worn but have overall been protected. Binder is well worn, covers present but one detached. Lot provides a most interesting look into this aspect of early Coast Guard communications between stations, particularly during wartime. (G+). $195.

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.

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 87 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. 

  

24198b. Krotee, Walter and Richard. SHIPWRECKS OFF THE NEW JERSEY COAST . Philadelphia . 1965. First edition. Published by the authors. 114 p.  9" x 7" cardstock covers. Illustrated. The ocean areas off the ports of Philadelphia and New York have, for almost two hundred years, been one of the world's major centers of shipborne commerce. The wrecks of some 500 ships in these waters bear witness to the fact that a great enterprise is also fraught with considerable risk. This is the very rare. Shipwrecks Off The New Jersey Coast was published in a very small run, and is loaded with information regarding just about every shipwreck to be found in New Jersey waters up to 1965. The authors identify wrecks by name, location (latitude, longitude and depth of water over the wreck in most instances), victims and circumstances associated with its sinking, etc. Included with many listings is additional information regarding rescues performed and more. Contents include: (I) From the Approaches of New York to Sea Girt: Descriptions of about 80 wrecks south of the New Jersey side of the approaches to New York including a number of the better known disasters and 20 or so that are especially good for diving. Over 25 unidentified wrecks offer a challenge for research and exploration (II) Sea Girt to Little Egg Inlet: The stories of over 125 lost vessels including about 30 of the coast's best wrecks for diving. Many are of considerable historical interest (III) Little Egg Inlet to Hereford Inlet: The background of about 160 wrecks in this area are summarized. Of these, up to 50 are for diving. Many are excellent subjects for underwater photography. Others are of extraordinary human interest. (IV) Cape May to Fenwick Island : Accounts are given of about 75 shipwrecks in the vicinity, including a number of wrecks for diving and some very interesting treasure wrecks. It is easy to see why this book is so highly prized by divers, treasure hunters, historians and sailors alike. Includes 4 fold-out charts identifying wreck locations. Owner inscription on title page. (VG+). $88.

28447. na. Blind Man’s Buff. Popular Mechanics. c.1939. 7p. Unusually good article, chock full of photographs, details the work and stations of the Lighthouse Service in aiding mariners traveling the dangerous routes from New York to Nantucket Shoals in the incessant fog. Good detail of the systems in place including submarine signaling, radio direction finding and more. Filled with over 14 illustrations. Disbound. (VG). $28.

28334. na. Memorial Addresses on the Life and Character of Samuel Sullivan Cox Delivered in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. Washington. 1890. 264p. Superb gilt embossed and decorated black covers. Given the title “Father of the Life-Saving Service”, Mr. Cox spent his thirty year career in the United States Congress attempting to upgrade the Life-Saving Service. Mr. Cox was most proud of his work in creating the Federal statute that created the Life-Saving Service and his untiring zeal in pressing for its eventual passage. Throughout his career he continued to press for the upgrading of this humanitarian service such that, upon his death his widow was presented by members of the Life-Saving Service with a memorial vase inscribed to his memory. This rare volume includes the text of the many eulogies delivered in Congress upon the late Representative Samuel Sullivan Cox. Includes a superb engraved portrait of Mr. Cox by the Bureau of Engraving. From a private collection, this beautiful work is in very nice condition. Beautiful embossed wraps are clean and bright, only some wear and bumping to edges. Contents clean and tight with expected age toning. A beautiful and important work. (VG+).  $166 net.

6106g. Cox, William Van Zandt, and Northrup, Milton Harlow, LIFE OF SAMUEL SULLIVAN COX. Syracuse . 1898. 281p. Beautifully gilt embossed bright red binding. Dedicated by the author “To the Employees of the …Life-Saving Service….” Given the title “Father of the Life-Saving Service”, Mr. Cox spent his thirty year career in the United States Congress attempting to upgrade the Life-Saving Service. Mr. Cox was most proud of his work in creating the Federal statute that created the Life-Saving Service and his untiring zeal in pressing for its eventual passage. Throughout his career he continued to press for the upgrading of this humanitarian service such that, upon his death his widow was presented by members of the Life-Saving Service with a memorial vase inscribed to his memory. This volume details his distinguished life and his efforts in support of the Service. Includes a nice photograph of Sumner I. Kimball and of the Port Huron Life-Saving Station. Illustrated with 28 photographs. Laid in is article from the Syracuse Post dated December 3, 1898, touting the release of this work by Cox’s brother, and detailing some of the elder Cox’s work in Congress for the Life Saving Service.  Pages lightly browned, otherwise unusually clean, tight, bright, covers clean and bright, near fine. Library marking on spine only. A beautiful and important work. (VG+).   $166 net.

Set of both of these important works $298. 

354b. United States Life-Saving Service. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1880. GPO. 1880. 182p. Rare soft cover edition. Includes extensive details of operations and of rescues throughout the year, table of wrecks, wreck reports and more. Also details personnel, construction and repairs of stations and equipment, evaluation of new equipment and much more. Contents clean and tight, light wear and tape repair to wraps. (VG). $115.

  

28398a. [bid booklet] U. S. Light-House Establishment. SPECIFICATIONS OF WOODEN PONTOONS FOR FRAMEWORK TO BE ERECTED ON DIAMOND SHOALS, CAPE HATTERAS, NORTH CAROLINA. 1893. 20 pp. 9½” x 12”. Soft wraps. Contains complete Advertisement, Instructions to Bidders, Bid Form, Guarantee, Contracts and Specifications for the above wooden pontoons for carrying framework for erecting a the lighthouse on Diamond Shoals. Plans for a permanent lighthouse on the treacherous Diamond Shoal, off Cape Hattras, were one of the most important engineering schemes which the Government had yet undertaken. Congress had appropriated $200,000 for the work, and authorized a contract amounting to half a million dollars for the construction of the light at this point, which was the scene of many maritime disasters. In time, after a number of failures, plans were abandoned in favor of a lightship to be moored at that site. This specification booklet is from those early efforts. Specifications detail all manner of construction of these structures. Includes typed sheet listing the four bids received for these items, from whom and the amount. Excellent for research, interesting reading. Clean,  intact save brittle front wrap loose and chipped. (VG-). $125.

28398b. [bid booklet] U. S. Light-House Establishment. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE METAL FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING BORINGS ON DIAMOND SHOALS, CAPE HATTERAS, NORTH CAROLINA. 1893. 24 pp. 9½” x 12”. Soft wraps. Contains complete Advertisement, Instructions to Bidders, Bid Form, Guarantee, Contracts and Specifications for the above framework for making borings for the lighthouse on Diamond Shoals. Plans for a permanent lighthouse on the treacherous Diamond Shoal, off Cape Hattras, were one of the most important engineering schemes which the Government had yet undertaken. Congress had appropriated $200,000 for the work, and authorized a contract amounting to half a million dollars for the construction of the light at this point, which was the scene of many maritime disasters. In time, after a number of failures, plans were abandoned in favor of a lightship to be moored at that site. This specification booklet is from those early efforts. Specifications detail all manner of construction of this structure, which was composed of sockets and struts and columns to form a square skeleton prism 20 feet on a side and 32 feet high. Includes typed sheet listing the seven bids received for these items, from whom and the amount. Excellent for research, interesting reading. Clean,  intact save brittle front wrap loose and chipped. (VG-). $125.

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.  

26324a. (Keeper appointment package) U. S. Lighthouse Service Keeper Appointment Letters and forms.  Whitefish Point Light Station, Michigan c.1911. Lot contains four pieces relating to the appointment of George Frederick of Shelby, Michigan to the position of Second Assistant Keeper of Whitefish Point Light Station, Michigan. The appointment letter is from the Inspector, 11th Lighthouse District and signed by the inspector appointing Mr. Frederick to the position. The second piece is signed by the Acting Chief Clerk, Washington and is the official probationary appointment, which would become permanent after six months on the job. Also included are official Circular No. 215 relating to political activity of officeholders. These three items are contained in the official franked envelope of the Light-House Establishment, 11th District and addressed to Mr. Frederick. Pieces are clean and crisp, with original folds, except envelope which has some early staining and light expected soiling. Extremely rare keeper’s appointment, suitable for framing or display. (VG). $245.

28380. (lithographed post card) U.S. Life Saving Station and Crew, North Truro, Mass. c.1909.  Superb b/w lithographed view shows the crew pulling the surfboat through the dunes with the aid of a team of mules. A second illustration of the Highland Life Saving Station is inset. Excellent view published by Isaac M. Small of North Truro. Mr. Small was the ships reporting agent stationed at Highland Light Station. Great view, perfect for framing. Clear and crisp, unused. (F-). $48.

28398c. [bid booklet] U. S. Light-House Establishment. [SPECIFICATIONS FOR] ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, Etc., TO KEEPER’S DWELLING AT ASSATEAGUE LIGHT STATION, VIRGINIA. APRIL 1892. 28 pp. 9½” x 12”. Soft wraps. Contains complete Advertisement, Instructions to Bidders, Bid Form, Guarantee, Contracts and Specifications for constructing additions and alterations to the keeper’s dwelling. Specifications detail all manner of construction including excavation, masonry, framing and carpentry, tin work, heating, water supply, plastering, interior trim, painting, privies and more. Assateague Light Station is located on the southern end of Assateague Island and was constructed in 1867 to replace a shorter light house built in the early 1830s. Includes signed bid form in the amount of $9,184. Excellent for research, interesting reading. Clean,  intact save brittle front wrap loose and chipped. (VG-). $125.

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.  

  

28391. United States Light-House Establishment. DAILY EXPENDITURE of OIL, WICKS, AND CHIMNEYS at the Tarpaulin Cove Light Station, Naushon Island, Massachusetts November 1906 – September 1910. RARE Original Daily Expenditure log for the Light Station at Tarpaulin Cove, SECOND District. The station was established on the west side of Tarpaulin Cove in 1817. Naushon Island is about seven miles long, the largest of the Elizabeth Islands, a chain of 16 islands that extend about 16 miles westward into Buzzards Bay from Falmouth on Cape Cod. In 1888, the old stone house was replaced, and in 1891 a new, 38-foot brick lighthouse tower was built, with an iron lantern and a fourth-order Fresnel lens. Also a  1,200-pound fog bell in a tower with striking machinery was installed. This log covers the period November 1906 – September 1910 and includes the signatures of Keepers George A. Howard and  George T. Gustavus. The log is original and complete in all respects. Hard bound Folio in marbled boards, measures 16½”high by 14” wide. Contains 48 Form No. 300 pages, completed by hand by the keepers. Log includes regular notations by the keepers relating to lighting and extinguishing the lamp each night, daily quantity of oil consumed, number of chimneys broken, quantity of oil set aside for hand & house lanterns and weather conditions, etc. Condition is well worn. Front and back boards are present but are detached. They are well worn as expected, with bumping and soiling. They could readily be nicely reattached by a competent book binder. Contents are intact, still bound together. First few and last pages are brittle and chipped, with age toning and some soiling. Most pages however are fairly clean and intact.  Cover contains original printed label “United States Light-House Establishment Daily Expenditure of Oil, Wicks, and Chimneys at the Tarpaulin Cove Light Station.” , with station filled in by Keeper. Label is darkened from age but still quite readable. A rare, superb find, quite desirable for any museum or advanced collector. (G+). $395 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.

VINTAGE LIFE-SAVING STATION POSTCARD COLLECTIONS. We just purchased this wonderful collection of over 200 early color and b/w lithographed postcards of U.S. Life-Saving Service and early Coast Guard Stations, surfboats, beach apparatus drills and operations. Covering the period between 1900 and 1930, this early collection provides a great basis to begin your collection of these rare Life-Saving views, or to add to your existing collection. Many cards are unused and in very good or better condition, some fine. The remaining are postmarked from 1905 to 1930, some expected wear condition G-VG+. Normally retailing for up to $10-14 each, these cards are an economical [only $3.50 each] way to begin your collection. All different, no duplicates. Includes clear mounting pages. Views include life-saving stations,  b/w and color, all over the country. Lots available on approval. Please inquire. 

28376. (postcards) North Scituate, Mass. c1908. Rare early undivided back views by F.N. Damon Curio Co. include the U.S. Life-Saving Station, Well Rock on Minot Beach, and The Mitchell Hotel. Mint, never used, in superb condition. Rare early set. (F-). $24. 

4681f. Munroe, Kirk. FROM LIGHT TO LIGHT - The Cruise of the Armeria, (lighthouse) Supply Ship. From Scribners Magazine, October 1896. 16pp. Describes the work of tenders re-supplying light stations with their needed provisions. Nicely illustrated. Describes a duty rarely touched on in most narrations. Disbound, clean, crisp. $18.

3164t. Kobbe', Gustav. "LIFE ON THE ( Nantucket ) SOUTH SHOAL LIGHT-SHIP". 11pp. Century Magazine, Vol. XLII. August 1891. This often quoted article is one of the very few ever written describing the life on these early light vessels, based on the author’s visit in 1891. One “old whaling captain told me that the loneliest thing he had ever seen at sea was a polar bear floating on a piece of ice in the Arctic Ocean; the next loneliest object to that had been the South Shoal Lightship….and it pitched and rolled such that even an old whaleman… felt ‘squamish’.” Excellent descriptions of the crews and the life on board. Includes nine very nice engravings. Disbound, clean, crisp. $14.

6563d LIGHT-HOUSES. na. Harper’s New Monthly Magazine. February 1869. 10p. Nice early article chronicles the establishment and construction of light-houses through the ages. Disbound. (VG-). $12.

 

4365i. United States Life-Saving Service. INSTRUCTIONS TO MARINERS IN CASE OF SHIPWRECK WITH INFORMATION CONCERNING THE LIFE-SAVING STATIONS UPON THE COASTS OF THE UNITED STATES. Washington . GPO. 1908. Revised edition.  56p. Contains information and instructions for use by mariners so that proper co-ordination between life-savers and sailors in distress will be achieved. Includes information on the use of breeches buoy apparatus, signaling, rescue by surfboat, and much more. Also includes complete listing of all Life-Saving Districts and stations in the united States . Three-part folded case with printed  cover. Folded, 3” x 6” with rear pocket, illustrated. Unusually clean, tight, hinges intact [most unusual] in very nice condition. (VG+). $328 net.  

 

C23259. (architectural drawing copy) Lantern For Apparatus of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Orders. Office of the Light House Board. c.1880-1906. We have been very fortunate to come across a large lot of original U. S. Light House Establishment architectural drawings for the construction of various lighthouses, keeper’s dwellings, oil houses, range beacons and more This lot originated from the Lighthouse Establishment Engineering Offices and includes many one of a kind items. This copy drawing includes large plan and sectional views of the entire lantern including ventilator ball and lightning rod. Also includes 15 views of various details including ball ventilator, crown casting, sill and soffit, sill corner, curtain hooks, lower ventilator and more. Excellent for research, restoration efforts or to frame for display. B/w  16” w x 24” h. $22.

C28194. (architectural drawing copies) Lantern For Apparatus of the 2nd Order. Office of the Light House Board. c.1903. We have been very fortunate to come across a large lot of original U. S. Light House Establishment architectural drawings for the construction of various lighthouses, keeper’s dwellings, oil houses, range beacons and more This lot originated from the Lighthouse Establishment Engineering Offices and includes many one of a kind items. This set of three copy drawings from the lot includes large plan and sectional views of the entire 2nd order lantern including ventilator ball and lightning rod. Also includes 15 views of various details including ball ventilator, crown casting, sill and soffet, sill corner, curtain hooks, lower ventilator, roof plates, ladder, sill, glass panels and more. Includes sheets Nos. 1, 2, and 8. Excellent for research of for restoration efforts. B/w copy.  18”  x 22”h. 3 sheets. $44.

28337. (patent No. 26,475) Rey, Jean Alexandre and Chance Brothers and Company. Improvements in the Lanterns of Lighthouses and the Like. One page printed specification page for Patent No. 26, 475, granted on 26 May, 1910 to Engineer Jean Alexandre Rey and Chance Brothers and Company. Patent includes improvements made in the construction of metallic mirrors manufactured of rare earth and gilded, allowing them to be used in lighthouse lanterns with revolving lights. Includes a bit of information on construction and properties of such mirrors and its improved ability to allow light to be seen in fog and overcast. One edge tear, otherwise clean and crisp. (VG). $48. 

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.

