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8248. Claflin, James W., LIGHTHOUSES AND LIFESAVING ALONG THE MASSACHUSETTS COAST. 1998. 228p. 200 vintage photographs. Published as part of the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing. This is the first volume in a series of photographic histories of lighthouses and lifesaving along the coasts of the United States. Arcadia is a well known publisher of local and regional histories, including the popular Images of America series. This compact volume features over 200 early photographs dating from the 1870's through the 1940's, drawn from my and other private collections, most never before published and traces the history of these services through photos and text. (M) $21.99.

Also available from the same author:  

LIGHTHOUSES AND LIFESAVING ALONG THE MAINE & NEW HAMPSHIRE COAST

LIGHTHOUSES AND LIFESAVING ALONG THE CONNECTICUT & RHODE ISLAND COAST

1255. (stereoview) Ten Pound Island Light Station, Gloucester, Massachusetts c.1870 by Proctor Brothers, Gloucester, Mass. Extremely rare, early view shows the early stone dwelling and light tower as visitors enjoy the rocks below. To help mariners find their way into Gloucester's inner harbor, and to help them avoid a dangerous ledge to the southwest of the island, Congress appropriated funds for a light station on Ten Pound Island in May 1820. A 20-foot conical stone lighthouse tower shown was built, along with a stone dwelling. The light was in service by October 1821. By 1842, the light keeper, Amos Story, complained that the tower and dwelling were both poorly constructed, saying, "The leaks around the windows of the dwelling-house are so bad that we are obliged to set a tub to catch the water whenever it rains hard. The wood work, frames, &c, of the windows, are rotten." A few years after this image was taken, in 1881, a new 30-foot cast-iron lighthouse tower, lined with brick and painted brown, was built along with a new wood frame keeper's house. On the rocks can be seen some visitors, posing for the camera. Clear, close image, only light occasional foxing and very light edge wear, a few spots. Extremely difficult to find early views of this lesser known offshore light station. (VG). $124.

4521f. (stereoview) Thacher’s Island South Lighthouse, Cape Ann, Mass. c.1900 by Cook and Friend, Gloucester, Mass. Close, clear view shows great detail of the tall south light tower connected by a long enclosed walkway to the 1 ½-story keeper’s house. View us unusually clear, clean and close, only very light edge staining. (VG+). $98.

1094. (souvenir creamer) U. S. Life-Saving Station, North Scituate, Mass. c.1900. Lovely gilt decorated bright white round creamer featuring a large, detailed full color image of the early Bibb #2 Type life saving station on the beach at North Scituate, Massachusetts. Backmarked “Made in Germany for M. G. Seaverns & Co., North Scituate, Mass.” Beautifully decorated with flowers framing the image and gilt highlights and borders. Clean, no cracks or checks, a very detailed, unusual presentation with bright image for your display. A large, striking piece. (F-). $118.

2826. (mounted photo) Keeper Mills & Grace Gunderson, Ipswich Range Lights, Massachusetts c.1909. Extremely rare view shows the keeper’s house at the Ipswich Range Lights, with Keeper Mills Gunderson and his wife Grace standing at the porch stairs. In 1837, two lighthouses were built on the stretch of sand now known as Crane Beach, east of the mouth of the Ipswich River. These two lights served as a range for mariners coming through the main channel toward the mouth of the Ipswich River. For just over a century, a succession of keepers and their families kept watch at this light station. Keeper Gunderson immigrated from Norway in 1890 and married Grace Stanley in 1894. He was appointed keeper at Duxbury Pier Lighthouse and served from 1897 to 1902. He then transferred to this station in Ipswich from 1903 to 1911, and then to Boston Light  from 1911-1916. He then transferred to Stage Harbor Light on Cape Cod at a reduction in salary of $200, where he received a commendation in 1918 for the excellent condition of his station. In 1918, after setting the light for the night, Keeper Gunderson committed suicide by hanging himself in a shed while his wife was in town. Reportedly, he was distraught by the illness of his son. Rare view, one of the few in existence showing Mills with his wife Grace, and one of the few providing a close view of the keeper’s residence in Ipswich. Photo measures 3 ½” x 4 ½” on 5” x 6” mount. Marked in pen on back “This is the house we live in. Mrs. Grace Gunderson, Ipswich Light St., Ipswich, Mass. Box 680”. Image clean, light wear/soil to mount. (VG). $74.

4625b. (photo) Annisquam Harbor Light Station, Gloucester, Mass. c.1955.  Close clear view of the Annisquam Lighthouse on the Annisquam River, an estuary that separates most of Cape Ann -- and most of the city of Gloucester -- from the mainland. The lighthouse was automated in 1974 and the last keeper was removed. Great view of the entire station from the air. b/w,  8” x 10”, clear and close. Official Coast Guard photograph with credit line on back. (VG+). $18.

29409. (photo) Coastal Passenger Steamer Sankaty, New Bedford Steamship Company. c. 1911. 5 ¼” x 9”. Original photo of the coastal passenger ship Sankaty built by Fore River SB Co. for the New Bedford Steamship Co. April 1911. Ship is flying the Fore River flag, and her name pennant. This ship operated between New Bedford, Woods Hole, and Nantucket for some thirty years. She was sold in 1940 to Northumberland Ferries, Prince Edward Island, and renamed Charles A. Dunning. She was requisitioned by the Royal Navy during WWII. She foundered in tow en route to the scrapyard, in Gulf of St. Lawrence on October 27, 1964. Large, close, clear view. (VG). $74.

4171. na. AWFUL CALAMITIES or THE SHIPWRECKS OF DECEMBER, 1839 Being a Full Account of the DREADFUL HURRICANES OF DEC. 15, 21 & 27 ON THE COAST OF MASSACHUSETTS in Which More Than 150 Lives Destroyed, of Which Full Statistics are Given... and also THE DREADFUL DISASTERS AT GLOUCESTER. Boston 1840. Seventh Edition. 25pp. Soft wraps. Excellent detailed accounts of the three dreadful hurricanes of December 15, 21 and 27 and includes complete details of the loss of the steamer Lexington , the barque Lloyd, brigs Pocahontas, Rideout and J. Palmer, and the schooners Deposite, Catharine Nichols and Miller. Also includes the “dreadful disaster” at Gloucester , and damage on Cape Cod and vicinity, Boston Bay , Lynn and Marblehead , Newburyport , Salem and all along the coast. Detailed early information, extremely rare. In original pale yellow front wrap, no back wrap. Expected edge wear, contents light foxing, a few spots, good for its age. (G+). $124.

5328. Whiting, John D., STORM FIGHTERS - TRUE STORIES OF THE COAST GUARD. Indianapolis . 1927. 256pp. Cover color illustrated. Inscribed twice and signed by the author. Additional illustrations by author. Researched at Coast Guard Station Rockport [MA], tells the story of the many different roles of the Service and the hazards that they endure. Contains many accounts of rescues and of their day-to-day station life. Clean, tight, crisp, unusually nice copy. Scarce account. (F-). $64.

1027a,b. Ball, David. To The Point - The Story of Cedar Point. Self published. 1994. 93p. Spiral bound. Nicely done history of Cedar Point in Scituate , with particular emphasis on the history of the lighthouse there,  Coast Guard station, shipwrecks and more. Wonderful accounts of the summer life at this shore community over tha last two centuries. Well done, great reading. Illustrated with vintage photos, maps, documents and more. (VG+). $44.

11163. (stereoview) Plum Island Range Lights, Newburyport, Mass. c.1870’s. Rare early view provides one of the few images of the front range light and the 1809 light tower. Plum Island, a nine-mile long barrier island off the northern coast of Massachusetts. The original two lighthouse towers were built on movable foundations so their positions could be changed easily as the sandbars around Plum Island shifted. The two towers served as range lights – if mariners lined up the lights, they would be following the best channel into the harbor. In 1855, a stocky square tower known as the "Bug Light", (quite similar to Ipswich range “Bug Light”) shown here, was added. The following year one of the two lighthouse towers was destroyed by fire. It was decided not to rebuild, and the surviving lighthouse received a fourth order Fresnel lens. The shifting sands left the remaining tower and the "Bug Light" too far inland. They would be moved several times between 1870 and 1882. In 1898 a new wooden lighthouse was built to replace the 1809 tower shown here. It is not known when the “bug light” was removed. Great view, clear, close. A few spots of foxing, light soiling and edge wear. (VG). $134.

