We offer the largest and most complete selection of Antiques of the U.S. Lighthouse Service, Life Saving Service, Revenue Cutter Service, U. S. Coast Guard to be found anywhere.

29185. Tougias, Michael J and Casey Sherman. The Finest Hours - The True Story of the U.S. Coast Guard's Most Daring Sea Rescue. Simon and Schuster. 2009. 224p. DJ. In the winter of 1952, New England was battered by the most brutal nor'easter in years. As the weather wreaked havoc on land, the freezing Atlantic became a wind-whipped zone of peril. In the early hours of Monday, February 18, while the storm raged, two oil tankers, the Pendleton and the Fort Mercer, found themselves in the same horrifying predicament. Built with "dirty steel," and not prepared to withstand such ferocious seas, both tankers split in two, leaving the dozens of men on board utterly at the Atlantic's mercy. The Finest Hours is the gripping, true story of the valiant attempt to rescue the souls huddling inside the broken halves of the two ships. Coast Guard cutters raced to the aid of those on the Fort Mercer, and when it became apparent that the halves of the Pendleton were in danger of capsizing, the Guard sent out two thirty-six-foot lifeboats as well. These wooden boats, manned by only four seamen each, were dwarfed by the enormous seventy-foot seas. As the tiny rescue vessels set out from the coast of Cape Cod, the men aboard were all fully aware that they were embarking on what could easily become a suicide mission. The spellbinding tale is overflowing with breathtaking scenes that sear themselves into the mind's eye, as boats capsize, bows and sterns crash into one another, and men hurl themselves into the raging sea in their terrifying battle for survival. Not all of the eighty-four men caught at sea in the midst of that brutal storm survived, but considering the odds, it's a miracle -- and a testament to their bravery -- that any came home to tell their tales at all. (M). $24.95.

27416. (panoramic photo) Race Point Light Station 2007 by James Claflin. Lovely full 42” long, 4” wide panoramic photo provides a lovely view of the area surrounding the Race Point lighthouse. Taken from the lighthouse gallery, this unusual view includes the Light Keeper’s house, whistle house, oil house, Hatch’s Harbor and the entire surrounding dune and ocean area in a 360 degree view. A spectacular scene, this unusual photo print will be striking when matted and framed. Shipped rolled. (M). $59.95 plus $6 postage.

Reproduction of the Original United States Life Saving Service Pennant.

Treat your family to this replica of the official sewn U. S. Life Saving Service flag. Flag is professionally made of high quality flag material, with sewn hem and brass grommets for attaching to halyard. Professionally made and will last longer than most others that you may find. Our pennants are flown at stations across the country as well on vessels of the U. S. Coast Guard and have received the highest praise. 

27463. [reproduction] U. S. Life Saving Service Station Flag. This triangular station flag measures 48” long by 24” and is typical of the flags once flown at Life Saving Service stations to identify them as such to vessels at sea. The flag is of the standard design instituted by General Superintendent Sumner I Kimball, with blue, white and red fields and one white star. $79.95.

Special Purchase Sale:

9496. Peterson, Douglas, (U.S.C.G. Retired) U. S. LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE TENDERS. Eastwind Publishing. 2000. 169p. DJ. This is the first book to feature all of the lighthouse tenders and auxiliary craft of the United States Lighthouse service from 1840 until 1939. Lighthouse Tenders, the lifeline to the keepers of America's lighthouses and lightships, towed lightships, tended buoys, carried necessities and saved lives day and night, in weather fair or foul. Without these services the keepers of America 's lighthouses and lightships could not have survived. More than 150 years ago the first tender was launched, to be followed by 300 ships of varying design used for lighthouse service-all of which are presented in this thoroughly researched book. Vintage photographs, drawings, plans and statistics illustrate the historic profile of each ship. This long awaited book recognizes these often overlooked ships of the U.S. Lighthouse Service and their important contribution to America 's maritime heritage. 9.5"x9.5", hardbound. 175+ b/w photos and plans. Retail priced at $39.95.                  Our special purchase price $28.95.

27301. Rongner, George E. LIFE ABOARD A COAST GUARD LIGHTSHIP. Infinity Publishing. 2007. 247p. Soft wraps. George E. Rongner served 32 years in the U. S. Coast Guard, enlisting as a surfman and rising to Chief Warrant Officer. One of his many assignments included ass Officer in Charge, Buzzards Bay Lightship. His readable account chronicles the ceaseless dangers and constant tedium experienced by the men living closely together at sea for such lengthy periods of time. He describes as no outsider can, how they reacted to the routine, the piercing emanations of the fog signal, and the perils from storms and passing vessels. Former lightship sailor and anyone interested in the sea, will enjoy this look into the everyday life aboard a Coast Guard Lightship. Nicely done, a great read. (M).  $14.95.