 

8396d. Rich, Shebnah. TRURO-CAPE COD OR LAND MARKS AND SEA MARKS. Boston . 1884. 580p. An all inclusive history of this narrow land and its traditions, its peoples, and countless sketches of daily life, habits, personalities and much more. Illustrated with over 65 engravings. Subjects range from lighthouse to shipwreck, wars to whaling to geology to ministers and much more. Wonderful early reading about the remarkable history and ways of this land – a superb work. Contents clean and tight, covers with some edge wear, light soiling to covers and endpapers. (VG). $78.

28338. (newspaper) B.H.A. Collins Appointed Keeper, Nauset Light House, Eastham, Cape Cod. New York Daily Tribune. August 11, 1843. Short 1” column notes that “Mr. B.H.A. Collins, of Eastham, Mass. who was elected to the last Legislature out of charity for his lameness and poverty by the Whigs of his town, and sold out his party to the Loco Pocos, giving them the control of the State Government, has just been appointed by John Tyler Keeper of Light House on Cape Cod; This appointment reflects equal credit on Collins and Tyler.” Keeper B. H. A. Collins served at Nauset (Three Sisters) Lighthouse from 1843-1849, when the political party in office changed, and again from 1853-1861. Interesting note on the politics of the time and important Cape Cod lighthouse item. Full newspaper contains 4 large pages with interesting early articles of the day, only light occasional foxing, expected wear. (VG).  $36. (photo image not included) 

   

27107b. (broadside) Massachusetts Humane Society. "Directions for Rescuing Drowning Persons". c.1912. Quite large 20” x 26”. Extremely rare, 1912, large illustrated broadside published and distributed by The Humane Society of Massachusetts. This fantastic, original broadside measures 20 x 26". It is titled "Directions for Rescuing Drowning Persons". Above the title appears the Seal of the Humane Society as well as the words "The Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ". The body of the broadside contains text and illustrations giving instruction as to how to rescue a person who is in the water and is drowning as well as instruction for "Restoring Persons Apparently Dead from Drowning" once the victim has been brought ashore. At the bottom of the Broadside Poster is text that reads "Circulated by The Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts . 1912.". The Broadside is mostly blank backed but when folded (as issued) the section of the reverse side that acts as a "cover" has a list of "Life Saving Stations of the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. ". Each Station is listed as well as the equipment to be found at each location. The listing includes 43 stations still in existence. Below the list is text that reads "These Stations are maintained by the HUMANE SOCIETY of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and are independent of the U. S. Life Saving Service.". The Massachusetts Humane Society was the first organizations to establish and supply Life Saving Stations in the United States . Established in 1785, the Society carried on an extensive correspondence with the Royal Humane Society of England and in 1807 commissioned the building of the first lifeboat to be stationed on the Atlantic Coast , to be tationed at Cohasset. For many years the Humane Society of Massachusetts provided the only lifeboat service along that state's busy coastline. Even after the establishment of the US Life Saving Service in the post Civil War years, the Humane Society continued to provide support and equipment to a number of coastal volunteer crews. In addition to providing equipment and training of volunteer Life-Saving crews along the Massachusetts coast, the Humane Society awarded Life Saving Medals and cash "Premiums" to men and women (and children) who risked their own lives to help passengers and crewmembers of shipwrecks along the coast. In 1912, when this piece was published, both the Humane Society and the U. S. Life Saving Service manned Life Saving Stations along the Massachusetts Coast . This very rare piece is printed on fairly delicate stock and has somehow survived in excellent condition. It is clean and crisp with no soiling, staining, chipping or significant damage. It still has strong folds, as issued. This very rare and very attractive Life Saving broadside will frame and display beautifully. (VG+). $325.

28316. Robinson, William F. CAPE COD - Henry David Thoreau's Complete Text, with the Journey Recreated in Pictures. New York Graphic Society. 1985. 230p. DJ. 10¼" x 9¾" Hardcover edition. Beautifully illustrated with black and white photos, reproductions of historic prints, etc. In 1865, three years after the death of Henry David Thoreau, his sister published a series of his essays and other material under the title "Cape Cod." In the Cape Cod essays, Thoreau chronicled his visits to the Cape, which consisted of long, rambling walks along the shore and seaside villages in 1849, 1850, 1855 and 1857. "The Cape Cod of Thoreau's day was as compelling a place as it is to us today," writes author William F. Robinson, "It stood apart from the mid-nineteenth century New England of ever-growing industrial cities -- as an exotic landscape of barren vistas, inhabited by Puritans and Pilgrims little changed from colonial days." The book was well-received and over the years affection for it continued to grow. “Thoreau's accounts are so vivid that the armchair traveler comes away from Cape Cod with a heightened understanding and a desire to view all that Thoreau describes. The reader wants to see the visual backdrop to this absorbing commentary."  It was that last sentiment which drove Robinson to publish Cape Cod - Henry David Thoreau's Complete Text. Herin the author recreated Thoreau’s journey pictures. Using modern and historical photographs, old prints, paintings and rare maps, Robinson depicts the Cape as Thoreau saw it -- the Cape's strange landscape, its fascinating inhabitants, and the many wonders of its shore, plant life, animal life and atmosphere. As the dustjacket states, "This special marriage of text and image not only depicts the historical place as Thoreau described it but also captures the essential spirit of Cape Cod. A beautiful work, wonderful reading. (VG). $36.

 

  

9473b. Submarine Signal Company. SUBMARINE SIGNALS. Submarine Signal Company, London. December 1912. (Revised August 1916). 116p. Beautifully Illustrated with over 70 photographs, maps and illustrations. Describes in great detail the apparatus used to transmit receive signals through the water, with considerable detail and illustrations of the various pieces of equipment used and many of the vessels employing this system. This system was in use extensively on lightships to communicate their position in thick weather. Submerged bells were suspended from lightships and offshore lighthouses as a means of signaling passing vessels. Vessels so equipped had a through-hull receiver and could determine the direction from which the signal was coming. Includes a lengthy listing of vessels in the world using the system regularly including lightships, lighthouse tenders, military vessels and more, with a photograph of many. Also includes a lift of submarine signal stations with charts showing the locations of each. An important booklet. Clean, tight, light wear and bumping to wraps. (VG+).  $178.

6173d. Perry, E. G., A TRIP AROUND CAPE COD – Our Summer Land and Memories of My Childhood. Boston . Nd. c.1898. 188p. Perhaps the nicest collection of vintage Cape cod photographs, the author chronicles in photographs and text a trip through Cape Cod and the South Shore . Illustrated with over 250 early photographs and accompanying text, this is a tremendous look at this area so rich in maritime history. This is certainly one of the best early photographic essays on the Cape . Lighthouses included in photographs are Billingsgate, Mayo’s Beach, Highland , Race Point, Chatham , Nobska, Wings Neck (2) and Neds Point . Life-Saving Stations include Nauset Beach and a Wellfleet shipwreck. Also included are hundreds of wonderful photographs of fine hotels, stores, town buildings and residences. Fine illustrated advertising by local establishments is included in the back. Contents quite clean, nice, expected wear to spine, corners bumped. (VG-). $148.

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.

RA-393. Light-House Board, INSTRUCTIONS TO LIGHT-KEEPERS AND MASTERS OF LIGHT-HOUSE VESSELS. GPO. 1902. 55 pages of instructions plus 37 photo and large fold-out plates. Contains a wealth of information, particularly in the plates for use in identifying lamps. Includes complete Instructions for Light-Keepers in Stations with Two or More Keepers, Light Stations With One Keeper, Keepers of Light-Vessels, Management of Lens Lights and Disposition of Lamps and Illuminating Apparatus, Management of Mechanical Lamps, Revolving Machinery, trimming of wicks, morning duties, and much more. Includes all aspects of station and apparatus maintenance. Excellent plates detail all types of lamps and lighting apparatus, lanterns, revolving apparatus, fog signal equipment, bell striking apparatus, and more. Also laid in is a pamphlet “Illustrated List of Parts of the Hornsby-Akroyd Patent Safety Oil Engine”. This engine was used for pumping air to supply fog signals. A very complete and important document. Contents generally clean and tight. Some soiling and foxing to endpapers, covers gilt embossed, moderate wear and soiling, hinges intact. (VG).  $395 net. 

RA-392. Findlay , Alexander George. A DESCRIPTION AND LIST OF THE LIGHTHOUSES OF THE WORLD - 1869. Ninth Edition. London . 1887. 165p. Nicely illustrated with sections on the early history of light-houses and light-vessels, types of illumination, fog, sound transmissions as well as warning devices. Of course, includes complete listing of aids throughout the world including the United States. Intended as a complete reference for mariners. Very nice embossed binding, well worn and stained. Intact with some bumping and edge wear. Contents generally clean, tight. Quite difficult to find. (G+). $135.

28291. (newspaper) "THE COSTON LIGHT". The United States Gazette. November 6, 1845. Front page top right full column lengthy piece on the improvements on the invention of a Parabolic Reflector by Benjamin Franklin Coston, a young Navy officer. Article includes more detail and scientific specifics on this invention and its impact on Lighthouses at Reedy Island, Christiana Creek Light. Noted is Mr. Middleton who constructed the apparatus for Coston. 23 column inches. Full newspaper contains 4 large pages with interesting early articles of the day, only light occasional foxing, expected wear. (VG).  $34.

   Georgia Norwood

688h. Carmen, Ruth. STORM CHILD. Bridgeport , CT. 1937. 1st. 321pp. DJ. Illustrated with photographs. Wonderful fictional account of a child growing up at Boston Light Station. Based on the real life of Georgia Norwood. Born in 1932, Georgia was one of nine children  of Keeper Norwood of Boston Light Station, and the first child to be born at Boston Light. Writer Jeremy D’Entremont notes that “When Georgia was five, author Ruth Carmen visited Hull and heard the story. Carmen wrote a novel called Storm Child, a highly fictionalized version of the Norwoods' story that even included a tidal wave destroying the lighthouse. Hollywood became interested and a movie version was planned, with little Georgia to play herself. Described as "smiling and sunny-curled," Georgia Norwood was to be the "Bay State's own Shirley Temple." At the last moment, Ralph and Josephine Norwood decided against letting Georgia go to Hollywood -- they thought she'd have a happier life at home with her family.” An extremely interesting tale of the life of a keeper’s family, this is a classic on the subject. Clean, tight, a nice copy in a crisp, bright jacket. (VG+).  $48.

28254. (advertisement) Jos. W. Jones Radio Receivers. Saturday Evening Post. October 3, 1925. Vintage advertisement shows writer  talking with the old lighthouse keeper and notes: “It used to be lonesome here – it ain’t any more. So said this lighthouse keeper, for 38 years a hermit until Radio brought the outside world to him.” Three models or radio receivers manufactured by  the Jos. W. Jones Radio Mfg. Co. of New York. Models include: Model J-75 B 5-tube, tuned radio frequency receiver, selling for $75, the Model J-100 B, also 5 tube, tuned radio frequency receiver and selling for $100. The top of the line was the Model J-175, a 6 tube, tuned radio frequency receiver selling for $175. The add measures approximately 10 ¼” x 14” and is clean and bright, perfect for framing. (VG+). $24.

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.  $164 net each.  

Years available include: 1883, 1884, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1899, 1901, 1902, 1904, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1912, 1914, (CG) 1915, 1916, 1920.

 

5461n. Lombard, Asa Cobb Paine. EAST OF CAPE COD . Cuttyhunk. 1976. 157 pp. Presentation copy – inscribed and numbered #70 by the author with laid in greetings page. The author tells the stories of ships and shipwrecks and particularly of the Life-Savers of this dangerous area. The author incorporated into this account numerous photographs and records of his grandfather, United States Life-Saving Service Warrant Officer  [1885-1921] Edward Everett Lombard who was stationed at the Cahoon’s Hollow station.  Extremely well illustrated with over 80 wonderful early photographs, one of the better accounts of the Life-Saving Service. The glass slides from which the pictures are reproduced were made from 1885 to 1900. Lombard, along with his Cahoon’s Hollow companion, Eugene Young, gave lectures at the time in the eastern part of  Massachusetts describing the wrecks that occurred on Cape Cod from Monomoy to  Provincetown , explaining how rescue attempts were made, and the operations of the United States Life Saving Service. The proceeds from the lectures were used to buy Station personnel the necessary extras needed to perform their duties — equipment not provided by the government. Chapters include the Wreck of the Jason, History of the Life-Saving Service, the Lifesaver’s Tools, Lifeboat Drill, Communications, Smuggler, Restoring the Apparently Drowned, Shipwrecks, the Way of the Wreckers, and more. Becoming scarce, this has always been one of the two best on  Cape Cod ’s life-savers but so far has not received proper recognition. Clean, tight, light sunning to wraps. (VG+).  $48 net.

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.

21506. United States Life-Saving Service. REVISED REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE LAWS UPON WHICH THEY ARE BASED – November 1877. Wash. GPO. 1877. 109 pp. This early volume contains full updated revised regulations including organization, appointments, duties of officers and crews, patrol, action at wrecks, uniforms, general provisions, complete beach apparatus drill, open surfboat drill, signal code, first aid, use of lifeboats, and much more. Also includes laws relating to the Life-Saving Service, directions for restoring the apparently drowned, treatment of frostbite, rules and regulations of the Board of Life-Saving Appliances, care and use of the self-bailing and self-righting life-boat, instructions for the management of the life-boat transporting carriage, towing of lifeboats, management of open boats in the surf, a complete example of journal forms in use, and more. With linecut illustrations. These early rules were promulgated at the early inception of the Service when there were few Life-Saving Districts in the country and are most interesting and informative. Extremely scarce! In original gilt embossed brown cloth, spine tight but chipped, corners bumped, gilding faded. Contents clean, tight. (VG-).  $225.

20146. Life-Saving Service. REVISED REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE LAWS UPON WHICH THEY ARE BASED - 1884. Wash. GPO. 1884. 155 pp. Full updated revised regulations include organization, appointments, duties of officers and crews, patrol, action at wrecks, uniforms, general provisions, complete beach apparatus drill, open surfboat drill, signal code, first aid, use of lifeboats, and much more. Also includes laws relating to the Life-Saving Service, directions for restoring the apparently drowned, treatment of frostbite, rules and regulations of the Board of Life-Saving Appliances, care and use of the self-bailing and self-righting life-boat, instructions for the management of the life-boat transporting carriage, towing of lifeboats, management of open boats in the surf, a complete example of journal forms in use, and more. Well illustrated. An extremely rare issue of the Rules and Regulations! In original gilt embossed brown cloth, spine tight but cloth wrap coming loose, cover hinge 50% loose, chipped, corners bumped, gilding bright. Contents clean, tight. (G+). $195.

7459i,j,k. Kerrigan, Evans E., THE SEA SHALL NOT HAVE THEM – A Complete Illustrated Record of the Life-Saving Medals of the United States . Noroton Hts., 1971. 110p. DJ. A complete and historically accurate record of the Lifesaving Medals of the United States . This important work includes the history and development of the awards with photographs of the award and their variations. Also includes listings of recipients since 1876. A must for the collector or enthusiast. Now long out of print and not available from the author, this has become extremely difficult to find. (M).  $78.

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.

8462c. Kimball, Sumner I., ORGANIZATION AND METHODS OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE. Wash. 1894. 33p. Original soft wraps. Contains the text of a paper read by Superintendent Kimball before the Committee on Life-Saving Systems in 1899. In this paper Kimball presents a detailed look at the entire Life-Saving Service, its organization and responsibilities, station construction, operation of the General Superintendent’s office, inspection of stations, work of the keepers, patrolmen, etc., drills, their record of rescues and losses of men and much more. An important look at the operation of the Life-Saving Service. Rare piece, clean, age toned, tight, intact, protected in added stiff paper wraps. (VG) $168.

 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.  

