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United States Volunteer Life SavingCorps 

The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning lifeboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. The Service maintained branches in 15 states where there were no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society. They state that the Corps was intended as an auxiliary to the U. S. Life Saving Service. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Information and awards of this service are exceptionally scarce and this has become an interesting collection area. 

We are continually acquiring wonderful and rare  original books, documents, antiques and implements. Below are photos and information. Inquiries welcomed.

 SR-462. (life-saving medal) A rare 20K yellow gold Medal by Tiffany & Co, New York, Life Saving Benevolent Association of New York, 29th March 1849, on reverse engraved 'Presented to L.F. McLain Master of the Steamship "West Harcuvar", in recognition of his humanity and seamanship in rescuing four men from the waterlogged and sinking Schooner 'Muguet' during a gale and high sea 319 miles off the Azores, Feb 1926.', 41.6 dwt, in original leather box, 2" diam, fine condition. This is only the fourth such large size gold NYLSBA medals that I have seen in 20 years. Shortly after this time they began issuing gold medals in a smaller size.  (F). $4,995. (no discounts apply) 

27362b na. THE VOLUNTEER LIFE SAVING CORPS OF NEW YORK ANNUAL AND SOUVENIR [REPORT] CONTAINING A HISTORY OF THE VOLUNTEER LIFE SAVING SERVICE IN EUROPE AND AMERICA … TOGETHER WITH THE RECORD OF HEROIC RESCUES MADE BY ITS MEDAL MEMBERS FOR THE YEARS 1894, 1895, 1896 AND 1897. New York . 1897-1898. 174p. Gilt embossed blue stiff wraps. Illustrated with numerous photos and drawings. Inscribed “With Compliments of the Board, J. Wesley Jones, President. The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning lifeboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. The Service maintained branches in 15 states where there were no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society. They state that the Corps was intended as an auxiliary to the U. S. Life Saving Service. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Information and awards of this service are exceptionally scarce and this has become an interesting collection area. Offered is an interesting early report which includes accounts of rescues performed, photographs, history of the organization, and much more. Interestingly, included is information on lifeboat stations including that at Gravesend on Long Island , which resembled closely early US Life Saving Service stations and houses beach apparatus cart and lifeboats, etc. Eight such crews guarded the area of  Coney Island Creek and Gravesend Bay . Also included is the general report are the awards of rescue medals, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Clean, complete, a bit brittle, front hinge detached, frontis pages chipped and loose but present, back hinge intact but weak. Wraps overall clean with edge wear but overall good. Extremely scarce, important report. (G+). $135. (similar shown, prior year) 

11313. [receipt] U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps., City of New York c.1903. Beautiful original engraved receipt for donation of fifteen dollars from a Massachusetts company. Signed and embossed, receipt is quite attractive and would be wonderful framed. Rare piece. (VG+). $48.

911a. THREE YOUNG HEROES – NEW YORK VOLUNTEER LIFE-SAVING CORPS. Harper’s Weekly. January 18, 1879. Superb half-page engraving of three young life-savers patrolling the wharves with lantern and ropes in hand. The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning surfboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. A fine detailed engraving for framing. (VG). $18.

24367b na. FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING CORPS IN RHODE ISLAND, MADE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT ITS JANUARY SESSION, 1906. Providence . 1906. 36 p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with photos. The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning lifeboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. The Service maintained branches in 15 states where there were no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Information and awards of this service are exceptionally scarce and this has become an interesting collection area. Offered is an interesting early report which includes names of organization members and their Rhode Island locations (Edgewood Yacht Club, Pawtuxet, Shawomet Beach, Phillipsdale, Esmond, Moswansicut, Woonsocket, Crescent (Amusement) Park, Olneyville, Blackamore Pond, Newport, Bristol, Rocky Point (Amusement Park), Block Island, Quonochontaug, Narragansett Pier, Warren, Mashpaug Pond, Edgewood Beach, Riverside, Lower Harbor, Greystone). Also included is the general report, first aid and drill work, efficiency, a report of an aged couple rescue of a swimmer from the sea, expenses, awards of rescue medals, inspection of apparatus, placing the apparatus and demonstrations, examination for membership, general explanation and methods recommended, resuscitation rules, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Clean, complete, unusually nice copy. Scarce first report.  (VG+). $95.  