2789. THEY HAD TO GO OUT – True Stories of America’s Coastal Life Savers From The Pages of “Wreck & Rescue Journal”. Gwinn. 2007. Forward by Fred Stonehouse. 208p. Soft wraps. They Had to Go Out represents an unprecedented gathering works of talented historians working in the field of Life Saving Service history, taken from the pages of Wreck & Rescue Journal. Included are the writings of Ralph Shanks, Fred Stonehouse, Dennis L. Noble, Maurice Gibbs, and John Galluzzo. The stories reach from Massachusetts to Michigan to Washington, covering some of the accounts of bravado and selflessness of the men of the U. S. Life Saving Service, shedding more light on perhaps the most exciting aspect of America’s maritime history. (M). Published at $16.95. Our price $15.95.

2836. Historic Fire at First Unitarian Church of Northborough, Massachusetts 1945. Life Magazine October 9, 1950. For 137 years the First Unitarian Church of Northborough, Mass. had stood as a historic example of colonial architecture. In its belfry was the faithful town clock and a bell, made by Paul Revere's foundry, which had been rung at the death of every President after Washington. At 2:30 on the Saturday morning of Dec. 22,1945, a motorist driving along the Old Post Road saw orange flames leaping from the church's windows. He stopped his car and called the local fire department. When the firemen arrived they found that the flames, which had apparently spread from an oil stove in the women's parlor, were out of control. Dana Martin, an amateur photographer who lived across the street, rushed over to take this picture just as the fire reached the belfry. By dawn, despite the help of firemen from three neighboring towns, the church was a pile of ashes. The next day the congregation had their Christmas service in Northborough's Grange Hall and decided to start rebuilding, using as a model the church they had just lost. Superb photo of the fully involved New England church is accompanied by six additional photo and article. Full issue, clean and tight, light wear. (VG) $24. 

25365. Harbour Lights Yorktown Lightship Lens Replica. The newest lens from Harbour Lights is a "must-have" for collectors! This unique design, with roof and doors that really open, is representative of a lightship lens innovation. The original lens can be viewed at the Coast Guard Training Facility at Yorktown , Virginia . Limited to 4,000 pieces, this lighted acrylic replica comes with a wood-like display base and plug-in AC adapter. Also uses 2 "AA" batteries (not included) to light up. Striking when lit. 7" x 5".  Style HL675. New in original box and packing. (M).  $79.95.

24389. Clifford, J. Candace and Mary Louise Clifford. MAINE LIGHTHOUSES: DOCUMENTATION OF THEIR PAST. Alexandria. 2004. 220 p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with 156 historic black and white photographs. Some 67 light stations with resident keepers were built to aid shipping along Maine’s rocky coastline between 1791, when the tower at Portland Head was lit, and 1910, when the last traditional lighthouse was established at Whitlock Mills. Maine Lighthouses: Documentation of Their Past differs from other books about Maine lights in being based almost entirely on primary sources. This book is almost entirely based on research the authors conducted on Maine lighthouses in the National Archives. The authors combed the lighthouse collection in the National Archives for original records that describe how the site was selected, the construction of the tower and auxiliary buildings, the appointment of keepers, the damage to the station done by weather, and the repairs and reconstruction needed as the decades slid by. Log books tell us about the daily lives of keepers; correspondence with engineers and inspection reports detail the physical evolution of each station; and communication with Federal officials indicates how the Lighthouse Establishment was administered. Extremely well done – an important reference as well as a joy to look through.  Filled with wonderful old photographs of equipment including the lenses and lantern room, keepers, early stations and more. (M). Published at $22.95. Our price $19.95.  