RA-391. (lithograph print) U.S. Coast Guard 36' motor lifeboat CG36498  by Don McMichael c.1980. Great 15” x 19” print by retired Oregon Coast Guardsman and artist Don McMichael shows great detail of the CG36498 underway as hercrew rescues a seaman from the water. Before retiring from the United States Coast Guard in 1977, McMichael made his living saving lives in the most difficult and dangerous conditions that the Pacific Ocean has to offer. As Officer in Charge of search and rescue stations along the Oregon Coast, where unpredictable weather often creates some of the roughest seas in the world, he developed a great respect and admiration for the sea. U.S. Coast Guard 36' motor lifeboat CG36498 served at the Port Orford Lifeboat Station until the station ceased lifeboat services in 1964. She is a Type TRS, built at Curtis Bay, Maryland in 1946.The boat was transferred to Coast Guard Station Bandon (Oregon), where she served until at least 1972. Later she was transferred to Coast Guard Station Umpqua River (Oregon). 36498 served at Umpqua River with distinction until December 1979, when she was taken out of service and transferred to Coast Guard Station Coos Bay. In Coos Bay, she was "parted out" to keep CG 36535 at Depoe Bay, Oregon, in service. In 1981, after serving the United States Coast Guard for over 35 years, 36498 was pulled out of the water for the last time. She remained at the Coos Bay station until 1989 when she was put on display in Bandon. She came home to Port Orford Lifeboat Station in early 2000, where restoration began in 2004 and was completed in 2007. Print is in poor period frame and can be shipped with or without frame. Reframed it would be great for your wall -  a large striking image. (VG). $44.

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.

  

28246. SIGNAL BOOK. United States Army. Wash. 1916. 64p. Cloth wraps. 24 Mo. Filled with information on visual signaling including Morse Code, Signaling by Coston lights, flag, torch, lantern, heliograph, Ardois system, semaphore, letter codes, telephone and more. Includes color plates of signals and flags. Clean, crisp. (VG+). $48.

28198. Groot, E. P., The United States Life-Saving Service in Ocean County. Excerpts From Annual Reports of the United States Life Saving Service for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30,  1876-1914. Ocean County Historical Society. 2005. 368p. Stiff wraps. This is a carefully prepared and attractively presented narrative of the Life-Saving Service in Ocean County from 1876 to 1914. After witnessing a shipwreck on the coast of Long Beach Island and the loss of all thirteen lives in 1839, W. A. Newell was prompted as a Congressman in 1848 to appeal for funds to establish a federal life-saving system.  This book tells the story of that system, its function, and activities at Ocean County’s eight life saving stations. Included are numerous accounts of wrecks and rescue efforts taken from original reposts and other sources, as well as extensive statistical information on maritime accidents and developments in life-saving technique.  The book contains extensive notes on the U.S. Life Saving Service, locations and manning of stations, activities and narratives of life saving crews, tabular summaries of maritime accidents, an index of vessel names, and various maps and pictures. Excellent reference and reading. Rare. (M). $88.

4742. na. Loss of the Sparrow-Hawk in 1626. Boston. 1865. 38 of original 42p. In 1626, this small Sparrow-Hawk, of about 36 tons and 40 feet in length, brought 25 passengers and their possessions from Europe to America. Bound for Virginia, they landed in distress on Cape Cod after the hardships of a stormy voyage of 6 weeks. Today the Sparrow-Hawk is the only surviving remains of a 17th century trans-Atlantic vessel. The original preserved timbers exemplify the small, sturdy ships vital to the colonization of America. Their size is evidence of the courage of those who undertook the journey to the New World. This early account and description of the loss presents great detail of the incident and sufferings of her crew. Original soft wraps, light wear and foxing, original signature bound. (G+). $34.

28135. Roy, E. Lott. Eaton’s Neck Lifesavers. Long Island Forum Magazine. October 1963. 2p. Nice overview on the early life saving efforts on Long Island’s north shore near Eaton’s Neck. Includes good photos of the first 1849 station as well as the 1875-Type life-saving station. Good information on the acquiring of the sites and early crews. Full issue, light wear and a bit of moisture to back. (VG-). $28.

  

28231. McFadden, Parmalee. HOW WE BOYS WERE STORMBOUND ON MINOT’S LIGHTHOUSE. St. Nicholas Magazine. August 1903. 4p. Disbound. Great article describes a visit by the author and the keeper’s son to this storm-lashed offshore lighthouse. Once arriving and braving the bronze ladder to the door halfway up the side. Once safely inside, a fierce August storm arose. As the waves lashed the sides of the tower and the storm increased, it became clear that they would have to spend a few days until the storm abated. Great account of life in this lonely outpost. Nicely illustrated. (VG). $28. 

28230. Abbatt, William. THE LONELY LIGHTHOUSE. St. Nicholas Magazine. June 1892. 3p. Disbound. Great account of a visit by the author in 1891 to a remote light station on Long Island Sound. In his account he relates the keeper’s description of his work, of lighting the lamp and tending to the duties of the station. Great account. Nicely illustrated. (VG). $20. 

28229. Kobbe, Gustav. LIFE-SAVERS, OLD AND YOUNG. St. Nicholas Magazine. April 1901. 5p. Disbound. Great account of the work of the Life-Saving Service includes a number of accounts of their work and life, as well as a number of rescues performed. Includes a number of photo illustrations of the surfboat roll-over drill, breeches buoy drill and more. Great account. Nicely illustrated. (VG). $24. 

  

4365L. United States Life-Saving Service. INSTRUCTIONS TO MARINERS IN CASE OF SHIPWRECK WITH INFORMATION CONCERNING THE LIFE-SAVING STATIONS UPON THE COASTS OF THE UNITED STATES. Washington. GPO. 1888.  43p. Contains information and instructions for use by mariners so that proper co-ordination between life-savers and sailors in distress will be achieved. Includes information on the use of breeches buoy apparatus, signaling, rescue by surfboat, and much more. Also includes complete listing of all Life-Saving Districts and stations in the united States. Disbound, without three-part folded case. 3” x 6” illustrated. Unusually clean, intact in good condition. (VG) . $128 net.

28183. Tag, Thomas A. The Clock Without Hands. Chicago. 2008. 17p. 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 – The Clock Without Habds. This detailed account covers a long neglected area of lighthouse equipment – the mechanical weight-driven mechanisms that rotate the lenses causing the flash that we see. The author covers a history and design of these mechanisms, chariot wheel systems, mercury flotation systems, clockwork mechanisms, and much more. Thoroughly illustrated with early photographs and  drawings, this booklet makes most interesting reading. (M).  $26. (Additional titles available – please ask for list.)

Early U. S. Coast Guard Publications

25191a. Price, Scott T., THE COAST GUARD AND THE NORTH ATLANTIC CAMPAIGN. Wash. U. S. Coast Guard. 1994. 17p. Soft wraps. Nearly 23,000 Coast Guard members manned two classes of Navy escort vessels that saw service on the North Atlantic; destroyer escorts and frigates. The destroyer escorts began to join the fleet in mid-1943, and the Coast Guard ultimately manned 30 of these well-armed and maneuverable warships. The Coast Guard also manned the entire class of 75 frigates which began to enter service in late 1943.  The experienced sailors slept "boots and saddles." This meant, as one crewman said, that "I sleep with my shoes and clothes on, and, OK, my life jacket also," because they were never sure when a torpedo might hit their ship. Combatting the U-boats took a great deal of training and experience. These warships, along with their compatriots, kept the U-boats at bay and the supply lines to the Allies open, thereby leading to Germany's ultimate defeat. An interesting and valuable reference.  $18.

25190a. Browning, Robert M. Jr., THE COAST GUARD AND THE PACIFIC WAR. Wash. U. S. Coast Guard. 1995. 21p. Soft wraps. The Coast Guard's participation in amphibious activity during World War II was perhaps the most important war-related job the service performed. Incredibly, the Coast Guard fully manned more than 350 naval ships, including 77 LSTs (Landing Ship, Tank), 21 cargo and attack-cargo ships, 75 frigates, and 31 transports. In addition, the Coast Guard manned more than 800 cutters, nearly 300 ships for the Army, and thousands of amphibious-type assault craft. An interesting and valuable reference.                                                        $18.

25189a,b. Browning, Robert M. Jr., THE EYES AND EARS OF THE CONVOY: Development of the Helicopter as an Anti-Submarine Weapon. Wash. U. S. Coast Guard. 1993. 17p. Soft wraps. The development of the helicopter can be attributed to a few visionary men who foresaw the great potential of this aircraft. During World War II, due to the insistence of several Coast Guard officers, this revolutionary aircraft was developed for war and peacetime uses. Their efforts helped the helicopter to evolve into the machine that is known today. The story of the helicopter, of course, just began for the Coast Guard during World War II. The helicopter would quickly become the backbone of the service's search-and-rescue program. This little known account is well worth reading. Includes many early photos. $22.

8271b. Noble, Dennis. THE BEACH PATROL AND CORSAIR FLEET. USCG. Wash. c.1992. 22pp. Soft Wraps. Tremendous overview of the life and work of the Coast Guard’s lonely beach patrol, and the fleet of reserve vessels that has come to be known as the Corsair Fleet. Well illustrated with 29 wonderful large format photographs. A most interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG). $36.

25188b. Price, Scott T. THE U.S. COAST GUARD AT NORMANDY. USCG. Wash. c.1994. 17pp. Soft Wraps. Excellent overview of the landing at Normandy in 1944 and the roll of the Coast Guard both ashore and off shore ferrying men, picking up survivors and shore bombardment. Clean, tight. (VG).  $26.

22136b. Tilley, John A., THE COAST GUARD & THE GREENLAND PATROL. USCG Bicentennial Publication. Wash. c. August 1992. 17pp. Soft Wraps. Great overview of the men and vessels of the Coast Guard patrolling the “Cold Front” during World War II. Well illustrated with over 17 wonderful early photographs including men displaying a captured Nazi battle flag from the captured trawler Externsteine in 1944, and much more. An interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG).   $16.

28165. Browning, Robert M. Jr., CAPTAINS OF THE PORT. Wash. U. S. Coast Guard. 1993. 17p. Soft wraps. Following the Mont Blanc disaster in Halifax, the Coast Guard instituted procedures to provide logistical support, supervision, security, law enforcement and safety measures in all major American ports. This booklet provides great detail on this little known function of the Coast Guard. Clean, tight. (VG). $16.

28166. Thomson, PA2 Robin J. THE COAST GUARD & THE WOMEN’S RESERVE IN WORLD WAR II. Wash. U. S. Coast Guard. 1992. 21p. Soft wraps. The story of the more than 10,000 women who joined the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve from 1942 until the war’s end. Filled with interesting accounts. Clean, tight. (VG).  $22.

 

United States Lighthouse Service Bulletins 1912-1935

       

27172. (copy) Bureau of Lighthouses. Lighthouse Service Bulletins. Wash. 1912-1935. Complete set Volumes I – IV for a total of 288 issues.. Lighthouse Service Bulletins were issued monthly updating keepers and personnel on new technology and equipment, new construction, changes in personnel, fires and other disasters, punishments to keepers and personnel, lightships damages or driven off station, lives saved, and much more. Long sought after, these are made from the first full set that I have ever been able to find. These are probably the most informative look into the condition and day to day operations of the Lighthouse Service that I have yet found. The original issues measured 5 ½” x 9” and were 4 pages each, for a total of 1152 original pages of information. Our set reproduces these in four volumes of about 151 pages each. Each volume is fully indexed as were the originals and is spiral bound. This is an unprecedented lot of information, superb for reading and research. Vol. I. 1912 – 1917. 304 pages. $64. Vol. II. 1918 – 1923. 325 pages. $68. Vol. III. 1924 – 1929. 324 pages. $68. Vol. IV. 1930 – 1935. 237 pages. $50. Full set 4 volumes $225 (savings of $25)

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. 

6333y, z. Putnam, George R. SENTINEL OF THE COASTS - THE LOG OF A LIGHTHOUSE ENGINEER. NY. 1937. 1st. ed. 368pp. Well illustrated with over 60 photos. This historical and descriptive work by the retired Commissioner of Lighthouses includes chapters on the history and organization of the Lighthouse Service, the perils of lightships, fog and radio, tenders, romance of the buoys, the government workers, and much more. A most important book that has become quite scarce. Unusually good condition for this title, clean, bright, tight, only soiling and fading to the spine. (VG). $88 net.

 

6366u. Putnam, George R. LIGHTHOUSES AND LIGHTSHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES. Cambridge , MA . 1933 2nd. ed. 324 pp. DJ.  Scarce title contains 48 photos and maps. Historical and descriptive work by the Commissioner of Lighthouses. Excellent information from a most reliable source, nice overall view. Includes chapters on the history and organization, Boston Light and the Colonial Lights, US lighthouses around the country, lighthouse construction and apparatus, lightships and lighthouse tenders, buoys and daymarks, fog signals, the light-keepers, and much more. This most important work has become extremely scarce. Light wear, contents clean and tight in fairly good dj, though shipped and tape repaired. Still a nice bright copy.  (VG).   $188 net.  

5285f. Weiss, George. THE LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE - ITS HISTORY, ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATION; Service Monographs of the United States Government No 40. Institute for Government Research. Baltimore . 1926. Title page stamped with property stamp of U. S. Lighthouse Service, Supt. of Lighthouses, Portland, Oregon June 5, 1939. Also stamped with later U. S. Coast Guard, Aids to Navigation, 13th Coast Guard District. Offers a complete compilation of history, activities, organization, personnel, publications, equipment and laws relating to the Lighthouse Service. Possibly the most complete, well organized overview of the Lighthouse Service. An indispensable reference and most interesting reading. Cloth bound, some wear, hinges worn but clean. (VG-)  $88.

9198c. United States Life-Saving Service. REGULATIONS RELATING TO LIFE-SAVING SERVICE – PRINTED FOR THE USE OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT. GPO. Wash. 1873. 48p. Contains complete Rules and Regulations for the Life-Saving Service including, organization, duties of keepers and surfmen, fiscal management, general instructions, signals for Life-saving Stations, management of open boats in surf, instructions for saving persons from drowning, samples of nine Life-Saving Service forms and journal, and more. These early rules were promulgated at the early inception of the Service when there were only three Life-Saving Districts in the country and are most interesting and informative. With line-cut illustrations and one color plate, original ¼ morocco and cloth, gilt embossed. Boards with some soil and expected wear, hinges and spine professionally reinforced,  contents crisp, only light foxing, unusually good condition. Extremely scarce! (VG). $295.

21346d. Grubb, Russell. THACHER ISLAND - An Adventure with Keeper Russell Grubb, Rockport. 1988, probable 1st. edition, 8vo, 115 pp. A wonderful day-by-day account of the author’s life as caretaker at the Cape Ann Light Station on Thatcher’s island in the 1980’s. Living at this remote outpost presented numerous challenges which needed to be met as necessity arose. Being cut off from the mainland for extensive periods of time, “Keeper” Grubb was well provided for with his ingenious manor and indomitable spirit. Great reading, if only we all had such an opportunity. Cardboard covers, spiral bound, type-written. (VG).  $18.

27477. Putnam, George R. (Commissioner of Lighthouses) RADIO FOG SIGNALS AND THEIR USE IN NAVIGATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE RADIOCOMPASS. United States Lighthouse Service. GPO. 2nd. 1924. 28p. Soft wraps. Detailed work describes completely the theory and operation of the new systems of radio-beacons installed on the coasts for guidance of marine traffic. Includes locations, theory, principles of operation, equipment, systems, history and station locations. Illustrated with maps and some wonderful photographs. Clean, tight. Rare title by the Commissioner of Lighthouses. (VG+). $245.

 

2897a. Small, Isaac M., TRUE STORIES OF CAPE COD.  Buzzards Bay. 1934. 95pp. Soft wraps. Isaac Small was for sixty years the marine reporting agent stationed at Highland Light, whose duty it was to report incoming shipping. His experience and knowledge of this area of Cape Cod   provide a solid background for this history and tales of the area. Born in Highland Village , North Truro in 1845, Mr Small’s father was the Keeper at Highland Light, where he grew up. After graduating from school in 1863 he took charge of the Telegraph office at the light. Full of information on the buildings and lore of the outer cape including the lighthouses, life-saving and the wrecks of the day as well as life on the outer Cape, this is a most interesting and valuable piece. Includes a short biography and a bit about his life living at Highland Lighthouse. Well illustrated with 21 photos. 4TO. Contents clean, tight, only very little wear to wraps, en excellent copy and most difficult to find. (VG+).  $88 net.