24367d na. FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING CORPS IN RHODE ISLAND, MADE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT ITS JANUARY SESSION, 1906. Providence . 1906. 36 p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with photos. The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning lifeboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. The Service maintained branches in 15 states where there were no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Information and awards of this service are exceptionally scarce and this has become an interesting collection area. Offered is an interesting early report which includes names of organization members and their Rhode Island locations (Edgewood Yacht Club, Pawtuxet, Shawomet Beach, Phillipsdale, Esmond, Moswansicut, Woonsocket, Crescent (Amusement) Park, Olneyville, Blackamore Pond, Newport, Bristol, Rocky Point (Amusement Park), Block Island, Quonochontaug, Narragansett Pier, Warren, Mashpaug Pond, Edgewood Beach, Riverside, Lower Harbor, Greystone). Also included is the general report, first aid and drill work, efficiency, a report of an aged couple rescue of a swimmer from the sea, expenses, awards of rescue medals, inspection of apparatus, placing the apparatus and demonstrations, examination for membership, general explanation and methods recommended, resuscitation rules, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Clean, complete, light wear. Scarce first report.  (VG). $85.  

24367c na. SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING CORPS IN RHODE ISLAND, MADE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT ITS JANUARY SESSION, 1907. Providence . 1907. 60 p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with wonderful photos of stations and equipment. The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning lifeboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. The Service maintained branches in 15 states where there were no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Information and awards of this service are exceptionally scarce and this has become an interesting collection area. Offered is an interesting early report which includes names of organization members and their Rhode Island locations (Edgewood Yacht Club, Pawtuxet, Shawomet Beach, Phillipsdale, Esmond, Moswansicut, Woonsocket, Crescent (Amusement) Park, Olneyville, Blackamore Pond, Newport, Bristol, Rocky Point (Amusement Park), Block Island, Quonochontaug, Narragansett Pier, Warren, Mashpaug Pond, Edgewood Beach, Riverside, Lower Harbor, Greystone). Also included is the general report, first aid and drill work, efficiency, a report of an aged couple rescue of a swimmer from the sea, expenses, awards of rescue medals, inspection of apparatus, placing the apparatus and demonstrations, examination for membership, general explanation and methods recommended, resuscitation rules, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Clean, complete, unusually nice copy. Scarce second report.  (VG+). $95.  

1086. (document) VOLUNTEER LIFE SAVING CORPS. OF NEW YORK AND INLAND WATERS. April 27,1895.  Letter with envelope on official U.S. V. L. S. C. stationery includes lovely vignette of volunteer life-savers instructing bathers, as well as a second on the envelope of the Corps.’ membership badge. The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning lifeboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. The Service maintained branches in 15 states where there were no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society. They state that the Corps was intended as an auxiliary to the U. S. Life Saving Service. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Information and awards of this service are exceptionally scarce and this has become an interesting collection area. Offered is an interesting early form letter (8” x 10 ½”) and envelope from President J. Wesley Jones, requesting listings of needed supplies, membership rosters. Document is clean, crisp, with original folds. Envelope postmarked May 3, 1895. Stamp has been cut from envelope, otherwise intact, light soiling. (VG-). $134.

2168. [document] U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. June 19, 1908. Typed letter on official stationery of the U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps bears a reply by George A. Thormann, General Superintendent of the Corps to Mr. Marcus H. Holcomb, Attorney-General, Hartford, Conn. Attorney Holcomb had apparently requested a report on the organization. Superintendent Thormann explains that since the Corps is a humane institution for the purpose of organizing crews of volunteer life savers, that they do not fall under the Public Acts that Mr. Holcomb had referred. Document is clean and crisp and signed in the hand of General Superintendent Thormann. 8 ½" x 11", with original folds. (VG). $42.