26315. Wermiel, Sara E. LIGHTHOUSES: Norton/Library of Congress Visual Sourcebooks in Architecture, Design & Engineering. New York. 2006. 384 p. DJ. This pictorial survey of the icon of steadfastness and strength: the American lighthouse, is the newest addition to the Norton/Library of Congress series. This abundantly illustrated book conveys the romance and beauty of lighthouses and beacons while explaining the development of the forms, materials, architecture, and engineering of their structure: wood, masonry, cast-iron plate, on- and off-shore skeletal, caisson, and reinforced concrete. It covers lighthouses from all parts of the United States from the late eighteenth century to the 1940s, when control of lighthouses was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard. Numerous images of lighthouses from coast to coast provide examples of striking design and setting, celebrate technological achievement and the work of important engineers, and include associated structures such as keepers' quarters, fog signal buildings, boathouses and boat railroads, cistern buildings, barns, and workshops, as well as interiors and working details of the light mechanisms. With over 1200 illustrations, many of rarely seen views, this is sure to be one of the better books this year. Includes CD-ROM containing all of the images shown in the book for even better viewing. (M). Publisher’s price $75. Our price $69.95. (just arrived)

26246. [Reproduction SURFMAN’S CHECK] Replica United States Life Saving Service "SURFMAN’S CHECK” replicates those issued in the Nineteenth Century to surfmen patrolling the beach. This check, based on an original hanging in the CO’s office at the Coast Guard motor lifeboat station in Chatham on Cape Cod, reads: U.S. * LIFE-SAVING SERVICE * DISTRICT No.2 * OLD HARBOR * SURFMAN No.4. The check is made of brass and has a beautiful polish and black paint-filled lettering. Each surfman, during his nightly beach patrol, would exchange his “check” with that from the neighboring station, thus proving that he had completed his assigned patrol. This high quality replica is on heavy brass and would be perfect for display, as a watch fob or as a gift. Measures 2 1/8” high by 2” wide. (M). $9.95.  

26262. U. S. Coast Guard Surfman Wood Wall Plaque. The beautiful plaques are individually made from real wood -  the stain and varnish finish is superb. The perfect gift, plaque is ready for display and looks outstanding displayed on any wall, be it home or office. The plaque is fairly large, measuring approximately 16" x 14" x 1”. (shown) (M).  $85.

 Coast Guard E-7,E-8 or E-9 Anchors. $55 Ea. (shown)

 Many others available on our New Items page. 

26143. Porter, Jane Molloy. FRIENDLY EDIFICES: PISCATAQUA LIGHTHOUSES AND OTHER AIDS TO NAVIGATION 1771-1939. Portsmouth. 2006. 568 pp. Cloth covered. 168 illustrations. The five lighthouses of the Piscataqua region of New Hampshire and Maine are among the most admired structures of their type in America - Nubble Light, York, Maine; Boon Island Light, Maine; Whale’s Back Light, Kittery, Maine; White Island Light, Rye, New Hampshire; Fort Constitution Light, New Castle, New Hampshire. The construction of a lighthouse is not a simple matter. In addition to being able to project a warning light, the structure also must be able to withstand the foul coastal weather, especially here where the North Atlantic brings crashing waves and strong winds. Before a lighthouse could be built, funds had to be authorized usually from public sources, and politicians, whether local or state or national, had to be convinced that the expenditure is warranted. After lighthouse specifications were written, contractors had to carry out those plans. Bricks, wood, iron, and steel have supported the local lights for centuries, although four of the five lighthouses have been replaced at least once. Finally, the lights had to be maintained, a task originally charged to a keeper and often his family lived with him. In addition to the extensive details about lighthouse construction, maintenance, and operation, the author also discusses the design and placement of various aids to navigation, such as the river and ocean buoys that protect mariners from hidden rocks and ledges, fog signals, and breakwaters that created safe harbors. Chock full of superb information, vintage as well as color images and much more will keep you engrossed for many hours. If you get only one book this year, this should be the one. (M). Published at $34.95. Our price $32.95.  

United States Light House Establishment Reproduction Banjo Clock  

Light House Establishment Reproduction Banjo Clock With Featured Reverse Painted Glasses By noted artist Tom Moberg.  Please see our New Items page for more details. One special piece available at special price - please inquire. 

Special purchase. 26114. (Fine art print) The Point Allerton Life Saving Station at Hull, Massachusetts by Donna Elias. 8” x 20”. New, ready to frame print by acclaimed maritime artist Donna Elias presents a wonderful water color-like view of the Bibb #2-Type station built in 1890 on the beach at Nantasket, Massachusetts. Artist Donna Elias began painting for lighthouse prints since the 1980’s. Donna’s lighthouse work continues and today she has completed an astonishing 250 paintings. To accompany her lighthouse collection, she has created “Heroes of the American Coast”, a series of paintings celebrating the US Lifesaving Service, the forerunner of the Coast Guard, and the sister service of the lighthouse service. Only a hundred or so of these historic structures survive today and the stories of the heroic lifesavers that worked these stations are fascinating. All are in brand new excellent condition. These superb prints regularly retail for up to $15.00 each! Our price $6.95.