7119k. Small, Isaac M., SHIPWRECKS ON CAPE COD . North Truro , MA . May 1st, 1928. 86pp. Soft wraps. Inscribed by author Isaac Small: “With kind regards from Isaac Morton Small, Highlands of Cape Cod , July 25th, 1931.” Isaac Small was for sixty years the marine reporting agent stationed at Highland Light, whose duty it was to report incoming shipping. His experience and knowledge of this area of Cape Cod provides a solid background for this history of these prominent wrecks of the area. Born in Highland Village , North Truro in 1845, Mr. Small’s father was the Keeper at Highland Light, where he grew up. After graduating from school in 1863 he took charge of the Telegraph office at the light. Includes full information on the light, the life-saving and the wrecks of the day. Illustrated with photos. 4TO. Contents clean, crisp, tight, just occasional light browning from age, wraps nicely intact. (VG+) $78.

5416c,e. Small, Isaac M., JUST A LITTLE ABOUT THE LOWER CAPE FROM PROVINCETOWN TO BREWSTER and the Journey of the Mayflower Pilgrims. North Truro , MA . May 1st, 1926. 71pp. Soft wraps. Isaac Small was for sixty years the marine reporting agent stationed at Highland Light, whose duty it was to report incoming shipping. His experience and knowledge of this area of Cape Cod   provide a solid background for this history and tales of the area. Born in Highland Village , North Truro in 1845, Mr. Small’s father was the Keeper at Highland Light, where he grew up. After graduating from school in 1863 he took charge of the Telegraph office at the light. Full of information on the lighthouses, the life-saving and the wrecks of the day. Illustrated with photos. 4TO. Contents clean, tight, only light wear to wraps, few edge stains. (VG) $108 net.

2894. (advertising window card) Small, Isaac M., CAPE COD STORIES c.1930’s. Isaac Small was for sixty years the marine reporting agent stationed at Highland Light, whose duty it was to report incoming shipping. His experience and knowledge of this area of Cape Cod   provide a solid background for his pamphlets chronicling the history and tales of the area. Window advertising card measures 9” x 11” and promoted his book Cape Cod Stories for $1.00, on sale within. Rare find, would go well with a collection of his wonderful illustrated booklets. Some soiling, one corner fold. (VG-). $34 net.

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.

7441e. Foley, George F. Jr., SINBAD OF THE COAST GUARD. New York . 1946. 2nd printing. 157p. DJ. Illustrated by Coast Guard artist George Gray. This is the true story of Sinbad, the famous mascot of the Coast Guard Cutter Campbell, whose exploits in his eight years at sea have become legends. His chunky black and white figure is known at a hundred ports, from Greenland where he nearly caused an international incident – to Africa , where he was the guest at a Sultan’s palace. He stops traffic when he comes to Boston and New York, and in Ireland, the Belfast newspaper runs a notice in its columns whenever Sinbad is in port. Appropriately, Sinbad’s story is told by a fellow member of the Coast Guard.  Clean, tight, in bright but worn dj. Sought after title. (VG).   $48.

28109. Leighton, Clare, WHERE LAND MEETS SEA – The Enduring Cape Cod. Riverside. 2nd. 1973. Soft wraps. 202p. Illustrated with many wood engravings by Clare Leighton. A classic volume summons up the delights of this unique stretch of New England coastline, revealing the feel and spirit of this historic area. Included are chapters on the hurricanes and storms, lighthouses, shipwrecks, the outer beach and more. Fine reading. (tight, light soiling. (VG). $12.

28110. Kittredge, Henry C., CAPE COD – Its People and Their History. Boston. 1968. 344p. DJ. First published in 1930, this book is a detailed history of the peninsula. From the naming and settlement of every Cape town, the author moves chronologically through time, with a few backtracks to cover special topics like religion, wars, the canal, whaling and fisheries. Of utmost importance, of course, is the continuing relationship of the residents to the sea. Some of the most fascinating (and brutal and tragic) stories can be found in the "Storms, Wrecks, and Wreckers" chapter. Truly sobering is the reproduction of a map showing the location of every known shipwreck off Cape Cod just from 1880 to 1903, when 540 wrecks were reported. On the lighter side is the chapter regarding the construction of the Canal. Cutting a waterway through the Buzzard's Bay area had been an occasional topic of conversation and speculation since 1676. Thoroughly enjoyable, fiklled with information. Clean, tight, in worn and chipped dj. (VG). $16.

Bishop and Clerks Lighthouse, Hyannis, Mass. Coast Guard photo. 

5266k. Cusack, Zugbee. COLLECTOR'S LUCK - A THOUSAND YEARS AT LEWIS BAY , CAPE COD . Stoneham , MA . 1967. Second Printing. 235pp. DJ. Autographed by the author. Illustrated with photos. An unusually nice compilation of information on the area. Contains within a great deal of history of the lights and lifesaving of New England, with photos, including some more obscure lights such as Bishop and Clerks (photo shows the Lighthouse Service blowing up the abandoned light), South Hyannis Light, Point Gammon Light and many others. Excellent reading, some obscure information. Clean, tight copy. Some foxing and wear to dj.  (VG) $28.

5266m. Cusack, Zugbee. COLLECTOR'S LUCK - A THOUSAND YEARS AT LEWIS BAY , CAPE COD . Stoneham , MA . 1967. Third Printing. 235pp. Autographed by the author. Illustrated with photos. An unusually nice compilation of information on the area. Contains within a great deal of history of the lights and lifesaving of New England, with photos, including some more obscure lights such as Bishop and Clerks (photo shows the Lighthouse Service blowing up the abandoned light), South Hyannis Light, Point Gammon Light and many others. Excellent reading, some obscure information. Clean, tight copy..  (VG+) $26.

 

27436. (document) U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Lighthouses. Circular Letter No. 147. Political Activity. February 6, 1920. One page typed circular reminds keepers regarding the statutory inhibition against certain forms of political activity during campaigns, running for office, etc.  This particular circular was evidently intended for certain keepers, as it is receipted in ink by “J.P.B.” Principal Keeper, and the two assistant keepers and dated. Circular is signed (by stamp) "G R Putnam", the Commissioner of Lighthouses. Overall clean, intact, light wear. (VG). $78.

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

     

7159m. (magazine) THE MENTOR. July 1925. Pub. Springfield , Ohio . 66 pp. Special issue devoted to the U. S. Coast Guard, Lifesaving Service and Lighthouse Service contains 4 articles with beautiful illustrations chronicling the history and work of the Life-Saving Service, the Light-House Service and the Coast Guard. Includes an article on "Lighthouses Tended by Women", article on Winslow Homer titled "He Painted the Might of the Sea" and containing reproductions of his paintings of the Lifesaving Service, a  photo-article titled "Picturesque Lighthouses", featuring photos of 11 different lighthouses, article "Through Calm & Storm" relating to lighthouses & Coast Signals, and the article "Knights of the Wave" 17 pages with 16 photos relating "The Story of Rescue at Sea-Duties, Responsibilities and Perilous Service of the Coast Guard of Today". An important lighthouse and life-saving issue. Clean, tight, unusually good copy. (VG+).  $38.

20146c. Life-Saving Service. REVISED REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE LAWS UPON WHICH THEY ARE BASED - 1884. Wash. GPO. 1884. 155 pp. Full updated revised regulations include organization, appointments, duties of officers and crews, patrol, action at wrecks, uniforms, general provisions, complete beach apparatus drill, open surfboat drill, signal code, first aid, use of lifeboats, and much more. Also includes laws relating to the Life-Saving Service, directions for restoring the apparently drowned, treatment of frostbite, rules and regulations of the Board of Life-Saving Appliances, care and use of the self-bailing and self-righting life-boat, instructions for the management of the life-boat transporting carriage, towing of lifeboats, management of open boats in the surf, a complete example of journal forms in use, and more. Well illustrated. An extremely rare issue of the Rules and Regulations! In original gilt embossed brown cloth, spine tight but upper cover hinge becoming loose, corners bumped, gilding bright. Contents clean, tight. (VG-).  $235. (also 1877 available). 

  

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.

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. 

27449. (copy) Diary of Joshua Hardy, Light Keeper, Chatham Twin Lights, Chatham , Mass c.1870-1895. Typed transcript of the diary of Light Keeper Joshua Hardy kept while keeper of Chatham ’s twin lighthouses c.1870-1895. Includes great account of life at the lights, shipwrecks, repairs and operation of the lights, fish ashore and more. Great reading or for for research. 17 pages, spiral bound. $8

27450. (copy) United States Life-Saving Service Wreck Reports – Old Harbor Station 1898 – 1913. Typed transcript of the official wreck report book kept by Keeper Hezekiah F. Doane, who was keeper at the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station during this period. Reports date from May 24, 1898 to August 14, 1913. Includes all aspects of the rescues, vessel type and situation, apparatus used, lives saves and much more. 30 pages, spiral bound. $10.

27451. (copy) United States Life-Saving Service Wreck Reports – Monomoy Station 1883 – 1915. Typed transcript of the official wreck report book kept by the Keeper at the Monomoy Life-Saving Station during this period. Reports date from November 17, 1883 to May 28, 1915. Includes all aspects of the rescues, vessel type and situation, apparatus used, lives saves and much more. 62 pages, spiral bound. $16.

  

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.

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)

27424. U. S. Light-House Establishment. Form No. 316. JOURNAL OF LIGHT STATION. Shinnecock Bay Light Station, Long Island, New York. c.1913.  Journal lists date, time of watch, condition of light, condition of fog signal and signature of keeper and would be filled out by the keeper for each watch, from midnight to sunrise, and sunrise to midnight. This journal was filled out by keepers J. Orton, H. H. Lake, Thomas J. Conklin, and J. D. McMillan and dates from March 17, 1913 to December 31st, 1918. Includes many notes about  difficulties with the lamp or vaporizer, repairs and changes to apparatus, changing mantles, and more. Also includes the Assistant Superintendent’s signatures after having examined the keeper’s log. September 3, 1916 notes that keeper found asleep on watch. Journal covers 159 pages and is a must for researchers working to properly furnish your lighthouse or museum exhibit. Consists of pages #39 through 198, having been disbound from the original wraps. Some wear, moderate chipping, a bit brittle from age. (G+). $124.

27427. U. S. Coast Guard. QUARTERMASTERS’ BRIDGE BOOK- U. S. Coast Guard Air Station, Brooklyn, New York. c.1947. 82 p. Official post World War II vintage logbook is  filled out by the Quartermaster of the watch. It has pages sufficient for a one month period and includes space for morning orders, events of the day, course, speed, weather, sea conditions, crew on board, positions, magazine temperature, commanding officer and more. Book is as original, completely filled out for this station, in original cardboard wraps. Includes changes of watch, training, alerts, new personnel and much more. 9 ½” x 11 ½”. Moderate expected wear and toning. A great collector’s item. (VG).  $68.

23380a,b. U. S. Coast Guard. QUARTERMASTERS’ BRIDGE BOOK. c.1940. 78 p. Official World War II vintage logbook was to be filled out by the Quartermaster of the watch. It has pages sufficient for a one month period and includes space for morning orders, events of the day, course, speed, weather, sea conditions, crew on board, positions, magazine temperature, commanding officer and more. Book is as original, unused, in original cardboard wraps. 9 ½” x 11 ½”. Clean, light edge wear and toning form age. Originated from the 83-foot subchaser CG-83311. A great collector’s item. (VG).  $48.

 

27438. (marine supplies catalogues c.1930’s) We recently acquired a great lot of early illustrated marine supplies catalogues. Catalogues detail thousands of early ship and yacht chandlery items including rope and chain, fittings, flags, ensigns and jacks, binnacles, marine engines, blocks and pulleys, Coston distress signals,  lamps and lanterns, boats and canoes, sails, life vests, tools, clocks, barometers and much more. Great reading and reference. Catalogues available include: The Durkee Company c.1936. 191p.; Armstrong & Galbraith, Inc. c.1940. 96p.; W & J Tiebout Marine Supplies c.1939. 208p.; E. J. Willis Company c.1935. 256p.; E. J. Willis Company c.1937. 264p. $34 each.

    

8522c. Bibs, A. B., THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE ON THE GREAT LAKES . Frank Leslie’s Popular Monthly. April 1882. 13p. Marvelous account of the history and development of the U. S. Life-Saving Service on the Great Lakes . This article goes into a great deal of detail on the work of the life-savers, their organization, stations and equipment, as well as the numerous shipwrecks on the inland sea and their record of rescues. Includes 13 splendid large engravings of the men, stations and equipment. Full issue filled with stories of the day – great reading. Clean, crisp, a few pages loose but not torn. (VG). $68

27128. H. R. ex. Doc. No. 58. REPORT OF THE LIFE SAVING SERVICE IN REFERENCE TO THE LOSS OF THE STEAMER METROPOLIS. March 1, 1878. 19p. Disbound. Peering through a thick blanket of fog on the morning of January 31, 1878, local fishermen were the first to spot the grounded vessel. Acting quickly, they pulled half a dozen survivors from the sea and dispatched a rider to notify the lifesavers. When the rider, a Mr. Brock, arrived at the lifesaving station about 10 a.m., Keeper John G. Chappell and his men readied themselves for action. Brock informed him that a vessel was fast breaking up, too fast to get the 750-pound surfboat down the beach to be serviceable. Instead, the keeper strapped the medicine chest to his back and headed for the wreck immediately. His crew of six followed along dragging the beach-cart. After reaching the shore nearest the Metropolis, Keeper Chappell set about the effective application of restoratives to a number of survivors who had already swum ashore. His crew and apparatus arrived about noon. The steamer lay head-in one hundred yards offshore and, thus, presented a small target for the mortar. Nevertheless, the second shot was true and landed across the port fore-topsail yardarm. But the man who took the line "was no seaman," according to Surfman Piggott Gillikin, and the line was not dropped under the stays and therefore chafed in two before the whip-line could be drawn out to the vessel. Having run out of his own powder, Chappell improvised with some quick-burning black powder. But two additional shots failed when each time the shot-line parted from the ball upon firing. Keeper Chappell then donned the Merriman life-saving dress and made two valiant attempts to carry a line out to the vessel. When he was unable to get past the breakers, those on board the vessel who had looked on in horror began to jump overboard and take their chances at swimming ashore. For three hours keeper and crew struggled to save them in the surf while battling a treacherous undertow; all were badly bruised by the mass of bobbing timbers about them. All worked as hard at it as possible . . . until it was all over. One hundred and sixty lives were drawn out of the water on that dismal morning. Detailed account includes reports by: Captain J. H. Merryman, U. S. Revenue Cutter Service; John G. Chappell, Keeper of Station No. 4 Jones Hill; Surfman Piggott Gillikin; N. G. Burris, Keeper Currituck Light House, and more. Excellent account. (VG). $65

  

27347. (photo) SKY PILOT TO LIGHTHOUSE MEN – W. H. “Grandpa” Law. Keystone View Company. 6” x 8”. b/w. c.1930-1940. Press release attached notes: “After practically a lifetime on the high seas, W. H. “Grandpa” Law, who has preached the gospel to lighthouse keepers and Coast Guardsmen of the U. S. has retired from active service. His going will be mourned by every lighthouse keeper in the United States.” There is not much information really known about Mr. Law -  We are aware of a story that he wrote entitled, “Deeds of Valor by Heroes and Heroines of the Great Water World” but know little else. Clean, clear, light wear. (VG).  $38.

20533b. Parsons, Eleanor C., THATCHERS – Island of the Twin Lights. Canaan. 1985.  149p. Soft wraps. A comprehensive and enjoyable text relates the authentic history of a most interesting island off Caoe Ann , Massachusetts . Thatchers island and the twin lighthouses there have long been a landmark for anyone who has visited the area. Here, Eleanor Parsons tells the story of the island’s history from 1635, sharing the many events that took place there. Included, of course, is the story of how the two famous light towers were constructed, rebuile, repaired; the frequent bureaucratic bungling which threatened the lights; and the devotion of the keepers and their families who kept the beacons burning in spite of storms, danger and discouragement. A wonderful and interesting account. (VG+). $24.

27272a,b,c,d,e,f. U. S. Lighthouse Service. AIDS TO NAVIGATION ON THE COASTS AND WATERWAYS OF THE UNITED STATES – Statistics. GPO. 13 – 17 ppg. Soft wraps. Complete statistics on the work of the Lighthouse Service. Includes listing of districts, superintendents, listing of types od aids to navigation by district, lightships in commission with details, fog signals, tenders in commission with details, construction and appropriations, emergency construction and more. Good early reference. Clean, tight. Four years available: June 30, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937. (VG+). $48 each.

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.