4521e. (stereoview) Thacher’s Island North Lighthouse, Cape Ann, Mass. c.1900 by C. A. Beckford, Salem, Mass. Close, clear view shows great detail of the tall north light tower connected by a long enclosed walkway to the 1 ½-story keeper’s house. View us unusually clear, clean and close, only very light edge wear. (F-). $128.

10100.  (glass negative) Palmer Island Lighthouse, New Bedford, Mass. c.1900. Large, clear glass plate negative captures nicely the early 1849 Palmer Island lighthouse in New Bedford. Six-acre Palmer's Island is located in the Acushnet River on the west side of the entrance to New Bedford Harbor. The lighthouse on the northern point of Palmer's Island was first lighted on August 30, 1849 by William Sherman, the first keeper. The 24-foot tower was built of rubblestone, with wooden windows and floors. A walkway connected the lighthouse to the higher part of the island. This early light tower remains today. Glass plate negative is unusually large, measuring 8” x 10”. Some deterioration to margins but image clear and close. Would make very good print. (G+). $64.

6634z. Snow, Edward Rowe. THE ISLANDS OF BOSTON HARBOR . Their History and Romance 1626-1935. Andover . July 1936. 2nd. ed. 367p. DJ.  Illustrated with photos and drawings. Second edition of one of Mr. Snow’s first volumes, this title is much sought after by collectors and historians alike. In what became his usual entertaining style, Mr. Snow tells of the countless lighthouses, islands and forts of the area. Facts and unusual stories of the Boston Bay area fill this interesting account of each and every island and ledge in this historic bay. Included are Fort Warren , with its dungeons, its reverberating tunnel under the harbor and its mysterious Lady in Black. Boston Light, a story that begins in 1701 with the suggestion that a lighthouse would be "of great benefit to Mariners coming to these Coasts." Castle island, visited by over 70,000 people in spite of its curse on all who dare. Nix's Mate and Bird Islands , which have long stood for tragedy and terror. And a wealth of other islands and lighthouses with marvelous names, each of which has made its contribution to our history: Governor's Apple and Snake Islands ; Rainsford's, Gallop's and Lovell's; Noddles and Hog; Bumpkin, Grape, Sheep, Slate and Raccoon; and many more. Big and small, here they all are, the islands of Boston Harbor . Expected wear and sunning to dust wrap, contents overall clean, tight, owner’s bookplate. (VG). $94.

20333k. Snow, Edward Rowe. BOSTON BAY MYSTERIES AND OTHER TALES. New York .. 1977. 272p. 1st. DJ. Autographed by Mr. Snow, with laid in Christmas photo showing Mr. Snow dressed as Santa and the family posing in the living room. On the back of the photo is a note from wife Anna Myrle noting that “Ed is doing well after his slight stroke….” and other family news. This title is quite scarce - another wonderful collection of 32 stories of the area. Includes the Chesapeake and the Shannon, the Battle of Shirley Gut, Murder on Muddle Brewster Island , Maritime Ben Franklin, the Royal George, the Brig Regulator, Trolly Car Disaster, George Minot’s Favorite Tale, Cape Cod Mysteries, Bunker Hill Powder, Lizzie Bordon, and many more. Clean, crisp, near fine copy. (F-). $54.

5512vv. Snow, Edward Rowe. FAMOUS LIGHTHOUSES OF NEW ENGLAND . Yankee Publishing Co. Boston . 1945. First Edition. 457pp. 64 b/w plates. With laid in map of First Coast Guard District. Stories of building the primary and secondary lighthouses in New England with accounts of the keepers, their family’s and the storms which they weathered. Based on books, records and journals of the keepers. Certainly one of the earlier and most readable books on the subject, Famous Lighthouses of New England was the impetus from which today’s interest and preservation efforts were derived. A wonderful, readable book by this well known story teller. Clean, tight, nice copy. Becoming difficult to find in good condition. (VG-) $34.

4522b. (stereoview) Hospital Point Lighthouse, Beverly c.1870’s. Close, clear view on yellow mount shows great detail of the ornately decorated Hospital Point Lighthouse in Beverly on Boston's North Shore. Beverly was an active port for both trade and fishing and by May of 1872 a temporary light was exhibited at Hospital Point. By the following year, a 45-foot- square brick lighthouse and adjacent two-story keeper's house were complete, exhibiting a rare 3 1/2-order Fresnel lens. The balconies shown in this view were removed about 1890. A nicely detailed view, only very light soiling. Rare view. (VG). $68.

4522c. (stereoview) Hospital Point Lighthouse, Beverly c.1870’s by John B. Hill, Beverly, Mass.  Close, clear view on large 4” yellow mount shows great detail of the ornately decorated Hospital Point Lighthouse in Beverly on Boston's North Shore. Beverly was an active port for both trade and fishing and by May of 1872 a temporary light was exhibited at Hospital Point. By the following year, a 45-foot- square brick lighthouse and adjacent two-story keeper's house were complete, exhibiting a rare 3 1/2-order Fresnel lens. The balconies shown in this view were removed about 1890. A nicely detailed view, with light-moderate foxing. With photographer’s listing on published views on back. Rare view. (VG). $58.

29146b. (mounted photo) Eastern Point Lighthouse at Gloucester, Massachusetts c.1900. Superb silver print of the Eastern Point Lighthouse at Gloucester, Massachusetts. The East Point Lighthouse has a long history with the first stone lighthouse being erected in 1832, a second larger version built in 1848 and the final structure as known today in 1890.  Based on the structures shown in this photo it is estimated the photograph was made about 1900 or possibly earlier placing it within the time period that lighthouse keeper George E. Bailey (1892-1926) maintained the facility.  There is a great view of a line of schooners passing the point behind the light station. Unusually large image measures 7 ½” x 9 ½” on original 11” x 14” mount. Mount has been punched for inclusion in an album. Beautiful clean, clear image, just a hint of foxing and light edge wear to mount. (VG+) $128.

2996. (hand colored photograph) Eastern Point Light Station, Gloucester, Mass. c.1940-1950’s. Beautiful hand colored photograph taken from the drive of the often painted Eastern Point Light Station. Great view includes the keeper’s dwellings, light tower, fog signal building, radio towers and more. Coloring is superb, mounted on original board, perfect for framing. Photo size is 8” x 10”. (VG+). $74.

2995. (mounted photo) Eastern Point Lighthouse at Gloucester, Massachusetts c.1900. Published by Procter Brothers, Gloucester. c.1900. Excellent view of the Eastern Point Lighthouse at Gloucester, Massachusetts.  Also prominent is the “Mother Ann” rock formation to the left of the image.  The East Point Lighthouse has a long history with the first stone lighthouse being erected in 1832, a second larger version built in 1848 and the final structure as known today in 1890.  Based on the structures shown in this photo it is estimated the photograph was made about 1900 or possibly earlier placing it within the time period that lighthouse keeper George E. Bailey (1892-1926) maintained the facility.  There is a great double line of cloths hanging in front of the building giving it a very ‘lived in’ feel. Procter Brothers, Francis and George, were the sons of a sea captain and natives of Gloucester.  Francis opened the Old Corner Book Store in 1850 in Gloucester.  In 1855 he partnered with George to do business as Procter Brothers publishing newspapers, pamphlets, books, photographs, postcards and stationary.  Both brothers were active members of the community and in 1903 they incorporated as Procter Brothers Company continuing on in the field of publishing.  The label on the verso of this photograph reads, “From Procter Brothers, ‘Old Corner’ Book and Stationery Store, 108 Main St., …Gloucester, Mass.  Eastern Point Light.”   The 108 Main Street address shows up from around 1882 through about 1909 in city directories. Image measures 4 ¾” x 6 ¾” on original 10” x 12” mount. Beautiful clean, clear image, just a hint of foxing, light edge wear to mount. (VG) $148.

28430. [Victorian commemorative covered Mauchlineware box] c.1900. Superb, rare wooden Victorian covered box features a beautiful b/w lithograph of the “U.S. Life Saving Station, Salisbury Beach, Mass”. A pretty piece, the box is of hardwood, varnished and measures 3 3/8” x 4 ¼” x 2 ¼” h. The pretty image measures about 1 ½” oval and shows the tall Duluth-type station that was constructed in 1897, with the added lookout tower on the beach in front of the station. The box has a nicely hinges cover with a brass latch, and inside has been lined with a fine purple felt to protect your valuables. Such wooden Victorian era commemorative pieces, known as Mauchlineware, are exceptionally difficult to find and are quite pretty for display. Clean, some minor light wear and a few light scratches. Most Rare! $148 net.