21266. [dance program] Fourth Annual Masqueraded Ball, Voluntary Life Saving Service, City of New York . November 10, 1928 . The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning surfboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. This dance program is from the City of New York , Richmond Division, and as expected lists the officers and surfmen of the various stations including the South Beach and Great Kills Stations, rescues performed over the year, the dance program, advertisements, and more. An important collectible from this little known service. Staple bound, light overall soiling but nicely intact. (VG-). $44 net. 

21100. [button] U. S. Volunteer Corps. Auxiliary. Unusually detailed celluloid on metal button bears a life ring on anchor with eagle above, bearing the words: “U. S. Volunteer Corps. Auxiliary”. Button is in color, and measures 11/16” , stud back. Extremely rare. (VG-).$66 net. 

907a,b,c. NEW YORK VOLUNTEER LIFE-SAVING CORPS – NEW STATION AT PIER TWENTY-EIGHT, EAST RIVER . Harper’s Weekly. April 19, 1879 . Superb half-page engraving showing interior and exterior views of the new East River station. Accompanying detailed half-page article describes the history and work of this little known society, modeled after the Royal Humane Society, as well as other similar societies around the world. A fine detailed engraving for framing. (VG). $32. 

24367. na. SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING CORPS IN RHODE ISLAND, MADE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT ITS JANUARY SESSION, 1912. Providence . 1912. 88 p. Soft wraps. The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning lifeboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. The Service maintained branches in 15 states where there were no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Information and awards of this service are exceptionally scarce and this has become an interesting collection area. Offered is an interesting early report which includes names of organization members and their Rhode Island locations (Edgewood Yacht Club, Pawtuxet, Shawomet Beach, Phillipsdale, Esmond, Moswansicut, Woonsocket, Crescent (Amusement) Park, Olneyville, Blackamore Pond, Newport, Bristol, Rocky Point (Amusement Park), Block Island, Quonochontaug, Narragansett Pier, Warren, Mashpaug Pond, Edgewood Beach, Riverside, Lower Harbor, Greystone). Also included is the general report, first aid and drill work, efficiency, a report of an aged couple rescue of a swimmer from the sea, expenses, awards of rescue medals, inspection of apparatus, placing the apparatus and demonstrations, examination for membership, general explanation and methods recommended, resuscitation rules, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Soft front wraps present but detached, back wrap missing. Contents clean and  tight,  with some parenthetical markings and a tattered fore-edge of the last leaf. (G+). $38.

2168. [document] U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. June 19, 1908. Typed letter on official stationery of the U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps bears a reply by George A. Thormann, General Superintendent of the Corps to Mr. Marcus H. Holcomb, Attorney-General, Hartford, Conn. Attorney Holcomb had apparently requested a report on the organization. Superintendent Thormann explains that since the Corps is a humane institution for the purpose of organizing crews of volunteer life savers, that they do not fall under the Public Acts that Mr. Holcomb had referred. Document is clean and crisp and signed in the hand of General Superintendent Thormann. 8 ½" x 11", with original folds. (VG). $42.

7299. na. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES VOLUNTEER LIFE-SAVING CORPS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK For the Year Ending October 1, 1905. Albany . 1906. 98p. With 18 illustrations, this report contains wonderful information on this little known sister service. With branches in 15 states where there are no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society, information on this service is exceptionally scarce. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Report includes an account of the work performed in each of the many states that it maintains stations, financial report, property, Rules and Regulations, listing of heroes and persons saved during the year, and accounts of many rescues performed. With fine photos of their ornate stations, medals and many of their heroes, this is an important reference and answers many questions that we have had for many years. (Spiral bound photocopy. $19.60.)

Page updated February 09, 2012

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All text and illustrations on web site Ó James W. Claflin . 02/09/2012 All rights reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.

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