27139. (Flying Santa) LIFE GOES ON A Trip – In an Airplane with Santa Claus Along the New England Coast. Life Magazine. December 1928. 3p. Disbound. Short article filled with photographs chronicles the Bill Wincapaws (father and son) as they set out by airplane to drop gift bundles to lighthouses and Coast Guard stations along the New England coast. In 1926, Captain William Wincapaw began the tradition of dropping Christmas gift packages from his plane to remote lighthouse families. Later, author and historian Edward Rowe Snow would continue the “Flying Santa” tradition, which continues to this day by local groups. Photos include the Wincapaws, and from the air Straitsmouth Light Station, Annisquam LS, Ipswich LS, Boston LS, and Plum Island Coast Guard station. Clean, crisp. (VG+). $34.

25306. U. S. Lighthouse Service. INSTRUCTIONS TO EMPLOYEES OF THE UNITED STATES LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE 1927. Wash. GPO. 1927. 124 p. Extremely rare original Instructions to Employees includes general instructions to all employees, instructions for light keepers and depot keepers, instructions relating to fog signals, for all light vessels, lightships, lighthouse tenders, engineering instructions for lighthouse vessels, and more.  Includes all aspects of station and apparatus maintenance including approved painting color scheme, paint mixing specifications, equipment marking, furniture approved, leaves and vacations, food supplied, bedding, maintenance of equipment and much more. In original government brown cloth, only very light expected wear, contents clean and tight, unusually good condition. A very complete and important book with invaluable information.  Frontis stamped “Supt. Of Lighthouses Nov. 12, 1927 First District. Portland , Maine. ”. (VG).  $485.

L-132. Sweetser, M. F. KING’S HANDBOOK OF BOSTON HARBOR. Cambridge . 2nd. 1883. 276 p. Superb gild embossed pictorial covers include lighthouse, steamship. Over 200 superb engraved illustrations from lighthouses to forts to ships and their captains, prominent buildings and much more. This is an excellent compilation that has become a standard, featuring a detail account of each and every island, town and important point in the Boston Harbor area. Chock full of information and descriptions, this makes wonderful reading and reference. For a enchanting time, take this 1880’s ‘tour’ along the Massachusetts seacoast. Appended too are numerous illustrated advertisements of the day. This volume would grace anyone’s library shelf. Clean, tight, light age toning to page edges. Beveled covers quite clean and bright, light edge wear to spine, hinges intact but with some wear. Mylar covered for protection. (VG-).  $168. Reduced $117 .

 

4342k,n. Otis, James. THE LIFE SAVERS. A Story of the United States Life-Saving Service. New York . 1899. 1st. 327 p. Nicely illustrated with official photographs, nice embossed covers. Relates the history of the Life-Saving Service and the work of the Life-Savers through various chapters in this fictional account. Probably intended for a teenage audience, this is by far one of the best. Based on fact. Quite scarce. Some wear and darkening to covers, contents overall clean and tight, some foxing to frontis pages. (G+). $44 net.

4342L. Otis, James. THE LIFE SAVERS. A Story of the United States Life-Saving Service. New York . 1899. 1st. 327 p. Nicely illustrated with official photographs. Nice gilt embossed cover scene of life-savers launching their surfboat. Relates the history of the Life-Saving Service and the work of the U.S. Life-Savers through various chapters in this fictional account. Though probably intended for a teenage audience, this is by far one of the best early day-to-day accounts. Based on fact. Quite scarce. Clean, tight in bright wrap, spine slightly darkened. (VG). $64 net.

 

24379b. [broadside] Transportation Department, United States Coast Guard. LIFE SAVING AND BREECHES BUOY INSTRUCTIONS - USE OF THE GUN AND ROCKET APPARATUS FOR SAVING LIFE FROM SHIPWRECK. CG-811. Reportedly from the steamship Herbert Jackson on the Great Lakes, these instructions on original broadside were once 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 illustrations, this is a scarce relic of the Lyle Gun era. Broadside 10 ½” x 16” in period lamination. Some edge wear and darkening from age, but overall clean and great for framing. c.1964. (VG). $165.

5419aa. Treasury Department. INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNITED STATES COAST GUARD STATIONS. 1922. 257 pp. Includes general instructions, patrols and lookouts, equipment lists, boat drills and operation and complete beach apparatus drill. In addition, interesting instruction book for the use of Coast Guard Stations covers law enforcement duties of the Officer in charge, action at wrecks, patrols and lookouts, swimming qualifications, classification and descriptions of types of boats used at Coast Guard, boat equipment, various drills and commands, capsizing and righting drill, management of boats in a surf, boarding a vessel stranded or afloat in a heavy sea, signals for use at wrecks, US Storm Signals (with color plates showing day and night signals), ship and aircraft distress signals, resuscitation drill, Beach apparatus drill with great illustration of "Man the beach cart" this is followed by more illustrations showing halt and relative positions of men while placing apparatus, Hawser Cutter, muster at a station, piloting etc. The final section of the book is a question and answer section which is for the purpose of assisting the officers in charge in the instruction of the crews of US Coast Guard Stations. Besides the previously described illustrations there are also illustrations showing positions when shot line is bent to whip, hauling off whip, hauling off hawser, Man lee whip haul off, Man weather whip haul ashore, Hawser cutter arranged for hauling off etc. Blue cloth covers, size is 4 3/8” by 6” inches. Moderate wear,  intact but warped somewhat and signatures opening from years of use, pages overall clean, covers stained. Very difficult to find. (G+).  $118 net.

5419v. Treasury Department. INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNITED STATES COAST GUARD STATIONS. 1922. 257 pp. Includes general instructions, patrols and lookouts, equipment lists, boat drills and operation and complete beach apparatus drill. In addition, interesting instruction book for the use of Coast Guard Stations covers law enforcement duties of the Officer in charge, action at wrecks, patrols and lookouts, swimming qualifications, classification and descriptions of types of boats used at Coast Guard, boat equipment, various drills and commands, capsizing and righting drill, management of boats in a surf, boarding a vessel stranded or afloat in a heavy sea, signals for use at wrecks, US Storm Signals (with color plates showing day and night signals), ship and aircraft distress signals; resuscitation drill, Beach apparatus drill with great illustration of "Man the beach cart" . This is followed by more illustrations showing halt and relative positions of men while placing apparatus, Hawser Cutter, muster at a station, piloting etc. The final section of the book is a question and answer section which is for the purpose of assisting the officers in charge in the instruction of the crews of US Coast Guard Stations. Besides the previously described illustrations there are also illustrations showing positions when shot line is bent to whip, hauling off whip, hauling off hawser, Man lee whip haul off, Man weather whip haul ashore, Hawser cutter arranged for hauling off etc. Blue cloth covers, size is 4 3/8” by 6” inches. Condition is good, flat, tight, complete, some wear and rubbing  to cover. Contents overall clean, becoming loose, spine and front wrap detached but can be repaired, one corner missing from title page. A great inexpensive alternative. Very difficult to find. (VG-). $58 net.

5419w. Treasury Department. INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNITED STATES COAST GUARD STATIONS. 1922. 257 pp. Includes general instructions, patrols and lookouts, equipment lists, boat drills and operation and complete beach apparatus drill. In addition, interesting instruction book for the use of Coast Guard Stations covers law enforcement duties of the Officer in charge, action at wrecks, patrols and lookouts, swimming qualifications, classification and descriptions of types of boats used at Coast Guard, boat equipment, various drills and commands, capsizing and righting drill, management of boats in a surf, boarding a vessel stranded or afloat in a heavy sea, signals for use at wrecks, US Storm Signals (with color plates showing day and night signals), ship and aircraft distress signals, resuscitation drill, Beach apparatus drill with great illustration of "Man the beach cart" this is followed by more illustrations showing halt and relative positions of men while placing apparatus, Hawser Cutter, muster at a station, piloting etc. The final section of the book is a question and answer section which is for the purpose of assisting the officers in charge in the instruction of the crews of US Coast Guard Stations. Besides the previously described illustrations there are also illustrations showing positions when shot line is bent to whip, hauling off whip, hauling off hawser, Man lee whip haul off, Man weather whip haul ashore, Hawser cutter arranged for hauling off etc. Blue cloth covers, size is 4 3/8” by 6” inches. Book has fairly heavy wear, staining to wraps, intact but signatures coming loose, color plates present but loose. Pages overall clean, crisp, unmarked. Could be rebound. Very difficult to find. (G+). $78 net.

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.

27173a-k. United States Light-House Board. BULLETIN. RECENT CHANGES IN AIDS TO NAVIGATION – Coasts of the United States. Wash. 1911. Soft wraps.  Bulletins range from 21 to 42 pages and cover all light-house districts detailing any changes in lights, beacons and buoys including location, height above water, distance seen, candlepower, description of structure, and more. Each bulletin includes a back-page mailing form to the Light-House Board to note errors or additional changes, etc. Eleven bulletins available August 1903 to August 1904 (not inclusive). Overall clean, tight, in original paper wraps. Rare bulletins. (VG). $38 each. 

27186. Secretary of the Treasury. SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL LIST OF MERCHANT VESSELS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH OFFICIAL NUMBERS AND SIGNAL LETTERS…. FOR THE FISCAL TEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1885. Wash. GPO. 1885. 458 p. Marked in ink on frontis “Plum Island Life Saving Station, Rcd Jan 26, 1886. J. W. Elliott, Keeper”. Complete listing of merchant and US Government vessels operating and includes all steam, sailing, iron and steel and unrigged vessels giving official number of vessel, signal letters, rig, name, tonnage, dimensions, year and place of building, home port and more. In addition to merchant vessels, includes tenders of the U.S. Light-House Establishment, Revenue Cutter Service cutters, US Navy, Quartermaster’s Department of the Army, Coast and Geodetic Survey , US Fish Commission, Marine Hospital Service, and more. Extremely important reference. Clean, tight, in government blue binding with gilt  embossed title. Moderate wear and soiling to boards, contents clean. Important Life Saving Service copy. (VG-). $178 net.

412b. H.R. Doc No. 811. LIGHT-HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT. May 25, 1842. Wash. GPO 1842. 111pp.  This is a report of the Committee on Commerce inquiring into the Expenditures of the Light-House Establishment since the year 1816, including building and repairing light-houses, light-ships....examining the propriety of re-organizing the Establishment, changing the mode of superintendence, suppressing some of the posts of the Establishment, etc., with replies and rebuttals by Winslow Lewis and S. Pleasonton. Very interesting with a great deal of valuable information and tables. Disbound, without wraps, clean. This one of the more important early  Light House Establishment reports. (VG).   $128 net.

27198. Kerber, Stephen H. THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE AND THE FLORIDA HOUSES OF REFUGE. Florida Atlantic University. 1971. 144p. Facsimile copy, spiral bound. The Houses of Refuge in Florida were a series of stations operated by the United States Life Saving Service along the coast of Florida to rescue and shelter ship-wrecked sailors. Five houses were built on the east coast in 1876, with five more added in 1885. There was also two Life Saving Stations built, one just south of the Jupiter Inlet, the other on the Gulf coast on Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola. The houses were manned by civilian keepers, contractors who lived in the houses with their families. Most of these houses remained in service as life-saving stations until 1915 or later. Some of the locations became Coast Guard stations after the Life Saving Service was merged into the Coast Guard in 1915. The houses were built of Florida pine, using 8x8 heartwood timbers for the foundation and frame, intended to withstand the area’s many hurricanes. The station keeper's family occupied the main floor, and the attic was a dormitory for ship-wrecked sailors. This author’s thesis presents a great deal of information on these little-known stations, their keepers and the work that that they performed. (M). $34.

6581v. Dalton , J. W., THE LIFE SAVERS OF CAPE COD . 1902. Ist. Chatham , Mass. 159p. Soft wraps. Clean, tight, nice copy. Profusely illustrated with over 100 fine b/w photographs. Certainly the finest and most complete history of the Life-Saving Service and its 13 posts on the outer reaches of Cape Cod . Looks at each of the 13 stations individually including their men, equipment, construction and modifications of the buildings, rescues, and much more. Excellent reading on the subject, wonderful photographs. Clean, tight, light wear to wraps, paper loss in last advertising page. First edition quite scarce and most desirable. (VG). $98.

4718dd, ee, gg, gg, gg. CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LIGHT-HOUSE. Harper’s Weekly. December 30, 1876. 1pp. Beautiful, 11”x15”, full front page b/w (hand-colored shown) detailed woodcut illustration showing the undaunted light-keeper scraping ice from the lantern amidst a raging storm. Seen many times as a re-print, this original would be beautiful matted and framed. Also included in this 1876 Christmas issue, is a large full page illustration “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by famed illustrator Thomas Nast. Thomas Nast is famed as the creator of the bearded image of Uncle Sam that we know today, as well as the image of the plump, jolly Santa Clause and this first of his Santa Clause illustrations demand a premium in historic circles. b/w. Full issue, clean and crisp. (VG+)  $88.

(for illustration of area only.)

27165. Light House Establishment. SPECIFICATIONS AND CONTRACT for MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1907. Engineer – Third Light-House District. 1906. 66 pages. Soft wraps. Detailed listing of supplies and articled required including construction supplies including castings, pipe, iron and steel, hardware, machine parts, lumber, cement, building materials, sheet metal, etc. Also includes shooks, files, charcoal, complete list of provisions (food supplies), and more. Extremely rare. Overall clean, tight, covers brittle, detached. (VG-). $185.

27162. Light House Establishment. SPECIFICATIONS AND CONTRACT FOR THE SINGLE-SCREW STEEL STEAM LIGHT-HOUSE TENDER TULIP. 1906. 105p. Soft wraps. Extremely rare. Overall clean, crisp. (VG+). $185.

27167. Light House Establishment. SPECIFICATIONS AND CONTRACT FOR THE SINGLE-SCREW STEEL STEAM LIGHT-HOUSE TENDER CYPRESS. 1906. 110p. Soft wraps. Extremely rare. Overall clean, crisp. (VG+). $185.

26238. Lighthouse Service. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE TWIN-SCREW STEEL, DIESEL-ELECTRIC-PROPELLED LIGHTHOUSE TENDER “JUNIPER”.  GPO. 1939. 91p. Original soft wraps, cloth tape reinforced. Includes complete information on all aspects of the vessel, its design and equipment on board from hull, engines, life rafts, crew’s quarters and berths, to lighting, electrical and more. (VG+).  $124.

27164. Light House Establishment. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SINGLE-SCREW STEEL STEAM LIGHT-VESSELS Nos. 84, 85, 86, 87, and 88 and CONTRACT FOR THE SINGLE-SCREW STEEL STEAM LIGHT-VESSEL No. ….. 1906. 97p. Soft wraps. Extremely rare. Overall clean, crisp. (VG+). $225.

27158a.U. S. Lighthouse Service. REGULATIONS FOR LIGHTING BRIDGES OVER NAVIGABLE WATERS (also for Lights on Sheer Booms, Piers, dams, and similar Obstructions to Navigation.) GPO. 1914. 15p. Provides regulations for lighting all types of bridge and other structures, with 5 full-page color plates. (VG). $28.

27158b.U. S. Lighthouse Service. REGULATIONS FOR LIGHTING BRIDGES OVER NAVIGABLE WATERS. GPO. 1928. 11p.With 5 full-page color plates. (VG). $28.

27158c.U. S. Lighthouse Service. REGULATIONS FOR LIGHTING BRIDGES OVER NAVIGABLE WATERS. GPO. 1934. 11p.With 5 full-page color plates. (VG). $28.

27158d.U. S. Lighthouse Service. REGULATIONS FOR LIGHTING BRIDGES OVER NAVIGABLE WATERS. GPO. 1937. 11p.With 5 full-page color plates. (VG). $28.

    2785. Bush, Edward F. THE CANADIAN LIGHTHOUSE. National Historic Sites Service, Ottawa, Manuscript Report No. 58.  1970. 350+ pages. Soft wraps. Illustrated with over 140 photos and fold-out maps. NOTE: This is a different and much more comprehensive publication than the Occasional Papers in Archaeology of the same title published in 1975. Extremely comprehensive study traces the evolution of the Canadian lighthouse from the first structure at Louisbourg in the 18th century to the latest developments in lighthouse design and technology. There is an emphasis on the older extant structures, with listings of data on individual lighthouses. Included is light and lens information, fuels, fog signals, tower construction and much more. With over 140 wonderful vintage photographs of the stations, lamps, equipment and more, this is a most interesting work on a relatively little known area. Includes fold-out maps, appendices, bibliography, index. Probably the best historical reference on Canadian lighthouses that I have yet seen. (VG).  $135

2784. Stevens, John R. LIGHTHOUSES OF THE GREAT LAKES - ONTARIO. National Historic Sites Service, Ottawa, Manuscript Report No. 94.  c.1960’s.  174 pages. Soft wraps. Packed with hundreds of detailed photos, architectural drawings and plot plans detailing all aspects of the station construction and equipment including lanterns, fog machinery, railings, galleries, stairways and much more. Pays particular attention to the construction and structural aspects of the towers, focusing on 19 light stations on Lake Ontario. This is a most interesting work on a relatively little known area. (VG+).  $88.