10354.  (glass negative) Plum Island Lighthouse, Newburyport, Mass. c.1900. Clear glass plate negative captures nicely the replacement 1898 Plum Island light tower in the background as a group of finely dressed Victorian visitors pose on the sand. Plum Island, a nine-mile long barrier island off the northern coast of Massachusetts. During its nineteenth-century heyday as a resort, steamships and a trolley line serviced Plum Island. The present Plum Island Lighthouse was first lighted on September 20, 1898, probably the third or fourth lighthouse on this site. This photo was likely taken shortly after the station was rebuilt, with a new light tower. Large image measures 5” x 7” and is clear and close. Would provide a clear image. (VG). $42.

N. L. Stebbins was a Boston , Massachusetts , commercial photographer during the last decade of the 19th Century and the first few decades of the 20th. During this time he took thousands of superb fine views of yachts, lightships, U.S. Navy ships, lighthouses, coastal scenes and more. Among the more noteworthy pioneer American marine and yachting photographers were men like N. L. Stebbins, also David Mason Little, Henry G. Peabody and others. These noted photographers ranged the New England coast from New York to Massachusetts capturing on glass-plate negatives the great yachts and other coastal scenes and events of the last quarter of the nineteenth century. During their career they shot thousands of views, a great many of which appeared periodically in numerous yachting publications. Stebbins, himself, during the period 1891 through 1910 published his illustrated coast pilots which still today endure as a prime reference work.

These original albumen prints are by Stebbins and are blindstamped “N.L. Stebbins Photo, Boston , Mass. ” or are attributed to him. Perfect for framing.

27294. Steamship South Shore, Nantasket beach Steamship Company. #17073, blind stamped N. L. Stebbins, Boston, Mass.  $325.

27295. Steamship Cape Cod, Bay Line, ran between Boston and Provincetown. #11509, blind stamped N. L. Stebbins, Boston, Mass. $325

27293. Steamship Bay State #5510, blind stamped N. L. Stebbins, Boston, Mass. $295

11506. [chart]. Eldridge, George W. ELDRIDGE’S NEW CHART OF BOSTON HARBOR Compiled From the Latest Surveys. Boston 1867. Published by S. Thaxter & Son. 125 State Street, Boston. Engraved by G.W. Boynton. Scale about 1 1/8” = 1 mile. Original printed chart measures 16” x 23 ½”,  on paper. Includes all of Boston Harbor from Lynn Harbor and Nahant, south to Nantasket beach, Cohasset and Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse. Includes the numerous Boston Harbor islands, Broad Sound, out to The Graves, Thieves Ledga and Harding’s Ledge. Lighthouses are indicated in red and include Egg Rock, Long Island Head, Narrows “Bug” Lighthouse, Boston Lighthouse, Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse, etc. Also includes Life Boat Stations and Huts of Refuge of the Massachusetts Humane Society, and more. Also includes many roads, all shoals and bars, buoys, soundings in fathoms,  and much more. Eldridge and his son are probably best known as the compilers of Eldridge’s Tide and Pilot Book, still in use today. His charts were compiled from their  own surveys. Chart has some soiling and wear – margins are soiled with some foxing, there are two tears, one entering about 3”, two cup stains, expected wear. Still, the view remains striking and will be wonderful for display with a bit of cleaning up and some restoration. This chart has become quite difficult to find in any condition. These very early coastal maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium. With restoration would frame nicely. (G+). $388.

(chart) Plymouth Harbor (and Gurnet). 1854. Original. Preliminary Chart No. 8.  20” x 24”. Later hand coloring. Great for framing. $145.

2840. (souvenir dish) U. S. Life-Saving Station, North Scituate, Mass. c.1900. Lovely gilt decorated bright white round dish featuring a large, detailed full color image of the early Bibb #2 Type life saving station on the beach at North Scituate, Massachusetts. Backmarked “Made in Germany for M. G. Seaverns & Co., North Scituate, Mass.” Clean, no cracks or checks, light wear, a very detailed, unusual presentation with bright image for your display. (VG+). $118.

7153L. (commemorative plate) c.1900. Superb bright white souvenir plate, featuring a close and detailed image of “Old Scituate Light, Scituate , Mass. ” Plate features a large, detailed b/w image of the old abandoned light attached to the Keeper’s dwelling in the center, surrounded by a decorative rim enhanced by gilt borders. Labeled “Scituate Light, Home of Rebecca and Abigail Bates Heroines of the War of 1812.” Back marked “Made in Germany for Chas. W. Frye, Scituate , MA .” This large collectible measures 7 5/8” in diameter and would enhance any display. Unusually bright, clean, a beautiful piece. (F). $178 net.

7153j. [plate) Superb teal blue on white plate, featuring a close and detailed image of “Old Scituate Light, Scituate, Mass.” Plate features a large, detailed image of the old abandoned light attached to the Keeper’s dwelling in the center 5” diameter , surrounded by a 1 ½” floral border in deep blue on white. “Made in England for Chas. W. Frye, Scituate, MA.” This large collectible measures 7 ¾” in diameter and would enhance any display. (VG). $148 net. 

8192. (souvenir tray) One of the prettier commemorative trays, a superb, bright, white, gilt edged commemorative tea tray featuring a beautiful clear, detailed full b/w image of the "Eastern Point Light, Gloucester, Mass." Quite pretty, items with illustrations this detailed are most difficult to find. Measures 6 ¾" x 10 ¾", and with a 1" raised edge enhanced by a petite, though slightly worn, decorative gilt border. "Made in Austria. Manufactured for A. Lee & Co., Gloucester, Mass. Only very light wear. A very large, pretty display piece. (VG). $136.

 23533. (souvenir creamer) “Saltonstall House, Ipswich , Mass. Built 1635.” C.1900. This is a Demi creamer from Ipswich MA. On the front is a large, finely detailed image of the Saltonstall House, Ipswich , Mass.  The creamer measures approx. 3 ¼”  high and 3 ¼”  across and is enhanced with a petite gilt trim about the handle and rim. Marked “Made In Germany (for) A. C. Damon, Ipswich , Mass. 139.” The condition is very good with no chips or cracks, a beautiful and rare piece. (F-). $58 net.

 23532. (souvenir plate) “Historical House, Ipswich , Mass. ” c.1900. Large 6” commemorative plate features a large b/w image of an unknown historical house (probably the Saltonstall House which was built in 1635). The large 3” detailed image has  excellent detail and on the bright white china with gilded colored border make a good contrast on this rare item. Marked “Made in Germany (for) A. H. Plouff, Ipswich , Mass. ”. Quite clean, bright, a beautiful and distinctive display piece. Clean, only light  wear. Does have some closed age cracks but these are almost indistinguishable. (G+). $24 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.

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.

p. Sandy Hook Lightship. (Fine). $78.

c. Bartlett Reef Lightship. (VG-). $68.

eee. Vineyard Sound Lightship. (VG-). $68.

ii. Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse. (VG). $58.

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.  

  22297e. [ Massachusetts Humane Society] THE LATE DISASTROUS STORM ON THE MASSACHUSETTS COAST – SCENES AND INCIDENTS. Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper. December 8, 1888 . 1 page 10 ½´x 16” . Beautiful, bright, hand colored, this is certainly one of the best views that I have yet found and one of only a few depicting the men and equipment o f the Massachusetts Humane Society. Large full page illustration includes the Humane Society surfboat and beach apparatus cart in front of the boathouse at Marblehead , Mass. A sign above the boathouse door reads “Massachusetts Humane Society”. Additional illustrations include the Hunt gun and projectile, a vessel ashore on Nantasket Beach , and a view of the last remaining survivor of the Higginson preparing to leap from the rigging. Additional large illustrations include bodies ashore at Scituate after the disastrous 1888 storm, a similar scene of the destruction near the Highland Station on the New Jersey coast. Includes a ¼ - page article describing the ferocious “Portland Gale” and the havoc wrought.  Extremely difficult to find and would be superb matted and framed. Beautiful coloring and wonderful for display. Clean, crisp, only light age toning to margins. (VG+) $84.

V-01. [print] Large 17 ½” x 21 ½” b/w print taken from original lithograph of Minot’s Ledge Light House, Massachusetts Bay near Cohasset c.1860. Taken from the original, this superb rendition is perfect for framing. Detailed views include full elevation and sectional view of entire light tower, with sectional plan views through various elevations. Legend includes numerous statistics on the tower construction and dimensions. Printed on a beautiful buff woven stock, this would look wonderful framed for a display or wall decoration. (M).  $15.95 each.  