We now have in stock United States Lighthouse Service, Life-Saving Service and Anchor (Navy style) Logo Dinnerware. Referred to as the “Navy Blue Collection”, this line of dinnerware is made to military specifications. Please click on our New Items page for more information.

25355. Replica U. S. Lighthouse Service Helmet Insignia. Perfect for your cap or lapel. Replica of keeper’s insignia from the 1880’s depicts a granite lighthouse tower on crossed spar and whistling buoys. Although this insignia was intended for the helmet of the watchmen at lighthouse depots, many of the keeper’s of the day wore it as well With clutch back, perfect to use on your cap, lapel or on your uniform. 1 ¼”. (M). $8.95  

25356. Enamel U. S. Lighthouse Service Flag Lapel Pin. Perfect for your cap or lapel. Enamel lapel pin includes the triangular Lighthouse Service flag on a white rectangular background. With the words “U. S. Lighthouse Service Flag. With clutch back, perfect to use on your cap, lapel or on your uniform. ” ¾” x 7/8”.  (M). $3.95

Say "Hello" to your Favorite Lighthouse Keeper with our Reproduction of the Original United States Lighthouse Service Triangular Station Flag.

20418. [flag] U. S. Lighthouse Service flag. Treat your family to these replicas of the official sewn U. S. Lighthouse Service flag. Flag is professionally made of high quality flag material, with sewn hem and brass grommets for attaching to halyard. Professionally made and will last for some time to come. U. S. Lighthouse Service Station Flag. This triangular station flag measures 48” long by 25” and is typical of the flags once flown on Lighthouse Service vessels and at the light stations for over one hundred years. Today our flags are flown by the US Coast Guard on buoy tenders, museums and collectors alike. The flag is of the standard design, with red border on a field of white, with a large blue lighthouse silhouette.  (shown above) $79.95.

Photo courtesy Chad Kaiser, U.S.L.H.S.

Our flag shown flying at the headquarters of the United States Lighthouse Society headquarters at Point No Point Lighthouse, Washington.

21426. . [reproduction] U. S. Lighthouse Service District Superintendent’s Flag. This rectangular flag measures 48” long by 24” and is typical of the flags once flown on Lighthouse Service Tenders when the District Superintendent was on board. The flag is of the standard design, with navy blue border on a field of white, with a large blue lighthouse silhouette. $79.95.  

21425. [reproduction] U. S. Lighthouse Service District Inspector’s Flag. This triangular flag measures 48” long by 25” and is typical of the flags once flown on Lighthouse Service Tenders when the District Inspector was on board. The flag is of the standard design, with navy blue border on a field of white, with a large blue lighthouse silhouette.  $79.95.

   Bruce Roberts has been a well known and respected lighthouse historian, photographer and author since the subject gained the nation’s interest in the 1980’s.  His renowned lighthouse photography has appeared in hundreds of books and magazines including Southern Lighthouses and American Lighthouses.  

We have been most fortunate to obtain from Mr. Roberts a selection of his early lighthouse photographs to offer here. Please see our Photos page. 

Wanted Antiques, Photos, Documents and other items

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.

 V-02. [print] Large 14” x 20” b/w print taken from original lithograph of Minot’s Ledge Light House c.1903. Taken from the original illustration by artist William P. Bodwell, the original of this exquisite poster was issued by a teacher's journal in October 1903. The text gives basic facts about this historic lighthouse, designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, that was completed Sept. 16, 1860, replacing the earlier lighthouse that came down in a storm in 1851. As this lighthouse is still in existence, but closed to the public, appreciators of its historical importance can have a rare glimpse of the interior as of 100 years ago, with resident lighthouse keeper, by the following illustrations: First Structure on Minot's Ledge (sitting on delicate framework); Minots Ledge Lighthouse - Low Tide; Trial Foundations - Cohasset (where the lighthouse was set up, showing cottages on shore and lighthouse in distance); Keepers' Cottages Gov't. Island; A Convenient Stairway ( the keeper greets a visitor who's climbing the stairs); Looking Homeward - The Little Ones (the uniformed keeper scans the shore with a telescope, lifeboat nearby); The Entrance - Looking Out (view of area just inside the entrance); Night Duty - The Watchroom (the keeper reads a paper by the cast iron heater, and view of some machinery with wheel); Lighting Up (keeper adjusts the lamp mechanism); On the Parapet - The Fog-Bell (view of bell on walkway, keeper standing by looking at sailboats in the distance); The Storeroom - The Well (a view of a small room with tiny open window and a round trap door in the floor); Kitchen and Dining Room (view of wooden sink and cast iron range stove; The Captain's Sleeping Room; A Summer Visitor (woman in turn of the century clothing sitting in a chair, which is being lowered by a rope or chain); Sectional View (cross section view showing number of floors, stair turns, lamp mechanism, number of feet between levels). At lower right corner it says "Illustrated by Wm. P. Bodwell. Minot's Light. 1896." with facsimile of his signature. Bodwell (1852-1940) painted maritime subjects over the years. This superb rendition provides possibly the only views of the interior of this noted beacon and is perfect for framing. Printed on a beautiful buff woven stock, this would look wonderful framed for a display or wall decoration. (M). $15.95 each.