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.

2719. Page, Victor W. MOTOR BOATS AND BOAT MOTORS – Design, Construction, Operation and Repair. New York. 1920. 524p. Marked in pencil on frontis page “P A Evans Malden, Mass. U. S. Lighthouse Service, Nantucket Lt. 1937”. Apparently once the property of one of the light keepers on Nantucket, this early text details all aspects of the construction and operation of early motor boats in use at the time, and indeed used by the Lighthouse Service as well. Subjects include boat classification and types, hull construction and design, motor boat fittings, boat operation and care, popular boat designs, operating principals of boat motors, power plants, installation of power plants, propelling devices, care and repair of motors, seaplanes and flying boats, and more. Filled with photos and diagrams. A must for your maritime library. Intact, spine and hinges professionally repaired, edgewear, contents tight but some staining and soiling from years of use. (VG). $114.

2705. (document) U. S. Life Saving Service. Establishment of a Life Saving Station on Block Island. February 2, 1872. Original one page official manuscript document on Treasury Department stationary, dated February 2, 1872, whereby George S. Boutwell , Secretary of the Treasury, and Sumner Increase Kimball , the chief of the Treasury Department’s Revenue Marine Division, orders Captain John Faunce , United States Revenue Marine , to proceed to Block Island for the purpose of reporting upon the necessity for the establishment of a Life Saving Station at that point. Initialed in the upper left hand corner by Kimball, and signed in hand by Boutwell. Document reads: “S.I.K. Treasury Department February 2d, 1872. Sir: Previous to your return to New York from your tour of examination of the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., you will visit Block Island and ascertain and report to the Department as to the necessity for the establishment of a Life Saving Station at that point. I am, Very respectfully Geo. S. Boutwell, Secretary. [to] Capt John Faunce U.S.R.M.  Room 33, No 64 Broadway, New York City.” One page document; 7 7/8 x 9 3/4; previously folded in horizontal thirds; remnants of indistinguishable light pencil notations at upper left and upper right; One, 1/4" burn hole on line three; chipping to upper & lower right margins. One, 3/8" to 3/4" wide strip of discolored backing material on verso that extends the entire height at right margin from being bound in original letter book. Light foxing and expected age toning. Script is slightly blurred. (VG-). $325 net

2737. Treasury Department. RECORD OF MOVEMENTS. VESSELS OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD. 1790 - DECEMBER 31, 1933. Wash. DC. GPO 1988. Reprint of 1933 edition by Coast Guard Historian's Office. Oblong 4to. 675 pp. Introductory note says this is a "standard work that has long stood the test of time.", an understatement. This compendium includes every major vessel over 75-feet in length of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service and Coast Guard up to 1933, recording its major movements including dates, details, locations, mission or occurrences and much more. Also includes aircraft in the 20’s and 30’s, seized vessels, and more. Superb reference. Fine condition (F). $185

9421. Gowdy, Jim & Kim Ruth. GUIDING LIGHTS OF THE DELAWARE RIVER AND BAY. Sweetwater, NJ., 1999. 296p. Soft wraps. Signed by the authors. Just released, this is the most comprehensive history ever written on the lighthouses, lightships, tenders and depots of the Delaware River and Bay – from Cape May to Gloucester City and Philadelphia to Fenwick Island . This detailed history was painstakingly research by the authors and is enhanced by more than 180 photographs and 25 illustrations. Using records from the National Archives, Coast Guard, and private collections this monumental work provides wonderful reading. The vintage photographs alone are a feast to the eye and offer previously unseen views of many of these interesting stations. Includes are views of a number these lights under construction, and some in the process of destruction. Also includes rare views of tenders, keepers, light vessels and much more. Only light wear. (M). $68. (or as new copy available $74.)

Wigham 31-Day Oil Lamp

2750. [NEW]. Tag, Thomas A. Brilliance and Prejudice – The John R. Wigham Story. Dayton. 2007. 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 – Brilliance and Prejudice – The John R. Wigham Story. This is the story of a brilliant engineer who created some of the most interesting lighthouse equipment ever developed. His designs would be both praised and maligned and would lead to conflict, prejudice, plagiarism, and the ultimate resignation of one of the leading scientists of the day. Thoroughly illustrated with early photographs and  drawings, this booklet makes most interesting reading.  33 p. (M). #2750.  $26.

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.

26324c. Secretary of the Treasury, U. S. Revenue Cutter Service. RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE MOVEMENTS AND ANCHORAGE OF VESSELS IN SAINT MARYS RIVER [Great Lakes]. Washington. 1901. 7p. Soft wraps. Contains rules and regulations for the movement of vessels on the St. marys River fromPoint Iroquios on Lake Superior, to Point Detour on Lake Huron. Such rules are to be enforced by the Revenue Cutter Service and include speed regulations, anchoring, passing and approaches, signals, schedules, and more. Clean, tight. (VG+). $22.

26304. United States Coast Guard. Register of the Officers, Vessels and Stations of the United States Coast Guard. Wash. January 1, 1918. 89p. Soft wraps. Bound in hard-cover library binding.$135.  

26305. United States Coast Guard Publications 1931, 1944, 1935. Bound in hard-cover library binding are the following three original publications: 1). United States Coast Guard. Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers and Cadets, and Ships and Stations of the United States Coast Guard. Wash. January 1, 1931. 141p. Soft wraps. 2). United States Coast Guard. Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers and Cadets, and Ships and Stations of the United States Coast Guard. Wash. January 1, 1934. 139p. Soft wraps. 3). United States Coast Guard. Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers and Cadets, and Ships and Stations of the United States Coast Guard. Wash. January 1, 1935. 155p. Soft wraps. $325.

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.

 26278. Hughes, Joseph Henry Jr., A COVENANT WITH HONOR – An American “Lord Jim”. Lawndale. 1982. 3rd. 413p. Soft wraps. Frank V. Helmer, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, writes of this book: “The United States Coast Guard Academy subjects its cadets to a regime that is physically arduous and mentally demanding. Each graduating Ensign takes with him, in addition to a fund of academic and professional training, his personal triumph over discouragement and fatigue. From my own cadet days, and from my tour as Assistant Superintendent of the Academy, I have had a feeling for the daily struggle that each cadet meets in his own way, but until I read this book I had never seen that feeling reflected in print. As a cadet, Joseph Hughes met his days with courage and enthusiasm. He grew in maturity and self discipline. Tragically, his career as an officer ended before it had begun, but the picture of his life as it unfolds on these pages will stand as a memorial to him, even as it serves as an inspiration to all who read it." This poignant account includes 15 chapters that span the time-frame from the early 1950s to 1964. (VG+).  $18.

  

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.  

6146e. Ingraham, Reg. FIRST FLEET - The Story of the U. S. Coast Guard at War. Indianapolis . 1944. 1st, 310p. Illustrated with photographs. Whether walking the beack, providing port security, landing with the first Marines in the Solomon’s or fighting in the Battle of the Atlantic , the Coast Guardsmen’s hard fought battles deserve to be told. In this factual account the author presents the complete story of their many roles during the World War. Overall clean, tight. (VG). $16.  

7262c. Petrow, Richard. ACROSS THE TOP OF RUSSIA - The Cruise of the USCGC Northwind into the Polar Seas North of Siberia. David McKay Co., New York. 1967. 374p. DJ. The dramatic story of the mission by the CG Icebreaker Northwind across the top of Russia in 1965, a route that had been “off limits” to all non-Russian shipping since the Russian Revolution. Here is the story, based on first hand observation, of this exciting voyage. Across the Top of Russia makes public the harassment encountered at the time, the news reports withheld, and the furor that the trip aroused. Illustrated with photographs. (VG+).  $16. 

26301. Baarslag, Karl. SOS RADIO RESCUES AT SEA. London. 1937.  243pp. For the first time the story of a number of famous sea disasters is told from the point of view of the vessel’s radio operators. See the development of this craft as the “brass pounders” have practiced it. The author has written these awesome tales in terms of dits and dahs, translated for us in terms of the hundreds of thousands of lives saved  because of the use of radio and the unfailing devotion of the operators. Includes the true stories of the collision of the Republic and the Florida, the loss of the Titanic, the foundering of the Empress of Ireland, the heroic rescue of the storm-swept Antinoe by the President Roosevelt, the capsizing of the Vestris, the dreadful burst of flame on the Morrow Castle, and more. Clean, tight, nice copy. Rare radio related account. (VG+).  $28.

 695b. Willoughby , Malcom F. Lt.(j.g.)(T) USCGR, THE COAST GUARD TR's-First Naval District. Boston . 1945. 247pp. Illustrated with photos. With DJ. Relates the contribution of the Coast Guards Temporary Reserve unit in New England during World War II. Chapters cover training, harbor and sea patrols, the "beach pounders", storms, rescues and more. Quite clean, tight, nice copy in lightly work dj. (VG+) $28.  

26196. (scrapbook) Daniel A. Grant, Boatswains Mate 2ns., Coast Guard Lifeboat Station Gloucester, Massachusetts c.1926-1933. Heavy scrapbook contains numerous clippings and mementos of his service and of the work of the Coast Guard across the country. Using a ledger, he clipped articles from the Coast Guard Magazine, newspapers and other sources. Includes large 5” x 7” photo of Grant himself. A few of the items include training certificates, many Coast Guard articles, Coxswain rating, numerous Coast Guard poems, vessels launched, early CG aircraft articles and images, wrecks and rescue accounts, losses and rescues, breeches buoy drills, early life-saving stations and crews, CGC Saranac launched, patrol boats, CG athletics, ice patrol, lookout stations, motor lifeboats, early vessels, and much more. Great reading. (VG-).  $134.  

25147c. (New Jersey coast lithograph print.) c. 1878. 1 p. Disbound. Beautiful, hand colored , vintage antique 1878 lithograph print, from the very rare Woolmand and Rose Atlas of the Jersey Coast , published in 1878. Prominent is the close view of the early Life Saving Station at Cape May, and the Award of Honor made to Joseph Francis, inventor of the metallic life-boat which saved so many lives from shipwreck. In Addition are views of the Beekman House (located in Middletown ), the Luyster House, also in Middletown , the home of Capt John Schenck and his Pistol, and the house of Capt. Joshua Huddy. Beautiful coloration, large format 11 ½” x 14”, perfect for framing. (F-). $48 net.

26238. Lighthouse Service. SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE TWIN-SCREW STEEL, DIESEL-ELECTRIC-PROPELLED LIGHTHOUSE TENDER “JUNIPER”.  GPO. 1939. 91p. Original soft wraps, cloth tape reinforced. Includes complete information on all aspects of the vessel, its design and equipment on board from hull, engines, life rafts, crew’s quarters and berths, to lighting, electrical and more. (VG+).   $124.  

(U. S. C. G. photo)

26203. Furst, Glenn C. [stepson of the Keeper of North Manitou Light Station].  MY POINT OF VIEW. Np. 1992. 121p. Soft wraps. Signed by the author. Illustrated with photographs. An engaging memoir of the author’s youth growing up on North Manitou Island, Michigan, during the nine years (1919-1928) that his stepfather was employed as the lighthouse keeper at North Manitou Light Station on Dimmick's Point on Lake Michigan. In 1928, the family was transferred to the South Manitou Station. Privately published in 1992 this soft cover volume, almost certainly the first and only edition, I found to be extremely interesting in its details of every day life. a rare glimpse into a place and time otherwise largely lost to history. Clean, tight, nice copy and the first that I have ever found. (VG+).  $88. 

26231. Thomsen, Captain Niels Peter. MEN OF THE MENKAR : United States Coast Guard World War Two Naval Exploits (A Memoir - World War Two Diaries). Edmonds. 1999. 225p. Color illustrated glossy wraps. Inscribed by the author. The author traveled widely and served in the United States Coast Guard, the U.S. Lighthouse Service, and lived in Hollywood, Beaumont, Texas, Ketchikan, Alaska, and generally led an exciting life. This compilation of his memoirs and reminiscences include many of his assignments while in the Coast Guard and Lighthouse Service. Thomsen, a Coast Guard Warrant Boatswain, temporarily promoted to Lieutenant, became Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MENKAR (AK-123). As a prelude to his election for this important Coast Guard secret military assignment, the author  takes the reader back in time to 1942 in Southeastern Alaska. His war diary chronicles these Alaskan and South Pacific periods of service. Also contained therein is MEN of the U.S.S. MENKAR (AK-123), a story of Loran. Now in his ninety-second year, Thomsen, after 55 years, reveals this elaborate and graphically detailed true World War Two saga of the MENKAR for the first time. (VG).  $34.  

26214. (2 books) from estate of Lighthouse Keeper Reuben T. Leavitt, [Keeper Whaleback Lighthouse, Portsmouth, NH. c.1853-1859. ]  Whaleback Lighthouse with stone pier was built by order of President Andrew Jackson between 1829 and 1831 for the combined cost of about $21,000. Although it marks the approach to the harbor of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, perched in the fast-flowing Piscataqua, the isolated Whaleback Light is officially is in Maine waters. By 1836 it was realized that the tower had been poorly built - it leaked badly in storms and heavy seas. In 1837 some wooden sheathing was added around the tower, and this apparently helped the problem of the tower leaking the keeper noted that the tower rocked and shook increasingly in storms, and that in one great storm on July 7, 1837, the shaking was so violent that "some of the small stones of the tower were shaken out and fell upon the floors of the rooms, and articles. Somehow the 1831 tower managed to survive over 40 years and in 1855 a fourth order Fresnel lens was installed. Options were considered but by the time Keeper Leavitt arrived in 1853 still no remedies had been agreed upon. Keeper Leavitt remained this position until 1859. It wouldn’t be until 1872 that the new stone lighthouse tower that we see today was finally erected. During that time these two books were in his possession and were probably read by him during the long lonely hours in the lighthouse. They were found in an estate sale of his descendents this past summer in Pittsfield, New Hampshire. Each is an early, original work and is signed on the frontis page in the keeper’s hand. The first is by M. Carey. THE OLIVE BRANCH or FAULTS ON BOTH SIDES, FEDERAL AND DEMOCRATIC. Concord. 1816. 468p. 7 ¼” x 5”. Original calf binding. Marked on 1st blank page - Reuben T Leavitt Pittsfield Nov 5th 1824,  then signed again – R. T. Leavitt. The second is by an unknown writer and is entitled MEMOIRS OF ANDREW JACKSON, Late Major-General and Commander in Chief of the Southern Division of the Army of the United States. Boston. 1828. 334 p. 6” x 3 ¾”. Original binding, later cloth covering, front hinge loose. Both have no missing pages but have expected wear, some torn pages, foxing or age toning. Marked on 1st blank page - Reuben T Leavitt Pittsfield Nov 5th 1824,  then signed again – R. T. Leavitt. A rare set. (G+). $148.  

Lot of 60 Lighthouse Apparatus Photographs by Chance Brothers c.1873-1881

Superb lot of 60 albumen photographs of dioptic lighthouse apparatus by Chance Brothers, Birmingham c.1873-1881. Original photographs measured 7” x 11 ½” and each was mounted on separate heavy printed catalogue page. Lot appears to have been from Chance Brothers catalogue or book of some type. An unprecedented find of early, original photographs. 