21403c. [Massachusetts Humane Society] THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE ON THE MASSACHUSETTS COAST – THE NIGHT ALARM: RUNNING OUT THE LIFEBOAT. Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper. February 16, 1889. This is certainly one of the best views that I have yet found and one of only a few depicting the men and equipment o f the Massachusetts Humane Society. I will let the image speak for itself, save to note that the engraved sign above the boathouse door reads "Massachusetts Humane Society" as does the bow of their surfboat. Extremely difficult to find and would be superb matted and framed. Clean, crisp, with one light original fold. A perfect companion to the December 8, 1888 issue THE LATE DISASTROUS STORM ON THE MASSACHUSETTS COAST – SCENES AND INCIDENTS . (VG+). $144 net.

Marblehead Light-House , Mass. April 29, 1841.

Rare letter regarding replacement of the Light Keeper.:

[document – office copy – written in hand. 8” x 9 ¾”. 1 page.].

“[to] Hon. F. W. Choate, April 29, 1841

Sir: Your letter of the 21st inst. Recommending Capt Jw S Worcester as Keeper of the Marblehead Light House says nothing about the present keeper’s official conduct; and as nothing has yet been presented me to justify his removal, I will be thankful to you for information upon this point. The only papers upon file in reference to this Light House are in favor of retaining the present Keeper, Mr Darling, and amongst them a petition with 531 signatures. To justify removal, the incumbent must be unfit for the office – a man of bad character or bad habits – or appointed under circumstances in themselves vicious or improper – (as for example: upon the resignation of an objectionable incumbent after the result of an election was known) or have been guilty of misconduct in office. Misconduct of any kind – such as interference in elections – may be satisfactorily shown by the statement of respectable men (in writing) that such a general and public interference was a matter of public notoriety, or by their statement of special cause of interference. Until such evidence is forwarded to the Department, there can be no action in the case.  Very respectfully, Your Obt Servent, [signed] T [Thomas] Ewing. [Secy of the Treasury].”

Signature: Thomas Ewing, Sr. (December 28, 1789– October 26, 1871) was a National Republican and Whig politician from Ohio. He served in the U.S. Senate as well as serving as the Secretary of the Treasury (1841 under Presidents William Henry Harrison and John Tyler) and the first Secretary of the Interior.

Keeper Ezekiel Darling (1835-1860): Apparently Mr. Choate was unsuccessful in having Keeper Darling removed, for he would serve in that capacity until 1860. The first lighthouse at Marblehead, a 23-foot white tower and a keeper's cottage attached to the tower by a covered walkway, were built near a small fort on Marblehead Neck in 1835. The first keeper-at $400 yearly‚was Ezekiel Darling, a native of Duxbury, Massachusetts, and former chief gunner on the U.S.S. Constitution. He had first gone to sea at the age of eight or nine, and he was wounded in the War of 1812. It was reported that Darling did not receive a pension because he was considered "disfigured”, but not disabled. Darling was in charge when the engineer I. W. P. Lewis examined the station. The keeper provided a statement for Lewis's report to Congress in 1843: "The tower is leaky about the window casing, there being no recess in the brick for the window frames. The lantern sweats considerably, and formerly I wiped up large quantities of water accumulating from this cause. I now admit as much air as the state of the weather will permit, which in some degree remedies this evil. The dwelling-house is very damp, and the water comes through the walls. The chimneys are all smoky." Lewis praised Darling in his report. "Perfect order, cleanliness, and apparent comfort," he wrote, "reign throughout the whole establishment, much to the credit of the keeper." By 1860, Keeper Darling was about 70 and almost blind, and soon retired after 25 years as keeper. Jane C. Martin, a Marblehead native, replaced Keeper Darling. She was said to be the only woman lighthouse keeper on the East Coast at the time she was appointed. #715. $225.

10318. [chart]. Eldridge, George W. HARBOR CHART #36 NEW BEDFORD, FAIRHAVEN AND SOUTH DARTMOUTH. 1901. Scale about 3” = 1 mile. Original printed chart measures 15” x 20”, on paper. Includes all of  New Bedford Harbor, as well as Little Bay and South Dartmouth. Includes all lighthouses including Wamsutta Mill, Palmer Island and Butler Flats. Also includes some roads, all shoals and bars, and much more. Eldridge, whose father George started him in the chart business, is probably best known as the compiler of Eldridge’s Tide and Pilot Book, still in use today. His charts were compiled from his and his father’s own surveys. Chart is generally clean and bright, with only light wear to margins, no folds. These very early coastal maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium, particularly on the Massachusetts coast. Wonderful for display. (VG). $78.

1005a. (maritime chart) Massachusetts. NANTUCKET SOUND AND APPROACHES. Includes all of Nantucket and most of Martha’s Vineyard. December 1919. U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Scale 1/80,000. Bright, very large approx. 33h” x 46w”. As originally rolled, light soiling, only light wear. $44. 

J-44. (painting) Old Scituate Lighthouse c.1911. Original oil on canvas painting provides a wonderful depiction of the old Scituate [ Mass. ] Lighthouse and keeper’s dwelling some years ago. Painting is quite large, approximately 24” x 32” in early walnut or mahogany frame. Painting is certainly by an American artist of some note and is signed “J.E.B. 1911”. There are a few sport where some restoration work has been performed but otherwise it is in quite good condition. In original walnut frame. If you are interested in this area or light, this would make a fine and valuable addition to your collection. (VG). $1,195.

2818. (photo lot) Baker’s Island Light Station, Salem, Massachusetts c.1920. Nice lot of 23 snapshots and mounted photos are of the Baker’s Island area including the light station, keeper and more. Included in the lot are two images (3 ½” x 4 ½”) of the entire light station, one taken during the day and one at night with the lights lit. A third image is a close view of the1st Assistant Keeper posing. The original lights on Baker’s Island went into service on January 3, 1798. The two towers were located on top of a two-story keeper's house, about 40 feet apart at either end of the building. In 1816, one of Baker's Island's twin lights was extinguished and the smaller one was rebuilt, with the new stone tower being three feet shorter than the original lower light. Mariners claimed this made it difficult to distinguish the light from Boston Light, a fact that was proven by an increased number of wrecks. In 1820, the two lights were restored. A new 47-foot tower was built alongside the shorter 1816 tower. Additional photos include area cottages, sailboat in the bay, pleasure yacht, and various individuals. Nice lot, all clear, clean, various formats. (VG). $168. 

27454. (photo album) Plum Island and Newburyport , Massachusetts c.1890’s. Vintage 1890s Newburyport , Massachusetts photograph album. This great little album measures 7 ½” by 5 ½” inches and contains 44 photos, many well done. Included is a lovely close photo of the white octagonal Plum Island Lighthouse. In 1838 the original twin octagonal lighthouses on this spot were replaced by a new pair of octagonal towers built on moveable foundations. In 1856 one of the lighthouses was destroyed by fire and it was decided not to rebuild. The surviving lighthouse received a fourth order Fresnel lens and remains today. In addition, a second photo provides a close view of the Bibb #2 Type station on Plum Island at the Merrimack Ri ver . Other images include beach scenes, a nice view of salt marsh hay stacks, a beach cottage labeled "Hardy's, river scene with early ship (may be in the Merrimack River), New England church, colonial homes, family scenes, etc. Sizes vary, the average being about 4 x 3 ½” inches. About a dozen or so photos show fading or lightness from exposure problems, others are clear and sharp. (VG-). $168.

27331a. (cabinet photo) Worcester, Massachusetts Fire Department Firefighter c.1880. Superb clear, close portrait photograph of young mustachioed firefighter of the Worcester Fire Department. Taken by Critcherson Photographer, 326 Main Street, Worcester, Mass. Photo is clean and clear, a fine early view. (VG+). $54

27331b. (cabinet photo) Worcester, Massachusetts Fire Department Firefighter c.1880. Superb clear, close portrait photograph of a mature  mustachioed firefighter of the Worcester Fire Department. Taken by Davis Photographer, Main & Park Streets, Worcester, Mass. Photo is clean and clear, a fine early view. (F-). $64

Other similar firefighter view available for Waltham. 

28434. (stereoview) Eastern Point Lighthouse, Cape Ann, Massachusetts c.1870. Rare early view shows the earlier fog signal tower, and nearby the lighthouse tower and long walkway attached to the small keeper’s house. Early view, clear and quite clean. (VG). $34.

2885. (photo) Pilot Boat, "Columbia" , wrecked Nov. 17, 1898, Scituate, Mass. 3 ½” x 3 ½” b/w. (VG-). $22.

