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6719f. Manning, Gordon P., LIFE IN THE COLCHESTER REEF LIGHTHOUSE. by The Shelburne Museum . 1958. 43p. Soft wraps, clean, crisp. Nicely illustrated. Details the life of the Keepers in this Lake Champlain lighthouse. Includes listing of the keepers who served here during its’ 62 years of service, as well as details on the 1952 move of the lighthouse to the Shelburne Museum in Vermont . (VG+). $12.

Cleveland inner pierhead light and life-saving station. (image courtesy Library of Congress. Not in book)

792h. O’Brien, T. Michael. GUARDIANS OF THE EIGHTH SEA - A HISTORY OF THE U. S. COAST GUARD ON THE GREAT LAKES . GPO. 1976. 97p. Soft wraps. 4TO. This scarce historical narrative traces the vital services performed, beginning with the Revenue Cutter Service up to the present day Coast Guard. Included are the roles of the Lighthouse and Life-Saving Services, and Steamboat Inspection Service. Well illustrated with over 90 photographs, the author presents a comprehensive history of the rescue services in this important area. (VG). $22.

10201. Stump, E. Charles IV. The History of Fenwick Island, Delaware. 1976.20p. Soft wraps. Autographed by author. Good account includes the history and settlement of the island, their role in the Revolution, construction and history of the lighthouse, and more. Light soiling. (VG-). $9.

SR-423. West, J. Brian. LIFE ON THE EDGE – The Lighthouses of Nauset. Cape Cod . 1989. 32p. Soft wraps. This little booklet provides a comprehensive history of the lighthouses on Eastham’s Nauset Beach since the 1820’s. Included is a short history of the Light-House Establishment, the story of the various lighthouse configurations that have at one time or another warned mariners from this location, and some technical information on the lighting apparatus and the structures themselves. Also includes a listing of the keepers at this station, and a detailed bibliography. (VG+). $6.

SR-422. Chase, Mary Ellen. THE STORY OF LIGHTHOUSES. New York . 1965. 1st ed. 169pp. DJ. Combining her talents as both scholar and storyteller, the author chronicles the history of lighthouses throughout the world with an emphasis on the tedious construction and the life of the keepers and their families. (VG) $12.

SR-424. Holland , F. Ross. AMERICA ’S LIGHTHOUSES - Their Illustrated History Since 1716. Brattleboro . 1st. 1972. 226p. DJ. 8VO. Filled with historic vintage photographs and illustrations, America’s Lighthouses is one of the best references on the history of the light stations in America in recent memory. Mr. Holland guides you through the history and development of lighthouses in America with fascinating stories of the history and development of individual lighthouses, and a nostalgic look at the keepers who have devoted their lives to the daily maintenance and operation of the lights. One of the earlier and best references on the subject by this well known historian. Light wear. (VG-). $12.

SR-421.  [journal] THE KEEPER’S LOG. Journal of the United States Lighthouse Society. San Francisco . Var. Fill out your collection with these back issues of The Keeper’s Log. This is the premier journal for the lighthouse researcher or enthusiast, filled with hundreds of detailed articles on lighthouses, lightships and tenders across the country. Filled with remarkable original photographs. Most interesting reading. Here is a great opportunity to add some of the earlier issues to your collection at an exceptionally low price of $3.50 each, four for $12. Some issues from 1993 to 1995 available. Excellent condition - good historical information. 1993    Vol. 1,2.         1994    3,4,1.         1995    2,3,4

24241. Clarke, A. C. VOICE ACROSS THE SEA. New York . 1974. 228 p. DJ. An account of submarine telegraph and telephone lines and the laying of the first transatlantic cable over 125 years ago. A complete account of this adventure. (VG+). $16.