For additional prints, see "Engravings" page.

2589. Buchholz, Margaret Thomas. NEW JERSEY SHIPWRECKS – 350 Years in the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Harvey Cedars. 2004. 200 p. New Jersey Shipwrecks takes us on a gripping voyage through the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” a name bestowed upon the state’s treacherous shoals and inlets. From the days of sail to steam and oil, ships (and even submarines) have been drawn to this coast and, for thousands of vessels, it became their final resting-place. Early rescuers braved the seas, rowing small boats, using simple buoys and rope to help the wreck victims. Quoting from original documents, letters and reports, Shipwrecks reveals the sense of duty and service which prevailed in these brave rescuers; many devoted their lives — literally — to help save the men and women whose own lives were turned upside down in stormy Atlantic waters. From the early wrecks of the 18th century to the present day, the life-and-death drama of maritime disasters is captured in Shipwrecks, along with the history of the U. S. Lifesaving Service (later to become the Coast Guard), lighthouses, legends, and true accounts of heroism. One hundred and forty-two historic photographs and illustrations are included in this large-format hardcover. The book includes a listing of hundreds of other wrecks along the Jersey Shore. (M). Published at $44. Our Price $40.95.  

Scarce, original United States Lighthouse Service China  

Rare album of 35 original 6” x 7 ½” photographs by Photographer J. F. Ford, presented to Captain Joseph H. Harriman of Light Ship No. 50 on July 18, 1901.    

For more information, please see our Photos page. 

8207. Chenery, Richard L. III., OLD COAST GUARD STATIONS VOLUME I – VIRGINIA: POPES ISLAND TO FALSE CAPE . 2004. 2nd.  94p. Soft wraps. 70 photographs and illustrations. Just Released by well known author Richard L. Chenery, III. In this first of a series, Mr. Chenery provides wonderful details about the little known early years of the Coast Guard. Included are recollections of veteran surfmen, surfmen’s uniform and insignia, beach apparatus drills, covers the Early Coast Period from 1915 to early 1960’s, details surfboats, motor lifeboats and DUKWs, pulling boat drills and races, WW II beach patrols, Life-Saving Branch, and much more…Mr Chenery has been researching the early Coast Guard for a number of years and has a particularly fine knowledge of early uniforms and insignia, as well as stations and equipment. In Volume I he covers the lifeboat stations in Virginia in wonderful detail, with excellent photos and illustrations, many never before published. 8 ½” x 11”. A MUST for your library !              Retail priced at only $17.95.

20248. Chenery, Richard L. III., OLD COAST GUARD STATIONSVOLUME II – NORTH CAROLINA. 2004. 2nd.  123p. Soft wraps. 113 photographs and illustrations, with 2 maps of North Carolina lifeboat station locations. Just Released by well known author Richard L. Chenery, III. In this second in the series, Mr. Chenery provides covers all 29 of the old lifeboat stations along this section of coastline. Included are wonderful details about the little known early years of the Coast Guard along the North Carolina coast. Included are recollections of veteran surfmen, surfmen’s uniform and insignia, beach apparatus drills, covers the Early Coast Period from 1915 to the 1950’s, details surfboats, motor lifeboats and DUKWs, award of gold and silver lifesaving medals, Coast Guard Day surfboat races, heroic rescues, the last breeches buoy rescue in North Carolina, WW II beach patrols, Life-Saving Branch, and much more…Mr Chenery has been researching the early Coast Guard for a number of years and has a particularly fine knowledge of early uniforms and insignia, as well as stations and equipment. In Volume I Mr. Chenery covered the lifeboat stations in Virginia in wonderful detail, with excellent photos and illustrations, many never before published. 8 ½” x 11”. A MUST for your library !       Retail priced at only $17.95.  