CP-01. (print) Historic Lighthouses Cape Cod. The Historic Lighthouse series of prints uses rare photos from the 1800’s showing American Lighthouses in their turn-of-the-century splendor. Using sophisticated twentieth century computer enhancement, these specialized prints are produced on quality 80lb. bright white paper stock. Each print shows beautiful clear 1800’s views from original period photographs. These prints measure 18" wide by 24" high and, because of the fine quality, these make wonderful candidates for framing and decorating. Watch also for future prints featuring vintage photographs and architectural plans of other locations. (Actual size 18"w x 24"h, shipped rolled.). Historic Lighthouses - Cape Cod. Retail priced at $19.95. Dealer and wholesale pricing available. Similar postcards also available at wholesale prices.

2685. (glass mounted slide set, Massachusetts & East Coast) Set of 98 early large format 2 ¾” x 2 ¾” glass mounted projection slides in metal mounts, complete with fine Brumberger metal storage case. Case is filled with 98 large glass slides from 1951. Subjects include Nantucket Island including Sankaty LH, Brant Point, Main Street, windmill, harbor scenes, Nauset LH, Chatham LH, Truro, Provincetown, Hartford Ct,  Ocean City Md., family views, Boston views and more. (VG). $36.

21134b. LAUNCHING OF THE LIFE-BOAT. Harper’s Weekly. April 19, 1902. Wonderful full page b/w artist’s rendition shows surfmen of the Life-Saving Service working to push their surfboat carriage across the soft sand of Cape Cod’s outer beach toward a wreck in the background. Illustration was published to commemorate the Life-Saving Service Monomoy disaster off Cape Cod, Massachusetts just a few weeks prior, where all but one of the boat’s crew was lost in an attempt to save others in distress. The caption notes that "…over forty thousand dollars had already been raised for the families of the brave men, which shows the appreciation the people have for the brave men…." (VG+). $58 net.

8481. [4 woodcut engravings] HIGHLAND LIGHT, TRURO, MASS., RACE POINT LIGHT, WINDMILL NEAR HIGHLAND LIGHT, TRURO BEACH. Approx. 4" x 5" each. From Ballou’s Pictorial Drawing Room Companion. c.1970’s. Beautiful, clear hand colored, detailed engraving with wonderful early details of Highland (Cape Cod) Light Station and Race Point Light Station, along with two additional Cape Cod Truro views. In addition to the tower and dwelling, engraving includes surrounding buildings with cattle grazing, tourists and more. Beautiful views of the early towers on these sites, a colorful item for framing. Scarce early engraving, one of the cleanest I’ve had. (VG). $42.

9314. SUMMER LIFE AT NANTUCKET. Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper. September 13, 1879. Full two pages, with six large detailed engravings detail the life and work on the island of Nantucket. Wonderful engravings include Sancota [Sankaty] Head Lighthouse… off Siasconset, View of Nantucket [Brant Point Lighthouse] from the Bell Beacon, Oldest House, Soldier’s Monument, Cleaning Up, and a large full-page illustration of Driving the Blackfish Ashore. A wonderful set of engravings, particularly nice for framing. Full issue with nice illustration, and with numerous articles of the day. (VG-). $48.

11323. (photo) The Graves Lighthouse, Boston Harbor c.1953. Clear 8” x 10” Coast Guard photo shows unprecedented view of the offshore Graves Light Station from the air. Located on a ledge in Boston’s outer harbor, The Graves Light at one time boasted the most powerful beam in Massachusetts. Completed in 1905, the 400,000 candlepower electric light is 98 feet above the water and visible for 16 miles. The 3 enlisted Coast Guardsmen who man the light are allowed 6 days ashore for every 24 days spent at the light. Superb view, clear and close, shows great detail. Moderate wrinkling/creases, a few cropping marks. Dated April 9, 1953. With credit line and description on back. (VG-) $26.

 21158. [Limited edition print] First Light [NANTUCKET LIGHTSHIP] by Art Pressman. Fine limited edition color print was created from an original watercolor painting by Nantucket artist Art Pressman. The large print is signed and numbered of 500 copies by the artist and is printed on heavy card stock ready for framing. The print depicts the Nantucket Light Vessel No. 112 on station, where its mournful fog horn and light marked the treacherous Nantucket Shoals. This bright colorful print measures 19" x 24" including a 2 ½" border and shows a detailed view of the port side of the vessel. Mr. Pressman has been painting maritime subjects since the early 1970’s, with his work appearing in museums across the country. This would be a beautiful addition for the lighthouse and lightship enthusiast. Shipped rolled. Numbers available: Artist Proof #18/40 @ $78.

 9367. [stereo view] Sankaty Head Lighthouse, Nantucket. (c.1870’s). By J. Freeman, Nantucket. Rare view of the 1850 red and white brick light tower and 1 ½-story keeper’s dwelling and barn. Located on a high bluff on the east coast of the island, the light tower was 60 feet high and contained a second order Fresnel lens. This extremely rare view shows the tower and dwelling, with the keepers on the lantern walkway and a woman at the house below. Also fisible is the Fresnel lens within the lantern above. View is extremely clean and crisp, one of the nicest that I have had of this light. (VG+). $64.

5180b. [stereo view] Gay Head Light. Somewhat distant view of the tall brick lighthouse tower and double keeper’s dwelling, up on the tall and cliffs. Light foxing, and a bit underexposed. A good inexpensive view. (G) $18

4116b. [stereo view] Eastern Point Light and Fog Bell, Cape Ann, MA. (c. 1860-70) by Proctor Brothers, Gloucester, MA. Beautiful early view showing old (1832) tower, walkway, and bell tower. Clear, close image. A very nice view. (VG) $56.

4116f. [stereo view] [shown] Eastern Point Light and Fog Bell, Cape Ann, MA. (c. 1860-70) by Hervey Friend, Gloucester, MA. Beautiful early view showing old (1832) tower, walkway, and bell tower. Clear, close image, slight fold one corner of mount only. A nice view. (G+) .

5180. [stereo view] [shown] Gay Head Light. Clear, relatively close view of light and dwelling, with man on walkway looking through telescope. Moderate foxing and soiling. (FR) .

5299. [stereo view] Annisquam Light, Cape Ann. MA. (c. 1870) by E. G. Rollins. Nice early view shows the 1801 tower and walkway before they were re-built in 1897. Very slight stain, overall G+. $52.

6284. Eastern Point Light and Fog Bell, Cape Ann, MA. (c. 1860-70) by Cook & Friend, Gloucester, MA. Beautiful, unusually clean, early view showing old (1832) tower, walkway, and bell tower. Clear, close image, one of the nicest.. (VG) $62.

305. Eastern Point Light, Cape Ann, MA. (c. 1860-70) by G. K. Proctor, Salem, MA. Nice early view showing old (1832) tower, walkway, bell tower and dwelling. Slightly distant but nice, clear image. (VG) $56.

724. [photo] Eastern Point Light, Cape Ann. Artistic and clear 4" x 6" view of light station with fog bell tower. Clear, nice detail, on mat. A nice crisp view for framing. (VG). $10.

4116d. Eastern Point Light and Fog Bell, Cape Ann, MA. (c. 1860-70) by Charles A. Beckford, Salem, MA. Beautiful early view showing old (1832) tower, walkway, and bell tower. Clear, close image, slight soil spot, few small ink spots but still a nice view. (G) $38.

557a, 3166. Giambarba, Paul. SURFMEN AND LIFESAVERS. Centerville . 1967. 1st. 123p. DJ. Written for young people, this illustrated volume presents a history of the operations and heroes of the Massachusetts Humane Society and the U. S. Life-Saving Service from its inception on into the Coast Guard years. Profusely illustrated with detailed diagrams and illustrations by the author. (VG). 18.

1197. Bergan, William M. Old Nantasket. Hull. 1968. 1991 reprint. 154p. Soft wraps. Dr. William M. Bergan's classic book provided a unique glimpse into the history of Hull, Mass. and brings to life the people and places that made the Town of Hull and Nantasket Beach famous in the early 20th century. "Old Nantasket" allows readers to experience the grandeur of the huge hotels, the majesty of Paragon Park and the luxury of the side-paddle steamboats that shuttled visitors to and from Boston. Life in "Old Nantasket" had its share of corruption, con men and shady politics, and Doc Bergan doesn't shy away from describing those aspects in detail. A former Hull selectman, he provides fascinating insights into the inner workings of the local government, including the rise and fall of the political machine known as the "Old Ring." (F-). $8.

