26286f. United States Lighthouse Establishment, Brass Light-House Keeper’s Service Basket with Accessories c.1870’s -1890’s.
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26286f. United States Lighthouse Establishment, Brass Light-House Keeper’s Service Basket with Accessories c.1870’s -1890’s.
26286f. United States Lighthouse Establishment, Brass Light-House Keeper’s Service Basket with Accessories c.1870’s -1890’s. This extremely rare brass basket was used by Keepers of the Light-House Establishment to carry wick trimming and cleaning tools to the lantern with which to trim and maintain the lamps and clean the lens. The basket is entirely of brass, and in clean condition with few marks. Basket measures 12 ½” from end to end and approx. 9” across, 7 ½” high to top of handle. The basket has two hinged lids, meeting in the center near the handle. Inside the basket are original compartments for cleaning tools and supplies. This extremely rare service basket bears original stamping “ U. S. LIGHT HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT” on one lid, and oval stamp “ U. S. LIGHTHOUSE DEPOT, 3 DIST., LAMP SHOP, STATEN ISLAND , NY ” on the second lid. On one side there were attached two brass loops for holding the keeper’s cleaning cloths but as with many that we find, these were long ago broken off as they were quite delicate. On the underside of the box are three of the four original 1 ½” diameter applied feet. Inside is a rectangular box with lid, and space for rouge and brass wick container (included). Also in the corner container is an original wax candle, likely used to light the lamp from. IN ADDITION, this basket includes the original wick container, and one original United States Lighthouse Establishment Linen Lens Cleaning Cloth. The extremely rare brass rolled wick container was one of the fixtures kept in the keeper’s service basket in the specially fitted round fitted bracket, for storage of rolled wick. The round container measures 5 3/8” in diameter by 1 ¼” high, with a delicate 1” round handle. The linen United States Lighthouse Establishment Linen Lens Cleaning Cloth c.1870-1900 was carried in the loops on the Keeper’s Service Basket. Such cloths are rarely found – this is an extraordinary item. Measures 24″ x 36″. Marked in large letters in circular pattern “UNITED STATES LIGHT HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT”. Basket is complete save the two brass loops for the cleaning cloths. Markings are crisp and clear. One of the brass feet on the bottom is missing. Covers open but one hinge has parted. One corner is also open at one solder joint. Still a very nice example of this rare service basket. THIS IS THE MOST COMPLETE SET THAT I HAVE EVER FOUND – AN EXTREMELY RARE FIND IN GOOD CONDITION ! (4 pieces) (VG). Set $5,995. (no discounts apply).