2338b. Grant, John. STAYING AT A LIGHTHOUSE - America 's Most Romantic Lighthouse Inns. Guilford . 2005. 104 p. Soft wraps. New Updated edition. Whether they were abandoned long ago or still stand as beacons in the fog, hundreds of lighthouses decorate the beautiful shores of North America . But only a few invite people to stay the night. Staying at a Lighthouse visits these unique overnight havens, offering a personal tour of the most sought-after landmarks in the country. A few of them operate as grand bed-and-breakfast inns. Others provide a more rustic experience, offering guests a retreat from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. Still others allow visitors to assume the role of lighthouse keeper for a short time. But they all provide an experience that is romantic, renewing, and above all, memorable. Readers can step back in time at these and many other coastal towers: • Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon • East Brother Light Station, California • Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn, Michigan • Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island • Saugerties Lighthouse, New York • Race Point Lighthouse, Massachusetts • Monomoy Point Lighthouse, Massachusetts • The Keeper's House Inn, Maine Information provided in each profile includes history of the lighthouse and the area, background of the present-day keepers, and a description of the accommodations and the guest experience, plus all pertinent practical contact details. (M). $11.95.

Free shipping in U.S. on all orders from our Recent Release books page over $75.

23525. Claflin, James W. HISTORIC NANTUCKET LIGHTHOUSES: Sankaty Head. A History of Nantucket’s Lighthouse on Sankaty Head. Worcester. 2003. 65 pages, soft wraps, approximately 27 vintage black and white photographs, fold-out map. SPECIAL EDITION: First 500 copies signed and numbered with artifact from Sankaty Head Lighthouse included. Historic Nantucket Lighthouses: Sankaty Head is the second in a series of booklets that tell the story of historic lighthouses and life-saving stations along the New England Coast. A lighthouse has stood on Sankaty Head near the village of Siasconset since 1850, the third such aid built on the island. Three lighthouses have watched over Great Point, and nine have stood on Brant Point since the first was lit on the island in 1746. In addition, other beacons were constructed on the Jetties Beach and in the harbor as additional aids to vessels approaching the harbor. However, numerous pitfalls were to befall the keepers as fire and the ravages of weather would torment them for years. With thousands of vessels plying the dangerous waters, the chance of a shipping disaster was always great. Hundreds of shipwrecks did indeed occur off the coast with startling losses. Using descriptive text and a variety of vintage images from private as well as museum collections, we get a rare glimpse into the history of the area and the lives of these dedicated government men and women. Author James Claflin combines an extensively researched text with his exquisite collection of vintage photographs, many previously unpublished, to tell the story of this important landmark. (M). $8.95

Also available: Brant Point Lighthouse, Race Point Lighthouse and more...

Additional titles including: Great Point Lighthouse, Sankaty Head Lighthouse, Brant Point Lighthouse, Nantucket Lightship, Surfside Life-Saving Station

 

We are now proud to offer:

Original Watercolor Paintings of Lightships, Naval and Commercial Vessels by Mr. Gerald Levey - listed American Artist.

Gerald Levey is a nationally recognized marine artist whose work is known for its salty ambiance and authenticity. For the past fifteen years, Mr. Levey has worked in the marine watercolor genre, specializing in paintings of merchant ships, water craft, and naval vessels of the Twentieth Century. Levey's works have been exhibited widely in galleries and museums on both coasts and his work has appeared in national exhibits of the American Society of Marine Artists held at the Mariners Museum at Newport News, Virginia, and at the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore, Maryland. Levey has been designated a Navy and Coast Guard artist and is listed in the "Dictionary of Sea Painters of Europe and America," the authoritative compilation of marine artist of the 15th through 20th centuries.

We have arranged with Mr. Levey to now be able to offer his paintings through our catalogue sales. In addition we can commission a painting by the artist of your favorite lightship or other vessel in a year and setting of your choice.

Lightships of any vintage, naval vessels, Merchant Marine and commercial vessels can be painted for you on request. Please inquire for more details. These are spectacular, museum quality renditions that would grace you home or office.

Many more recent releases on available our Recent Releases page. 

Theft from Massachusetts shop: 

U.S. Coast Guard bronze buoy bell.  Measures 20” diameter by 17 ½” high. 250 lbs. Bell mounts from the top, without clapper . Marked "U S C G 1964". If this bell is seen please let us know so we may advise the proper authorities.

New items arriving daily - Please ask for other items.

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. For additional information please see our "Ordering Page". 

Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.