L-181. Schallehn, Bernie  and John J. Galluzzo. SANTA OF THE LIGHTHOUSES. Burnaby . 2002. 180 p. Soft wraps. Signed by the author. Even as a youth, Edward Rowe Snow grabbed hold of life with both hands. After graduating from Harvard, he throws himself into a career as a history teacher, taking every opportunity to coax history to life for his students and acquaintances on Boston 's richly historical coast. Over time, he was intrigued by the history of the local lighthouses, and became acquainted with the lighthouse keepers and their families and wrote of their amazing stories. It isn't by chance that he met a student, Bill Wincapaw, whose father, Captain Wincapaw gave Ed the chance of a lifetime, the chance to make history himself. The captain invited Ed to ride along while they drop Christmas packages from a plane--to the excited lighthouse keepers and their families below. Though Ed, Anna Myrle and the lighthouse keepers are gone now, the legacy of The Flying Santa lives on to this day, bringing hope when it's needed most. Written for young adults, this is the story of Edward Rowe Snow and his family’s marvelous work. (VG+). $12.

BR-106. Jennings , Harold B., A LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY. Orleans . 1989. 1st. 118p. DJ. A wonderful narration of boyhood memories while growing up at Lovell’s Island Lighthouse in Boston Harbor . 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. 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. A wonderful story of adventures, shipwrecks, storms, living without electricity and learning how to run a lighthouse combine to provide entertainment and a learning adventure. (VG). $8

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.

2833b. Esso Cruising Guide. Number 2. Kennebunkport, ME., to New York Harbor. New York. General Drafting Company. 1963. Color pictorial map with numerous insets, detail cruising courses along the coast. Includes good drawn images of many of the lighthouses along the route, as well as lightships, buoys and more. Also includes insets with international code flags, index of cities, towns, islands, lights, yacht clubs, waterways, Coast Guard stations, storm signals, etc. 25” x 38” folded. Good display piece. (VG). $14 (similar shown)

2833c. Esso Cruising Guide. Number 1. New York Harbor to Savannah. New York. General Drafting Company. 1962. Color pictorial map with numerous insets, detail cruising courses along the coast. Includes good drawn images of many of the lighthouses along the route, as well as lightships, buoys and more. Also includes insets with international code flags, index of cities, towns, islands, lights, yacht clubs, waterways, Coast Guard stations, storm signals, etc. 25” x 38” folded. Good display piece. (VG). $14. (similar shown)

2999. Frump, Robert. Two Tankers Down: The Greatest Small-Boat Rescue in U.S. Coast Guard History. The Lyons Press. 2008,  212p.  In the tradition of The Perfect Storm, this is a too rarely told, riveting story of a legendary rescue at sea. Two Tankers Down is an improbable true story of men against the sea. In a fierce nor’easter offshore Cape Cod on Feb. 18, 1952, two tankers broke in half. The two ill-fated tankers, SS Pendleton and SS Fort Mercer, were T-2s, a ship type mass produced during World War II when the United States had to build a bridge across two oceans. The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 70 of the crew amid deadly dangers. Noted maritime author Bob Frump has rescued this all but forgotten story that should be told as long as men go down to the sea in ships. Bernie Webber was the least likely candidate to execute the greatest small-boat rescue in American history. The trouble-prone son of a Baptist minister, he’d been well on his way to becoming a juvenile delinquent - until he went to sea. And then, on the night of February 18, 1952, in a raging blizzard off the coast of Cape Cod, Webber, now a young lifeboat coxswain with the U.S. Coast Guard, and his crew performed a miracle. Two big oil tankers had split in two in raging seas, and nothing—not a big cutter, not a sea plane, not a chopper—could reach them in time. Only Webber and his crew of three men,  had a chance. He knew they would probably die on this mission. They were, after all, in an unassuming thirty-six-foot rescue boat that didn’t even have a name but for the “CG 36500” on its side. But he loved this boat—and he knew the inauspicious Coast Guard motto: “You have to go out. You don’t have to come back.” Webber and his crew took the CG 36500 out in sixty-foot waves and saved thirty lives. He and his men won the rarely bestowed Coast Guard Gold Medal for Valor and a place in history that shapes the Coast Guard culture to this day. Two Tankers Down tells their story, capturing the full drama of one of the most gripping sea rescue stories of all time. (M). $16.95

24400. na. MASSACHUSETTS ON THE SEA 1630 – 1930. Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 1931. Second Edition. 10 ½” x 7 7/8".  32 p. Stiff wraps. Number 261 (number is stamped in red) of a Second Edition Authorized by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and issued "In commemoration of the enterprise of the seaman of the MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY and in recognition of the maritime accomplishments of their descendants.". Rare title includes a number of accounts including: Colonial Enterprise, Independence and the Far East, The Ice Trade and Whaling, The Clipper Ship Era, Since the Civil War, The Humane Society of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,  Exhibits, U.S.S. Constitution. Photo plates include: Boston in 1768, A shipwreck - Ship ULYSSES of Salem, A Famous Privateer of Salem, an engraving of four ships at sea, long boat in the foreground, whale tail, Donald McKay's "Sovereign of the Seas", A Gloucester Fisherman, A Seven-Masted Ship; "Thomas W. Lawson; 5,200 tons built at Fore River, 1902,  Airplane Carrier "Lexington" , The Shipwrecked Barque "Salute",  "Charles M. Morgan", Now permanently preserved as "Whaling Enshrined" at South Dartmouth,  (1) U.S.S. Constitution,  (2) U.S.S. Constitution,  View of the action between the U.S. Frigate Constitution and the British Ship Levant J. Ayers, A Naval Engagement of 1812. Contents clean and tight, covers light soiling. Endpapers are clean, with a two page pictorial green and cream-colored map of "Massachusetts On the Sea", the Legend shows Motor Highways and Life-Saving Stations. (VG).  $48. 

 CLEARANCE PRICED at Only $7.95 each:

Roberts, Bruce and Ray Jones. Over 80 color and b/w photographs. Soft wraps. Scarce early editions of this author’s earlier works covers the lighthouses along the coasts of the United States . The superb narrative and exquisite photography have made this lighthouse series repeated best sellers. Many signed by the author. (M).  

NORTHERN LIGHTHOUSES. New Brunswick to the Jersey Shore . 1990. 127p. (1)

772. NEW ENGLAND LIGHTHOUSES. Bay of Fundy to Long Island Sound. 1996. 101p. (3)

2488. Kobbe, Gustav. HEROES OF PEACE – A Series of Authentic Instances of Heroism in Every-Day Life. Babylon. c.1920. Inscribed to “Gustak Kobbie 2nd from his Grandmother 1924”. Special work, self published by the author, which includes  five of his past works published in The Century Magazine: HEROISM IN THE LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE. A Description of Life on Matinicus Rock. The Century Magazine. 1897. 12p. Illustrated with 12 very nice engravings, this article describes the life of Abby Burgess and her family at the Matinicus Rock Light Station including her heroism in the winter gale of 1856. Later Abby married Captain Grant and continued her service at Matinicus and later at White Head Light. Most interesting. Illustrations include Keeper Frederick T. Hatch, the only recipient of the Gold Bar for Heroism, Abby Burgess, and more; HEROES OF THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE"  The Century Magazine. c.1898. 8p. Excellent descriptions of the life of the life-savers and the work that they perform at various stations across the country. With a nice full-page plate of “The Life Line” by Winslow Homer; EVERY-DAY HEROISM. 7 p.; HEROES OF THE RAILWAY SERVICE. 7 p.; HEROES OF PEACE – Volunteer Life-Savers. 7 p. Includes the volunteer life-savers of the Massachusetts Humane Society, Life Saving Service crews, and more. A most interesting piece especially bound by the author himself. Some wear, slightly brittle, one plate loose. (G+).      $164.  

6641. Wood, Vincent L., PLUM ISLAND RECOLLECTIONS - Views and Reminiscences of Plum Island c.1900 Recounting the Deeds of Capt. Thomas J. Maddock and the Crew of the U. S. Merrimack River Life-Saving Station, Plum Island, Massachusetts. Newburyport . 1995. 81p. Soft wraps. Signed by the author. Whatever your interest, you are sure to enjoy this readable account of every day life at a station of the U. S. Life-Saving Service. This wonderful account of life as Keeper of the Merrimack River Life-Saving Station brings together over 80 never before published vintage photographs made from the family’s archives of glass plate negatives. Taken by Mr. Wood’s grandfather, these negatives provide unusually clear, crisp views which have been faithfully reproduced in a high quality format. Using these views, along with personal notes and family memories, Mr. Wood presents a rare portrait of station life and training in 1910. This interesting account is only available here and is priced unusually low considering the rare accounts and quality photographs, well worth the retail price. A wonderful addition to your library. (M).  $19.95.

