22387d. [original lithograph, framed] IRON LIGHT HOUSE ON MINOTS LEDGE MASSACHUSETTS BAY FROM A DRAWING FOR WHICH A PREMIUM WAS AWARDED…. LIGHTED FIRST TIME JAN’Y 1ST 1850. BUILT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF CAPT. W. H. SWIFT, LATE OF UNITED STATES ENGINEERS. Swett & Powers, Litghographers, Boston . 1850. 16” x 21” in original 18” x 23” early wood frame. 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. Minot’s Ledge was a wild and dreary spot on stormy nights and one would think it difficult to find keepers, yet in 1847 there 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.” However 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. Can be left in original frame or matted and re-framed for an even better presentation. In old wood frame with wooden back. Print is overall clean and bright, but with some age toning, a fewsmall spots or soil inside glass or on print. Still unusually good condition for the age. A wonderful find! (VG-). $685.