32100. (document/stationery) Coston Supply Company c.1916.
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32100. (document/stationery) Coston Supply Company c.1916.
32100. (document/stationery) Coston Supply Company c.1916. Wonderful original typed letter on official Coston Supply Company stationery acknowledging an order for ring buoys and buoy lights. The lovely vignette takes up half the sheet and would be just beautiful framed. Dated April 24, 1916. The Coston Supply Company dealt in Steamship and Contractor Supplies, and was best known for the development of maritime signal flares and line guns and worked closely with the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. Martha Coston perfected and then patented her deceased husband’s idea for a pyrotechnic flare. Coston’s husband, a former naval scientist, died leaving behind only a rough sketch in a diary of plans for the flares. Her system of signal flares based on color and pattern, using various color combinations made ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication possible. In addition their hand-held flares were used extensively by the Life Saving Service, Revenue Cutter Service and early Coast Guard. As of the late 1970s, the Coston Supply Company established by Mrs. Coston remained in business. A rare Coston piece and a charming item for your display. 8 ½” x 11”. (VG+). $24.