Nominated for the 2008 Foundation for Coast Guard History book award:

27268. Claflin, James W. HISTORIC NANTUCKET: SURFSIDE LIFE-SAVING STATION - A History of Nantucket’s Life-Saving Stations. Volume I. Worcester. 2007. 79 p. Soft wraps. Special edition, signed and numbered of 500, includes pasted in wood chip from Surfside Life-Saving Station. Historic Nantucket: Surfside Life-Saving Station is one of a continuing series of booklets that tell the story of historic lighthouses, lightships and life-saving stations along the New England Coast . The Nantucket coastline has long been one of the most dangerous areas along the New England coast. Over the years four life-saving stations and eight Massachusetts Humane Society stations stood guard over the island’s shores, standing ready to combat the seas in an effort to rescue shipwrecked mariners in their time of need. 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 piece of history. (M). $8.95.

28114. Drew, Bernard A., The Berkshire Photo Album – Historic Images 1870’s – 1990’s. Pittsfield. 1999. 128p. A wonderful collection of some 440 images from The Berkshire Eagle’s extensive archive, this book provides a look at life, love, and labor during the last century and a half in the two cities and thirty towns of Massachusetts’ western-most county. Many of the views are published here for the first time and feature people, places and events both well remembered and long-forgotten. Excellent New England reading. (M). $16.95

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.

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. 

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.  

28129. Galluzzo, John. Lifesavers of the South Shore – A History of Rescue and Loss. History Press. 2008. DJ. 128p. However cruelly the rocks of Massachusetts 's South Shore have treated storm-driven sailors, there can be no questioning the selflessness and courage of the keepers and surfmen who played host to the no man's land between frozen beach and gale-tossed sea. Read John Galluzzo's enthralling account of the Life-Saving Service and meet legends like Joshua James, whose surfboat, Nantasket, once saved twenty-nine men from six boats in a grueling thirty-six hours. Chart a course through the service's history, from its humble beginning in the refuge huts built after the American Revolution until its absorption into the U.S. Coast Guard in the twentieth century. (M). $19.99.

2074. Clifford, J. Candace and Mary Louise Clifford. NINETEENTH-CENTURY LIGHTS Historic Images of American Lighthouses. Alexandria, Va. 2000. 295p. If you only purchase one book this year, this one should be your choice. For the first time these renown authors bring together hundreds of large, detailed images of early American light stations from the files of the National Archives. Superbly arranged and printed, this is a beautiful volume and well worth the publisher's list price. Hard cover $34.95. Soft cover $24.95.  

We have bought out the author/ publisher’s remaining stock, only 22 Left! Wholesale pricing available:

20148. Hathaway, Charles B. FROM HIGHLAND TO HAMMERHEAD: THE COAST GUARD AND CAPE COD. Chatham, Mass: Self Published, 2000. 256pp, including a 10 page index. Wraps. Fine 1st Edition. Signed by Author. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾". Black and white photos. This is a brand new book written by a retired Coast Guard captain who served 30 years on 6 Coast Guard cutters. The book covers over 200 years, from the establishment of Highland Light in 1797 to the present. There is information on lightships, lighthouses, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Life-Saving Service, individual cutters and more. The author has researched the topic quite extensively and includes a nice bibliography, as well as extensive list of individuals he has interviewed or corresponded with. Highly recommended by Ken Black of Shore Village Museum, who notes "…outstanding work….one of the best I have personally owned and strongly recommend…." Only 1000 copies of this book were printed. (M). $13.95

23113. Theriault, Albert A. and Elizabeth A. Theriault, NED'S POINT LIGHTHOUSE, MATTAPOISETT, MASSACHUSETTS: A CHRONICLE AND RELATED INFORMATION. Ned's Point Publishing, 2002. 39 p. Spiral bound. The lighthouse at Ned's (or Ned ) Point, at the northeast side of the entrance to Mattapoisett Harbor on Buzzard's Bay, was built in 1837 using rubblestone from a nearby beach. Its 11 lamps and reflectors displayed a fixed white light 41 feet above sea level. In 1923 the keeper's house was removed, loaded on a barge and floated across Buzzards Bay to Wing's Neck Light in Bourne, where it remains today. This thoroughly presented history covers both the station from its beginning, its keepers and the Lighthouse Establishment and some of its equipment. Nicely done, worth reading. Thoroughly illustrated with photos and diagrams. (M). $19.95.

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.

22510. Marcus, John. LIGHTHOUSES OF NEW ENGLAND – Your Guide to Lighthouses of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Long Island. Stillwater. 2001. 160 p. A Pictorial Discovery Guide. DJ. A fresh look at the history and technological evolution of lighthouses in the area, the development of apparatus, architecture, construction and maintenance on their remote sites, the daily life of the keepers and much more. The author presents an exciting history illustrated with stunning photographs, historical anecdotes, architectural details and local legends. Lavishly illustrated, an excellent text on the subject and guide for the area. (M). Hard Cover $29.95 Soft Cover $19.95.

20209. Webber, Bernard C., CHATHAM "The Lifeboatmen". Orleans, Mass. 1985. 128p. Signed by the author, Coxswain of CG36500. Illustrated with numerous photographs. Late in February 1952, a northeaster swept New England with bitter cold, snow and gale force winds. East of Chatham 70-knot winds and 60-foot seas battered merchant vessels as the tankers SS Fort Mercer and SS Pendleton met the full force of the storm. They both broke in two on the morning of February 19th with 84 half-frozen men marooned on the battered hulks. The story of how these men were rescued is retold even today. In the days following the ordeal, twenty-one Coast Guardsmen would be decorated. The men who ventured into 60-foot seas in the little 36-foot CG36500 motor lifeboat to rescue the tanker crews showed what heroism really is. How this all came about, and the story of life at Cape Cod small boat stations in the 1950’s, is a tale well worth reading and a tribute to Coast Guardsmen everywhere. Wonderful reading. (M). $29.95.

20212. na. RESCUE CG36500. Orleans. 1985. Soft wraps. 48p. Illustrated with over 40 photographs. A collection of stories, photographs and illustrations detailing the career of CG36500 and the famous rescue of thirty-two men from a broken tanker on the night of February 8, 1952 off Chatham, Massachusetts. The information is gleaned from official Coast Guard reports, local news stories and the men who braved the seas that night themselves. Thirty years after the rescue, the boat was saved from oblivion and completely restored by volunteers of the Orleans Historical Society and still proudly plies Cape Cod waters as a museum dedicated to the memory of life-savers of the United States Coast Guard. (M). $5.

20179. Freitas, Fred and Dave Ball. WARNINGS IGNORED! The Story of the Portland Gale November, 1898. Self published. 1995. 97p. Soft wraps. With numerous vintage photographs. On November 26 and 27, 1898, a storm of epic proportions struck New England and wreaked havoc all along the coastline, particularly along the South Shore and Cape Cod. For almost 100 years this gale would be the measure against which all subsequent storms would be compared. During this storm the Life-Saving Service, Humane Society and mariners all along the coast would be severely tested as countless vessels would be driven upon the rocks. In this comprehensive work the authors tell not only the story of the ill-fated steamship Portland, but also the story of all of the towns along the coast during the gale, and particularly of the life-saving efforts. Most interesting. (M). $19.95.

2073. Snowman, Sally R. PH.D., and James G. Thomson. BOSTON LIGHT, A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE. Plymouth, Mass. 1999. 280p. Soft wraps. Well illustrated with over 120 photographs (80 in color) and illustrations. This is one of the few books ever book to detail the entire history of America’s first light station and what life was like on Little Brewster Island since 1611. Boston Light Station, established in 1716, is America’s first lighthouse and the only station still staffed by Coast Guard personnel. This most interesting volume presents 283 years of history and is the result of over five years of intensive research. The authors, Sally R. Snowman, PH.D. and James G. Thomson have painstakingly provided the reader with a wealth of information on one of the most historic sites in America. Well supplemented with numerous documents, photographs, floor plans, diagrams and more. Included is a lengthy chronological listing of events relating to the station, listing of keepers, detailed bibliographical notes, and more. Great reading and a most useful reference. (M). Published at $36. Our Price $32.40.