 1. For Bull Point Ilfracombe 1879.  2.  Trinity House London.  3.  Bull Point Near Ilfracombe 1879.  4. Trinity House London.  5. Vlakke Hork Sumatra 1877.  6.  Trinity House London.  7.  King Island Victoria. 8.  Boompjes Java.  9.  Point Malcolm Lake Alexandria South Australia 1877.  10.   Souter Point Coast Of North Umberland.  11. The South Stack Lower Light 1880.  12. Souter Point Coast Of Northumberland.  13.  South Stack Lower Light 1880.  14. South Foreland High Lighthouse.  15. Hooki Breaker Point Dodd Island China 1880.  16. South Foreland High Lighthouse.  17. Anvil Point Dorset 1881.  18. South Foreland Third Order.  19. Macquarie New South Wales 1881.  20. South Foreland Fixed Light.  21. Fort Cornwallis Penang Straits Settlement 1881.  22. Wolf Rock Coast Of Cornwall.  23. Wolf Rock Revolving Light.  24. Tearaght Ireland.  25. Fixed Light For Goverment Of Austria.  26. Flamborough Head Yorkshire.  27. Revolving Flamborough Head Yorkshire Coast.  28. Great Basses Rock Ceylon.  29. Gun Cay Lighthouse Bahamas.  30. Port Of Dublin.  31. Bidston Lighthouse Nr Birkenhead.  32. The Longstone Fern Island 1873.  33. North Breakwater Holy Head 1873.  34. Start Point Devon 1873.  35. Longships Lands End Cornwall 1873.  36. Lowestoft High Light Suffolk 1873.  37. Hartland Point Devon 1873.  38. Red Shades Hartland Point Devon 1873.  39. Cowan Cowan Pouint Queensland 1874.  40. Dungeness 1875.  41. Red Sectors Dungeness 1875.  42. The Little Basses Ceylon 1876.  43. The Casquets Rocks English Channel Exhibited At Brussels 1876.  44.  The Casquets Rocks Exhibited At Brussels 1876.  45. St Tudwall South Islet Wales 1876.  46.  St Tudwall Cardigan Bay 1876.  47. Dioptric Lighthouse Apparatus For Anegada De Afeura Vera Cruz.  48. Dioptric Lighthouse Apparatus For Mexico.  49. Dioptric Lighthouse Apparatus For Brazil.  50. Dioptric Lighthouse Apparatus, Condensing Light With Fixed Apparatus.  51. Dioptric Lighthouse Apparatus For Heligoland North Sea.  

# C26151. Set of 60 high quality Jpg images @ 600dpi on CD available $18.

Lighthouse Service Tender Insignia and Railing Finial.

Half figured, brass insignia, similar in look somewhat to Minot’s Ledge Light, were used by the U. S. Lighthouse Service on the bow of lighthouse tenders and a smaller version was used on the Captain’s stateroom door. Also, a similar full figured insignia was used on lighthouse lantern railings atop each post as a finial. As was common to the Service, Lighthouse Service Superintendents could also be seen to used these insignia to decorate their office. Photos exist of Superintendent Putnam with such insignia on his shelf and desk, much like 18th LH District Superintendent Harry W. Rhodes who had one on his bookshelf as well [see Ralph Shanks’ book Guardians of the Golden Gate page 59.] These insignia were once sand cast of heavy brass at the Staten Island Lighthouse Depot in New York. We have been most fortunate to find an old foundry who had the original U. S. Lighthouse Service patterns used for these insignia and who has agreed to once again cast these for us as needed. Patterns used are the actual US Lighthouse Service wooden patterns, in use since early in the last century, which produce a beautiful, heavy solid brass insignia identical to the original. On the obverse are still the identification letters "USLHS". These insignia make wonderful decorations or presentation pieces to lighthouse enthusiasts, or original mounting studs remain on the back which could be drilled and tapped to allow mounting on or beside your front door to identify your home or business. Insignia are fine grained brass and remain as they came from the foundry. These items have not yet been polished but are most presentable as is. If you have a polishing wheel with polishing rouge, with a few hours of additional effort you can bring these up to a smooth, bright finish, or for an additional fee we can have these professionally polished for you before delivery. These would make a wonderful addition to your home or office, or as a gift to your favorite Keeper.

20416. Lighthouse Tender Captain’s Stateroom Insignia. Measures 13 5/8" high by 9" wide at the base, approximately 8 lbs. Approx. $169*.

20417. Lighthouse Tender Bow Insignia. Measures 22 ¾" high by 14 ¾" wide at the base, approximately 24 lbs. Approx $349*.

20415. Lighthouse Railing Finial [used at many stations in the 1870-1920 period]. Not threaded. Measures 7" high by 3 ½" wide at the base, approximately 5 lbs. Approx. $119*.

*Pricing is dependant on market prices of brass. Please inquire for current pricing.

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.

 8228. DeWire, Elinor. GUIDE TO FLORIDA LIGHTHOUSES. Englewood , Fl., 1987. 96p. Stiff wraps. Filled with over 45 superb vintage and color photographs of some 30 Florida light stations representing many diverse styles of architecture and design. Includes a great deal of historical narrative and presents a wonderful perspective on the Light House Service in the 7th District. (VG).    $14.95.

 

6281. vanRoden, Mary. Nauset Light, A Personal History - the1875 Lightkeeper’s House and the1892 Oil House. Lyme , NH . 1995. 82pp. Soft wraps. This wonderful book by the recent owner of the Keepers Quarters at Cape Cod’s Nauset Light Station presents a personal and detailed look at life at this exposed location, as well as the action of the sea and efforts to preserve the buildings. Illustrated with wonderful detailed historical photographs, drawings and more -  wonderful reading. (M)     $19.95.  

22399d. [medal] METIS SHIPWRECK Congressional medal, bronze, 63.5mm (2 ½” ) designed by William Barber, engraved by William and Charles Barber. The steamship Metis was thrown up onto the beach off Watch Hill , RI . During a fierce storm on August 31, 1872 . While residents at the lighthouse at Watch Hill and hotels on the shore watched, survivors were “thrown” upon the beach and with lifeboats from Watch Hill and the schooner Nettie Cushing rescuing others. For their efforts, ten rescuers were named to receive gold medals. Although authorized by an Act of Congress dated February 24, 1873 , the design and minting of the medal was not completed until late in 1875. The ten gold medals were completed by August 18, 1875 with the average weight being 202.23 grams of pure gold. Metis medals in bronze were first struck for public sale during the last quarter of 1875. The obverse pictures a beautiful scene in raised relief of the lifeboat rescues underway with Watch Hill Lighthouse in the background. On the reverse is lettered: “By Resolution of Congress February 24, 1873 .” Above banded oak wreath enclosing [with space for engraving name] “For Courage and Humanity in the Saving of Life from the Wreck of the Steamer Metis on Long Island Sound August 31, 1872 .” Between inner ring and oak wreath: “W. & C. Barber.”. This medal offered here is a U. S. Mint bronze re-strike of this lovely medal in superb condition. A beautiful and worthwhile life-saving collectible.  (F-).  $158.  

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.

  

26145. (architectural reproduction prints) First U. S. Life Saving Station, Spermacetti Cove, Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Views c.1936. The Spermacetti Cove Life Saving Station built in 1848-1849 and was moved to Navasink Highlands from Sandy Hook in 1954. The station was the first government life-saving station in this country and is the oldest life-saving building still in existence. Measured and drafted in the 1930’s, the originals were produced by the Historic American Buildings Survey, National Park Service. These reproduction prints measure 11" X 17"., scale 1” = 6’. The four prints include: Print one serves as the cover page with a locus map of Sandy Hook Bay highlighting the location of the Life Saving Station. Print two includes a floor plan of the structure along with exterior elevation views of the South, West, and East side of the station. Print three includes framing elevation views, door construction, corner framing and more. Print four details some of the equipment located at the station to include the Manby Mortar, wheel ski, and Francis Metallic Life Car, rocket line apparatus, etc. Great for research or display. Set 4 prints $28. (photo not included)  

 

26159. (chart) U. S. Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau. COASTAL WARNING FACILITIES CHART. 1962. Great for framing, these charts show in good detail all of the U. S. Coast Guard light stations (lighthouses), lifeboat stations and light vessels that displayed  day and.or night weather warning signals. Also includes in color a diagram if the weather signals, as well as a complere listing of weather broadcast stations. Two color red-black maps have beautiful contrast and are perfect for framing. Pick the map of your area to locate those old Coast Guard lifeboat stations that no longer exist. Clean, crisp, with original folds but will mount nicely. All measure 12” x 19” unless otherwise noted.

a.        Eastport, Maine to Montauk Point, NY. $24

c.        Cape Hatteras, NC to Brunswick, GA. $24

d.       Eastern Florida from Brunswick, GA to Cedar Key, FL. $34

e.        Morgan City, LA to Apalachicola, FL. $24

f.         Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. 12” x 12” $16

g.       Hawaiian Islands $16

8178c. Driver, George Hibbert. CAPE-SCAPES. Boston . 1930. 62p. 12MO. A wonderful sketch of the way of life on the outer Cape Cod and the dunes in the 1930’s. Includes a particularly interesting chapter on the life at the Coast Guard station at Race point. Includes photographs of CG station and crews, breeches buoy and surfboat drill [two shown] and Race Point Light. Illustrated with 17 photographs. Clean, crisp, tight, some light sunning to spine and cover. (VG-).    $38.

 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 $ 23.

2647. (lot diagrams, operating information) Lighthouse, Stratford Shoals Light Station, Connecticut. Lot of seven items from the office of the Commander, Third Coast Guard District, detailing the site and operation of the lighting apparatus at the Stratford Shoals Light Station, Connecticut in the 1960’s. Included are: Large architectural plan of the dwelling and light tower dated September 1914 including elevation views, plan views of both floors, sectional view through the light tower and more from the Office of the Lighthouse Inspector, Third LH District, Tompkinsville, NY. 22” x 30”; Instruction sheets for Operating Aladdin Lamps; Receipt for Fourth Order lens and stand, and for brass utensils delivered to the Stratford Historical Society; Sectional drawings of various lens arrangements; misc. letters. (VG-). $110.

2647. (lot diagrams, operating information) Lighthouse, Stratford Shoals Light Station, Connecticut. Lot of seven items from the office of the Commander, Third Coast Guard District, detailing the site and operation of the lighting apparatus at the Stratford Shoals Light Station, Connecticut in the 1960’s. Included are: Large architectural plan of the dwelling and light tower dated September 1914 including elevation views, plan views of both floors, sectional view through the light tower and more from the Office of the Lighthouse Inspector, Third LH District, Tompkinsville, NY. 22” x 30”; Instruction sheets for Operating Aladdin Lamps; Receipt for Fourth Order lens and stand, and for brass utensils  delivered to the Stratford Historical Society; Sectional drawings of various lens arrangements; Misc. letters. $110.

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.

vv. Vineyard Sound Lightship. (VG+). $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.

oo. Fire Island 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.  

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. 

 8329b. Senate Ex. Doc. No. 135. LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY WITH COPYS OF REPORTS ON EXPERIMENTS RELATIVE TO THE MERITS OF LIGHTING HARBORS, &C BY COMPRESSED GAS; ALSO REGARDING THE WORKING OF THE INVENTION OF JOHN M. FOSTER…WITH DRAWINGS….. March 15, 1882. 12pp. disbound with 7 large fold-out plates detailing the buoys and gas operated lamps and compressors. Offers detailed descriptions as to the operation and construction of the gas-lighted buoys with drawings and specifications.  $48.

792g. O’Brien, T. Michael. GUARDIANS OF THE EIGHTH SEA - A HISTORY OF THE U. S. COAST GUARD ON THE GREAT LAKES . GPO. 1976. 97p. Soft wraps. 4TO. This scarce historical narrative traces the vital services performed, beginning with the Revenue Cutter Service up to the present day Coast Guard. Included are the roles of the Lighthouse and Life-Saving Services, and Steamboat Inspection Service. Well illustrated with over 90 photographs, the author presents a comprehensive history of the rescue services in this important area. (VG).  $56.

C2678. [document] U. S. Coast Guard, Return of Public Property (Apparatus, Equipment, Supplies, etc.) for the Period From July 1, 1924 to June 30, 1925 at the Cranberry Island Station, First District [Maine]. 50 pages.  9 ½” x 12”. Lengthy form contains spaces for all items needed by the station and would be filled out the hand of the Officer in Charge [Payson F. Myers] indicating the quantity of each item on hand, received, and used during the year. Each and every possible item is noted, from all sizes of brushes, to boats, burners, lamps, wicks, tools, furniture, blocks, tackle, breeches buoy, line guns, vehicles, draft animals, life belts, medicine chest, oars, shot line, paint, books and forms, and much more. Listing covers 50 pages and is a must for researchers working to properly furnish your Coast Guard or life-saving station or museum exhibit. (Photocopy, spiral bound. $11.)

 

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.

2660. (lighthouse model) HO Scale Lindberg Lighthouse Model Kit Number 70779 with working light. This is a good looking lighthouse, set on a small island with an outbuilding and small boat for the lightkeeper. This kit is brand new in the box, still wrapped in the factory cellophane. 1/82 scale. (M).  $68.  

21437f. Ryder, Richard G. OLD HARBOR STATION CAPE COD . Norwich . 1990. 1st. 128 p. Soft wraps. Extremely rare and worthwhile account of the life-savers at the Old Harbor Life Saving Station in Chatham , Mass. This detailed work is a one of a kind, chronicling not only much of the wrecks and work of the life savers, but particularly looking at each and every item and piece of equipment issued to such a station at the time. Includes a complete listing of inventory items with description and many photographs, wreck accounts, life at the station in 1904, moving the station and much more. A most interesting chronicle. (VG+).  $54.

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

 

2614. (catalogue) Bannerman, Francis. MILITARY GOODS CATALOGUE 1938 - CANNON, UNIFORMS, GATLING GUNS, AMMUNITION & RELICS. FRANCIS BANNERMAN CO. New York 1938 ed wraps 9" x 11 ½”  287pp. This extensive catalog is accompanied by the original pictorial mailing envelope (edge worn) and a 1939 correction list. Illustrated throughout. The Bannerman Company dated from the Civil War. They were the first merchants to recognize the value of surplus military goods and became the premier private arms dealer in the world. They bought 90% of the surplus from the Spanish American war and after they were told not to store the 90 tons of explosives in New York , they bought Bannerman Island on the Hudson River . The company prospered until the 1970s. Catalogues of their goods were routinely issued for almost 100 years although the quality of the printing deteriorated over the years as the staff aged and pages were reproduced. Extensively illustrated catalogue includes thousands of piostols, rifles, cannon, cartridges, uniforms, medals, swords, naval lamps, battle lanterns, life rings, binnacles and much more. Some past issues included Lyle guns, Life-Saving Service annual reports for $1 each, lighthouse items and more. Superb reading and a great reference. Pictorial paper covers and contents in good condition, age toning but clean and tight. (VG-).  $128.

23148b. Baker, T. Lindsay. LIGHTHOUSES OF TEXAS. College Station . 1991. 128 p. DJ. A significant work focuses on the history of Texas ’ ten light stations over the years. Detailed text coupled with vintage photographs present the reader with a full account of their design and construction, the engineers, inspectors, keepers and their families, repairs, their roles during the Civil War, and much more. Beautifully presented and thoroughly researched and documented. Extremely difficult to find today. (VG+).  $78 net.  

24367b na. FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING CORPS IN RHODE ISLAND, MADE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT ITS JANUARY SESSION, 1906. Providence . 1906. 36 p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with photos. 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. 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 names of organization members and their Rhode Island locations (Edgewood Yacht Club, Pawtuxet, Shawomet Beach, Phillipsdale, Esmond, Moswansicut, Woonsocket, Crescent (Amusement) Park, Olneyville, Blackamore Pond, Newport, Bristol, Rocky Point (Amusement Park), Block Island, Quonochontaug, Narragansett Pier, Warren, Mashpaug Pond, Edgewood Beach, Riverside, Lower Harbor, Greystone). Also included is the general report, first aid and drill work, efficiency, a report of an aged couple rescue of a swimmer from the sea, expenses, awards of rescue medals, inspection of apparatus, placing the apparatus and demonstrations, examination for membership, general explanation and methods recommended, resuscitation rules, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Clean, complete, unusually nice copy. Scarce first report.  (VG+). $95.  

24367d na. FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING CORPS IN RHODE ISLAND, MADE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT ITS JANUARY SESSION, 1906. Providence . 1906. 36 p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with photos. 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. 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 names of organization members and their Rhode Island locations (Edgewood Yacht Club, Pawtuxet, Shawomet Beach, Phillipsdale, Esmond, Moswansicut, Woonsocket, Crescent (Amusement) Park, Olneyville, Blackamore Pond, Newport, Bristol, Rocky Point (Amusement Park), Block Island, Quonochontaug, Narragansett Pier, Warren, Mashpaug Pond, Edgewood Beach, Riverside, Lower Harbor, Greystone). Also included is the general report, first aid and drill work, efficiency, a report of an aged couple rescue of a swimmer from the sea, expenses, awards of rescue medals, inspection of apparatus, placing the apparatus and demonstrations, examination for membership, general explanation and methods recommended, resuscitation rules, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Clean, complete, light wear. Scarce first report.  (VG). $85.  