1042b. The Sea Chest – Journal of The Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society. March 2005. 47p. Wonderful historical articles of the Pacific coast include: Melanope, Witch of the Waves; Southern Chief, A Reminder of Jefferson County’s Maritime Past; Sail Training in the Pacific Northwest, and more. (VG+). $9

21412. Rourke, Juanita. UP THE SHORE: THE LIGHTHOUSE YEARS. Toronto. 2000. 264p. Soft wraps. Autographed by the author. Edited by Bonnie Rourke. Enter into the intriguing world of lightkeeping on the Great Lakes with this detailed account of a lightkeeper’s wife. Originally written as a weekly newspaper column, these true stories reflect the life that Juanita and Frank Rourke and their family shared at various lighthouses on Georgian Bay and Lake Huron between the years 1956-68, when Frank was the keeper there. These tales offer a fascinating account of the experiences of a family living this rugged life far from the comforts of community and friends. Wonderful day-to-day details that will appeal to all who have succumbed to the lure of lighthouse history. Well illustrated with vintage photographs. (VG). $28.95.

1042c. The Sea Chest – Journal of The Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society. June 2005. 47p. Wonderful historical articles of the Pacific coast include: The Wreck of SS Saratoga; The Liberty Ship George Walton; Loss of Seagate on the Washington Coast, Haida Revisited, and more. (VG+). $9

L-189. Rawson, Geoffrey. Pandora’s Last Voyage. New York. 1963. 165p. DJ. In 1791, H.M.S. Pandora was sent to the Pacific to find the notorious H.M.S. Bounty, and to bring its crew back to justice in England. Based on authentic documents, this rousing account of this great sea saga blends the glamour of the exotic tropics with violent action and suspense. (VG). $16.

L-188. Danielsson, Bengt. What Happened on the Bounty. London. 1963. 223p. DJ. A fresh account of the most famous mutiny in naval history. An exciting and authorative, readable work from a real sailor with an intimate knowledge of the South Pacific. (VG-). $12.

6327. United States Coast Guard. Marine Safety School. Commandant Notices and Instructions – Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars. c.1978. 564p. Spiral bound. Includes a thorough collection of field notices regarding pollution enforcement, intervention on the high seas, permits, pollution response, and more. Thorough reference. (VG+). $14.

6512f,g. U. S. Coast Guard. UNITED STATES COAST GUARD SHIPS, PLANES AND STATIONS. CG-214. 1955. 32p. Soft wraps. A brief look at the history of the stations and equipment of the Coast Guard. Well illustrated with photos of cutters, icebreakers, tenders, lightships, surf and motor lifeboats, numerous aircraft and stations. (VG). $14.

6277e-J. U. S. Coast Guard. COAST GUARD HISTORY. CG-213. 1958. 32p. Soft wraps. A brief look at the history of the Coast Guard, from its beginnings as the Revenue Marine to its many other duties added throughout the years. (VG). $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.

L-183. Paine, Ralph D. THE BOOK OF BURIED TREASURE – Being a True History of the Gold, Jewels, and Plate of Pirates, Galleons, Etc., Which are Sought for to this Day. New York . 1911. 425 p. Important and scarce account of pirates and treasure by well known author in the field. (VG+).     $12.

L-184. de Villiers, Marq and Sheila Hirtle. A Dune Adrift: The Strange Origins and Curious History of a Dune Adrift in the Atlantic. New York. 2004. 276p. DJ. This engaging natural history celebrates one of the world's most precarious landscapes, a sand spit 30 miles long and less than a mile wide, plunked down 100 miles from the Canadian coast. Continually gouged by wind and wave and stingily replenished with sand by the currents swirling around it, the evanescent but intractable island has wrecked hundreds of ships over the centuries while sheltering enough greenery and fresh water to maintain a herd of wild horses. De Villiers and Hirtle explore the geological and oceanographic forces that shaped and maintain the island and the flora and fauna that cling to it. They also examine its place in human history, regaling readers with tales of the shipwreck tragedies that darken its past and recalling the many odd little communities of castaways, lifeguards and scientists that have washed up on its beaches. (F-). $18.