C24128. THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS . REPORT 1917-1918. Boston . 1918. 94p. Excellent report includes large fold-out map of the “Life Saving Stations of the Humane Society”. In addition, includes  of all sixty five life saving stations and boat houses with their keepers, List of Persons to Whom Awards were Granted 1916 to 1918, sample award certificates, Instructions to the Captains of the Life Saving Stations [includes apparatus drills and operation, Instructions to Seamen, Instructions for Saving Drowning Persons, Restoring Persons Apparently Drowned, General Summary of the Work of the Society, Equipment of Stations, Act of Incorporation, By Laws, List of Officers and Trustees of the Society, List of Members, a detailed List of Awards Granted 1786 – 11918. A tremendous amount of information about this important early predecessor to the Life-Saving Service. (Photocopy $20).

11337. Cann, Donald J., John J. Galluzzo, Capt. W. Russell Webster, USCG (Ret.). The Coast Guard in Massachusetts. Arcadia. 2011. 128p. Soft wraps. 180 vintage photographs. The Coast Guard’s deepest roots run through Massachusetts, the ancestral home to three of the five predecessor agencies that make up the service today. The Coast Guard formed in 1915 and since that time has served the citizens of the Bay State at lifeboat stations, air stations, lighthouses, LORAN stations, and radio stations, as well as on lightships and cutters of all sizes. They have protected the Massachusetts coastline during numerous wars, performing some of the most dramatic rescues in American history—from the Pendleton to the Argo Merchant to the Etrusco and more. The story of the Coast Guard in Massachusetts is one of heroism, honor, respect, and devotion to duty. Nicely told by this trio of respected Coast Guard authors. This interesting volume draws images from public and private collections, most never before published. Superb photographs of the stations, the men, equipment  and more, well worth it for the photos alone. (M). $21.99.

11350. Daly, Janet M. Chatham. Arcadia. 2002. 128p. Soft wraps. 180 vintage photographs. Chatham is a historic Cape Cod town with coastline on Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, with many stories to tell-tales of boating and fishing, railroads and hotels, churches and theaters, shipwrecks and rescues, and wireless communication and war efforts. With vivid photographs, Chatham brings the town to life from the early 1800s to the 1960s. In these pages, see Chatham's lighthouse, which has warned of treacherous sandbars off the coast and has witnessed hundreds of shipwrecks since 1808, and the Mack Monument, which memorializes one valiant rescue. Visit the South Chatham Village Hall, which has rocked with laughter at Silver Circle entertainments; the Fourth of July parades; the 1912 and 1962 festivities celebrating Chatham's incorporation; and the weekly summer band concerts. Learn how technology changed Chatham from the arrival of the railroad and the building of the Marconi Wireless Station to the construction of the Chatham Naval Air Station, with its blimps and seaplanes protecting the East Coast from German submarines during World War I. Superb photographs, well worth it for the photos alone. (M). $21.99.

27161a. Lighthouse Service. LOCAL LIGHT LIST NEW ENGLAND COAST. Maine to Massachusetts. First and Second Lighthouse District. Wash. 1928. 177- p. Soft wraps. Covers the coast and harbors from the St. Croix River, Maine south to Westport Harbor, Massachusetts. Includes descriptions of lights and light vessels, buoys, fog signals as well as other important information. Includes location, height above water, distance seen, candlepower, description of structure, and more. Overall in unusually good condition for an early list, covers nicely intact with only light wear, contents clean and tight, a very good copy. Very difficult to find these early lists and well worth the search. (VG+)     $36 net.

27161b. Lighthouse Service. LOCAL LIGHT LIST NEW ENGLAND COAST. Maine to Massachusetts. First and Second Lighthouse District. Wash. 1929. 182- p. (VG+). $36.

27161c. Lighthouse Service. LOCAL LIGHT LIST NEW ENGLAND COAST. Maine to Massachusetts. First and Second Lighthouse District. Wash. 1930. 180- p. (VG+). $36.

27161d. Lighthouse Service. LOCAL LIGHT LIST NEW ENGLAND COAST. Maine to Massachusetts. First and Second Lighthouse District. Wash. 1931. 178- p. (VG+). $36.

27161e. Lighthouse Service. LOCAL LIGHT LIST NEW ENGLAND COAST. Maine to Massachusetts. First and Second Lighthouse District. Wash. 1932. 177- p. (VG+). $36.

27161f. Lighthouse Service. LOCAL LIGHT LIST NEW ENGLAND COAST. Maine to Massachusetts. First and Second Lighthouse District. Wash. 1933. 177- p. (VG+). $36.

27161g. Lighthouse Service. LOCAL LIGHT LIST NEW ENGLAND COAST. Maine to Massachusetts. First and Second Lighthouse District. Wash. 1934. 179- p. (VG+). $36.

27161h. Lighthouse Service. LOCAL LIGHT LIST NEW ENGLAND COAST. Maine to Massachusetts. First and Second Lighthouse District. Wash. 1935. 183- p. (VG+). $36.

27161i. Lighthouse Service. LOCAL LIGHT LIST NEW ENGLAND COAST. Maine to Massachusetts. First and Second Lighthouse District. Wash. 1936. 182- p. (VG+). $36.

 L-58. Lighthouse Service. LOCAL LIGHT LIST NEW ENGLAND COAST OF THE UNITED STATES. Maine to Massachusetts . Wash. 1932. 177 p. Soft wraps. Covers the coast from Whitlocks Mill , Maine to Buzzards Bay . Includes descriptions of lights and light vessels, buoys, fog signals as well as other important information. Includes location, height above water, distance seen, candlepower, description of structure, and more. Overall in unusually good condition for an early list, covers nicely intact with only a few chips, spine tape repaired, some browning, contents clean and tight, a good copy. Very difficult to find these early lists and well worth the search. (VG)  $60 net. Reduced $ 30.

4221. U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. UNITED STATES COAST PILOT. Atlantic Coast - Section A. St. Croix River to Cape Cod . (1950) Fifth Edition. Hard cover. 410pp. Unusually good condition, clean, tight. (VG). $18.

450. U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. UNITED STATES COAST PILOT. Atlantic Coast. Section A. St. Croix River to Cape Cod. Fifth (1950) Edition. Hard cover. 410pp. $12.

4434. U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. UNITED STATES COAST PILOT. Atlantic Coast. Section A. St. Croix River to Cape Cod. Second Edition. 1927. 356pp. Covers soiled but tight. Includes listing of Coast Guard and Mass. Humane Society Stations, Instructions to Mariners in case of Shipwreck, etc. (G) $22.

24154. Eldridge, George. ELDRIDGE’S COAST PILOT NO. 1 EASTERN SECTION FROM CHATHAM [Ma] TO CANSO, N. S. INCLUDING BAY OF FUNDY. Boston. 1884. 551pp plus 54pp illustrated advertising section. Full calf binding with impressed lettering, Eldridge, whose father George started him in the chart business, is probably best known as the compiler of Eldridge’s Tide and Pilot Book, still in use today. His charts were compiled from his and his father’s own surveys. Includes detailed descriptions and sailing directions. Includes locations and descriptions of lighthouses and light-vessels and more. Bound in is included 54pp, well illustrated trade catalogue from the American Ship Windless Co.  Covers detached but present. Contents clean, tight. A desirable edition.  (G) $145.  

6724c. U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. UNITED STATES COAST PILOT. Atlantic Coast - Section B. Cape Cod to Sandy Hook . (1940) Fourth Edition. Hard cover. 444pp. Unusually good condition, clean, tight. (VG). $18.

Light-House Service District Maps

10345. [Light-House Service District Maps]. U. S. Light-House Service. c. June 30, 1891. 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 good condition. These are fine 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 8 ½” x 10” in size and are overall clean, may have very light stain,  with only one light original fold, light age toning. A rare chance to obtain the chart of your District for framing. (VG).

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 .  $44.

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 . $44.

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.  $44.

PART OF THE THIRD LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Includes all of Lake Champlain . $18.

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 .  $44.

FIFTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Metomkin Inlet , Virginia to and including New River Inlet , North Carolina .  $44.

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. $44.

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 .  $44.

EIGHTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Perdido Entrance , Florida to the Rio Grande, the southern boundary of Texas . Includes all of the Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi River .  $44.

NINTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Includes all of Lake Michigan, Green Bay and tributary waters.   $44.

TENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends from the mouth of the St. Regis River , St. Lawrence River , New York to and including Grassy Island, 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.  $44.

ELEVENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends from the Grassy Island Light Station, Detroit River , Michigan to the head of Lake Superior including the waters of Lakes 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.   $44.

TWELFTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From the boundary between California and Mexico to the boundary between California and Oregon .   $44.

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.   $44.

U. S. Light-House Service District Charts - Large Size

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All text and illustrations on web site Ó James W. Claflin . 04/03/2012 All rights reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.

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All text and illustrations on web site Ó James W. Claflin . 05/01/2012 All rights reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.