24367c na. SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING CORPS IN RHODE ISLAND, MADE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT ITS JANUARY SESSION, 1907. Providence . 1907. 60 p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with wonderful photos of stations and equipment. 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. 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 names of organization members and their Rhode Island locations (Edgewood Yacht Club, Pawtuxet, Shawomet Beach, Phillipsdale, Esmond, Moswansicut, Woonsocket, Crescent (Amusement) Park, Olneyville, Blackamore Pond, Newport, Bristol, Rocky Point (Amusement Park), Block Island, Quonochontaug, Narragansett Pier, Warren, Mashpaug Pond, Edgewood Beach, Riverside, Lower Harbor, Greystone). Also included is the general report, first aid and drill work, efficiency, a report of an aged couple rescue of a swimmer from the sea, expenses, awards of rescue medals, inspection of apparatus, placing the apparatus and demonstrations, examination for membership, general explanation and methods recommended, resuscitation rules, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Clean, complete, unusually nice copy. Scarce second report.  (VG+). $95.  

5461. Lombard, Asa Cobb Paine. EAST OF CAPE COD . Cuttyhunk. 1976. 157 pp. The author tells the stories of ships and shipwrecks and particularly of the Life-Savers of this dangerous area. The author incorporated into this account numerous photographs and records of his grandfather, United States Life-Saving Service Warrant Officer  [1885-1921] Edward Everett Lombard who was stationed at the Cahoon’s Hollow station.  Extremely well illustrated with over 80 wonderful early photographs, one of the better accounts of the Life-Saving Service. The glass slides from which the pictures are reproduced were made from 1885 to 1900. Lombard, along with his Cahoon’s Hollow companion, Eugene Young, gave lectures at the time in the eastern part of Massachusetts describing the wrecks that occurred on Cape Cod from Monomoy to Provincetown , explaining how rescue attempts were made, and the operations of the United States Life Saving Service. The proceeds from the lectures were used to buy Station personnel the necessary extras needed to perform their duties — equipment not provided by the government. Chapters include the Wreck of the Jason, History of the Life-Saving Service, the Lifesaver’s Tools, Lifeboat Drill, Communications, Smuggler, Restoring the Apparently Drowned, Shipwrecks, the Way of the Wreckers, and more. Becoming scarce, this has always been one of the two best on Cape Cod ’s life-savers but so far has not received proper recognition. Clean, new old stock, a few with light moisture to endpapers only. (VG-F).  $27 net.  

6249k. Crowninshield, Mary Bradford. ALL AMONG THE LIGHTHOUSES or THE CRUISE OF THE GOLDENROD. Boston . 1886. 392pp. Nicely illustrated decorative colored covers. This is a story based on the operations of the U. S. Lighthouse Tender IRIS as she tended lights in the First LH District in the 1880's. Excellent b/w illustrations as well as color USLHE First District map with route indicated. Dedicated to the crew of the Tender Iris. Fine reading, should be included in every lighthouse library. Clean, tight, front hinge loose, light age toning, edge wear to wraps. A very special book, difficult to find. (G+).  $88 net.  

6249j. Crowninshield, Mary Bradford. ALL AMONG THE LIGHTHOUSES or THE CRUISE OF THE GOLDENROD. Boston . 1886. 392pp. Nicely illustrated decorative colored covers. This is a story based on the operations of the U. S. Lighthouse Tender IRIS as she tended lights in the First LH District in the 1880's. Excellent b/w illustrations as well as color USLHE First District map with route indicated. Dedicated to the crew of the Tender Iris. Fine reading, should be included in every lighthouse library. Clean, tight, hinges unusually intact, light age browning to page margins and light foxing. A very special book, difficult to find, especially in such nice condition. (VG-). $148 net.  

 

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.  

6275s. Ralph Shanks, Wick York, Lisa Woo Shanks, editor. THE U. S. LIFE-SAVING SERVICE - HEROES, RESCUES AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE EARLY COAST GUARD. 1996. Petaluma , CA. 262p. This long awaited work by Ralph Shanks and Wick York is now available. Filling a longtime void in the chronicles of the Life-Saving Service, this book is the result of two decades of research by these highly respected maritime historians. In 272 large format pages, the authors present unforgettable stories of the surfmen and their unsurpassed bravery. Unique to this work is the authors coverage of the architecture of the stations. Using over 400 rare photos from the Library of Congress and other historic sources, the authors provide a station by station look at the architectural features that make them such a unique and unforgettable piece of our history. (M).   Softcover $21.95   Hardcover (1 left) $39.95.  

 

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.

25172. [advertisement] UNITED STATES COAST GUARD - STORM WARNINGS ARE UP. Great full page b/w illustrated advertisement from 1952 magazine shows Chatham, Mass. Coast Guard CG-36500 36-foot motor lifeboat heading out on its gold medal rescue of the crew from the tanker Pendleton in February 1952. The add for International Nickel Company touts the reliability of the eras’ new metals that help the sturdy motor lifeboat continue on its mission. Quite an attractive piece for framing. Full page, clean and crisp. (VG+).  $21.

8458a,b. [model] U. S. Coast Guard 36-Foot Motor Lifeboat. c.1989. Complete unopened plastic model kit by Glencoe Models reproduces this renown rescue craft in splendid detail, including all decals and scale figures. This sturdy craft has been responsible for the rescue of hundreds of seamen and now you can build one for display on your shelves too. 1/48 scale, unassembled kit. (M). $38.

2054. [paperweight] Heavy glass paperweight featuring an early c.1890 photograph of "Life-Saving Station, Salisbury Beach, Mass." This rare item features a nice detailed sepia photo image of the Keeper and crew posed on the boat-ramp with their beach apparatus cart and surfboat. The crew is poised with the pull ropes over their shoulder while their pet dog sits faithfully at their feet. Quite rare early Life-Saving Service image and collectible, clear, crisp. Paperweight measures 4" x 2 ¾" x 1"h. (VG+). $168 net.

21514a,b. [towel] Original large U. S. Coast Guard hand or dish towel measures 23" x 36". Manufactured by Cannon Mfg., this is a bright rose on white linen and bears the large initials "U.S.C.G." on a rose colored center band. These may have been for use at the Coast Guard Academy or for use in ship’s wardrooms. A fine Coast Guard collectible for your collection or for your galley. Clean, crisp, may be unused. (F). $54 net.    

6744r,v,gg. [Topographic Plate]. COAST LINES: PART OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD MASS. US Geological Survey. c.1908. Size 10”h x 16”. Double page plate from early report. Beautiful, early, three color topographic map shows the important contours and features of the area including the Lighthouses and Life-Saving Stations, as well as roads, harbor and important features. This map includes most of the island, from Chilmark Pond and Lamberts Cove east to Oak Bluffs to the northeast and Cape Pogue to the east.  Lighthouses include Cape Pogue Light and  Edgartown Light. Also includes harbors, shoals and bars, and much more. Plate is quite desirable for framing. Unusually clean and crisp, a beautiful piece. These early coastal maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium, particularly on the Cape and the islands. (F).   $118 net.

6744s,ii. [Topographic Plate]. COAST LINES: PARTS OF PROVINCETOWN AND WELLFLEET MASS. US Geological Survey. c.1908. Size 10”h x 16”. Double page plate from early report. Beautiful, early, three color topographic map shows the important contours and features of the area including the Lighthouses and Life-Saving Stations, as well as roads, harbor and important features. This map includes all of the outer Cape from Provincetown to Bound Brook Island and Gull Pond in Wellfleet. U. S. Life-Saving Stations include Race Point, Peaked Hill Bar, High Head, Highland and Pamet River . Lighthouses include Long Point, Wood End, Race Point, and Highland Light. Also includes harbors, shoals and bars, and much more. Plate is quite desirable for framing. Unusually clean and crisp, a beautiful piece. These early coastal maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium, particularly on the Cape and the islands. (F).  $88 net.

Additional areas and locations available in same 1908 series including: Boothbay, Maine, Deer Isle, Maine, Morro Bay, Ca., Great South Bay, NY., Atlantic City, NJ., Sandy Hook, NJ., Presque Isle Bay, PA., San Francisco Bay, Ca., Bolinas Bay, Ca., Sodus Bay, NY., Cape Blanco, Or., Oceanside, Ca., Chesapeake Bay, Md., Buzzards Bay, Ma., Niagara Falls, NY., East Delta, La., Williamston, NC., St. Louis, Mo., Yosemite Valley, Ca., Yellowstone Canyon, and more. Pricing $44 - $78 each. 

21126. South Bend Replicas, Inc., CATALOGUE OF ANTIQUE/REPLICA ORDNANCE. South Bend , Indiana . 2004-2005. 130p. Soft wraps. South Bend Replicas are the manufacturers of solid-cast machine-bored cannon for display and actual firing. Included among their inventory are 1878 style Lyle gun barrels used by museums around the country to demonstrate the breeches buoy drill of former life-savers. J. Paul Barnett, owner of the company, is one of the foremost experts on the subject of cannon and particularly those developed by David Lyle. Their catalogue provides thousands of photographs and extensive text describing all manor of cannon, present day construction processes to provide authentic reproductions, and much about safety in the present day demonstrations of these pieces. Interesting reading as well as a great reference. (M). $10. 

2551. (Fresnel lens) QUALITY RUBY RED GLASS FRESNEL LENS.  Beautiful Fresnel type lenses were used in lamps and lanterns and would make wonderful lenses for your model lighthouse or lantern. Lenses are vintage railroad lantern lenses and are a beautiful ruby red. Marked “No. 4 Fresnel Embury Mfg Co., Warsaw, NY.”  Entirely intact and clean, few if any small chips. A great piece, perfect for use in your own lawn  lighthouse or for display. 2 9/16” ID, 3 1/8” OD, 3 3/16” high.  8 available. $22 each.

 

24163. Field, Van R. and John J. Galluzzo., NEW JERSEY COAST GUARD STATIONS AND RUMRUNNERS. 2004. 128p. 200 vintage photographs. Published as part of the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing. New Jersey ’s low-lying, sandy coast has been the scene of thousands of shipwrecks over the years as ships bound for New York foundered on its offshore shoals. Using a collection of over 200 early photographs dating from the early Coast Guard era, the well known authors paint a picture of early Coast Guard life, the work of the beach patrol, and much more. Filled with superb images of the early stations and their crews, surfboats and much more. Well done, a fine addition to your library. (M). $19.99.

23384. [Framed Lighthouse Prints ] Here is a pair of nicely framed lighthouse prints that were taken from early woodcut engravings. We are not certain of the date on these items but we believe that they may be earlier and possibly framed in the 1970's-1980's. The first print is titled Phare d'Edystonel, and the second print is titled Minot's Ledge Lighthouse. The detailing on these prints is fantastic! These prints are matted and presented in handsome frames with antique style molding and wood design finish. Both frames are complete with glass,  paper backings and wire for hanging attached, and are ready for immediate display upon arrival. On the edges of the frames there are a few minor areas that need to be retouched but overall, both frames are in EXTREMELY GOOD CONDITION! These items would look exceptionally nice displayed together in your home, or office, or would make a charming gift for any collector of lighthouses!  Overall Size: Approximately 14" x 18 1/4".  (VG+).                                                                     Set 2 framed prints: $126 net.

U. S. Light-House Service District Charts

20178. [Light-House District Maps]. U. S. Light-House Service. c. 1900-1908. A rare opportunity to obtain an official U. S. Light-House Service District charts of all district aids to navigation as bound in their Annual Reports. Normally these charts are included within the Annual Reports and we are unable to offer them separately but we have found a lot of disbound charts in wonderful condition. These are perfect for matting and framing for your wall. Charts detail the entire Light-House District in three colors, and show all lighthouses, beacons, light vessels, fog signals, lighted buoys, Light-House Depots, and more. Charts average about 16" x 20" in size and are clean and crisp, with only light original folds. A rare chance to obtain the chart of your District, ideal for framing. (VG+).

UNITED STATES. Outline Map shows all of the United States Light-House Districts with the more important lights noted. Includes all of continental United States and Alaska. $88.

FIRST LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From the head of navigation on the St. Croix River, Maine to Hampton Harbor, New Hampshire. Includes all of Maine and New Hampshire. $88.

SECOND LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Hampton Harbor, New Hampshire to Elisha Ledge off Warren, Rhode Island. Includes all of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. $88.

THIRD LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Elisha Ledge off Warren, Rhode Island to and including a point on the coast of New Jersey opposite Shrewsbury Rocks. $88.

PART OF THE THIRD LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Includes all of Lake Champlain. $44.

FOURTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From a point on the coast of New Jersey opposite Shrewsbury Rocks to and including Metomkin Inlet, Virginia. Includes New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. $88.

FIFTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Metomkin Inlet, Virginia to and including New River Inlet, North Carolina. $88.

SIXTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From New River Inlet, North Carolina to and including Jupiter Inlet Light-Station, Florida. Includes part of North Carolina, all of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida between the limits named. $88.

SEVENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From a point south of Jupiter Inlet Light-Station to Perdido Entrance, Florida. Includes all of the sea and Gulf Coasts of Florida. $88.

EIGHTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Perdido Entrance, Florida to the southern boundary of Texas. Includes all of the Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi River. $88.

NINTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Includes all of Lake Michigan, Green Bay and tributary waters. $88.

TENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends from the mouth of the St. Regis River, St. Lawrence River, New York to the mouth of the River Rouge, Detroit River, Michigan. Includes the waters of Lakes Erie and Ontario, and the upper part of the St. Lawrence, the Niagara, and the lower part of the Detroit rivers. $78.

ELEVENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends from the mouth of the River Rouge, Detroit River, Michigan to the westerly end of Lake Superior including the waters of Lake St, Clair, Huron, and Superior and the upper part of the Detroit River, the St. Clair and St. Mary’s Rivers, and part of the Straits of Mackinac. $78.

TWELFTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From the boundary between California and Mexico to the boundary between California and Oregon. $88.

THIRTEENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From the boundary between California and Oregon to the northern boundary of the United States and includes Alaska. Includes all of Oregon and Washington, and Alaskan waters. $88.

FOURTEENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends on the Ohio River from Pittsburgh, Pa., to Cairo, Ill., on the Tennessee River 255 miles, and on the Great Kanawha 73 miles. $54.

FIFTEENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends on the Mississippi River from the head of navigation to Cairo, Ill., and on the Missouri River to Kansas City, Mo., and on the Illinois River from LaSalle to its mouth. $54.

SIXTEENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends on the Mississippi River from the head of navigation to Cairo, Ill., to New Orleans, La., and on the Red River. $54.

LIGHT-HOUSE CHART. Includes West Indies between the Mona and Virgin Passages comprising Puerto Rico and dependencies, and all of the Hawaiian Islands. $38.

2319. [model] U. S. Coast Guard #44329 44-Foot Motor Lifeboat. Complete unopened wooden model kit by Billing Models reproduces this renown rescue craft in splendid detail, including all decals and scale figures. The 44-foot motor lifeboat is a very seaworthy lifeboat, designed to carry out search and rescue assignments in poor weather and heavy sea conditions. With a skilled and experienced crew, this vessel can carry out the most demanding of rescue operations and has been responsible for the rescue of hundreds of seamen. The 44329 is self-righting and was built in 1961 at the Coast Guard shipyard in Curtis Bay, Maryland. This is a brand new Billing Boats #100 U.S. Coast Guard life boat model in the original box, unassembled. This is a do-it-yourself kit with wooden and plastic and metal parts. The 1:40 Scale model , when completed is 36.3 cm. long X 23.6 cm. Tall X 10.7 cm. wide. Most Billing Boats kits are cut using modern laser technology for the manufacture of both brass and plastic fittings. Billing Boats kits are complete with fittings, detailed drawings and assembly instructions. Unassembled kit, sealed box, new. (M). $124.

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 5% sales tax.

 

Page updated July 03, 2009 .

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 . 07/03/2009 All rights reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.

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