29212. Claudy, C. H. THE LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES. 11pp. The World Today Magazine. May 1907. Quite a fine article on the extent and operation of the United States Lighthouse Service, with a bit about its history, with a number of examples of light stations and lightships, life at these outposts, and more. Excellent descriptions. And includes nine large half-tone engravings. Full issue filled with fine articles of the day. Contents clean, tight, wraps light wear and soiling. (VG-). $38.

29213a. William H. Flayhart. Perils of the Atlantic: Steamship Disasters, 1850 to the Present. New York. 2003. 1st. DJ. 380p. 26 illustrations. The author retells classic ocean liner disaster stories while bringing to light never-before-published but compelling episodes in man's ongoing battle with the sea. A gripping, colorful and deadly history of ocean liner disasters from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, Perils of the Atlantic is a chronicle of the most frightening episodes in the maritime history of the North Atlantic. From 1850 to the present day, the Atlantic has been home to hundreds of ocean liners and cruise ships, each more lavish than the last...all of them symbols of wealth and luxury. Many of us know the stories of the Titanic and the Lusitania. Both tragedies caused tremendous loss of life, even as they made the ships immortal. But there are many little-known accounts of extraordinary survivals at sea, such as the Inman and International liner City of Chicago that jammed her bow into an Irish peninsula in 1892 but stayed afloat long enough for all to be rescued, or the City of Richmond that survived a dangerous fire in 1891, and a year earlier the City of Paris, whose starboard engine exploded at full speed in the mid-Atlantic and yet miraculously still made port. Often such tales are forgotten even if the ship sank: In 1898 the Holland-America liner Veendam hit a submerged wreck and sank at sea, but all lives were saved—so this vessel's dramatic story seemed less important in maritime history than incidents involving human loss. As recently as 2000, the Sea Breeze I sank off the East Coast of the United States while on a positioning voyage, but all her crew members were rescued in a heroic effort by U.S. Coast Guard helicopters. These stories and many others are dramatic, and acclaimed maritime scholar William Flayhart has spent much of the last forty years in search of material from which to create colorful narratives. It is a first-class work; I recommend it highly. (VG). $24. 

L-185. Nordhoff, Charles and James Norman Hall. Botany Bay. Boston. 1941. Tenth printing. 374p. Following their Bounty trilogy ( The Mutiny on the Bounty, Men Against the Sea, Pitcairn’s Island), these renown authors penned this excellent take, one you can't put down and and was later made into a feature film (1951). A good look at how life was in the penal colonies of Australia in the 1780's and 90's. (VG). $12.

L-186. na. The Pirates Own Book, or Authentic Narratives of the Lives, Exploits, and Executions of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers. The Marine research society, Salem, Mass. 1924. 469p. Rare volume, based on actual documents and material gathered from a variety of historical sources dating back to the mid-1700s, recounts in lurid detail the life, atrocities and bloody death of the infamous Black Beard as well as the cold-blooded exploits of Jean Lafitte, Robert Kidd, Edward Low, Thomas White, Anne Bonney, Mary Read and scores of other maritime marauders. Enhanced with over 70 wood engravings. This extended account of piracy in ancient and modern times, and in all parts of the world, saw its first edition published in Boston in 1837. At least eight other editions followed. Restored to print in 1924 by the Marine Research Society of Salem, Massachusetts, this work is a fascinating account of the careers and exploits of pirates. (VG). $34.

U.S. Coast Guard photo.

2974. Long, Charles A. E., Matinicus Isle – Its Story and Its People. Lewiston. 1926. 235+p. Facsimile copy. Excellent source of history and genealogical information about the rocky island of Matinicus, located 60 miles east of Portland. Includes information about the light station there, and particularly the keepers and their families. A rarely found and sought-after reference on the subject. The one copy that I can find on line lists for $120. Older photocopy, post bound. $44.

   U.S. Coast Guard photo.

3169e. Richmond , Bernice. WINTER HARBOR . New York . 1943. 2nd. 211pp. Very light wear to wraps, contents clean tight. Illustrated with photos. To live in a lighthouse means a rather special kind of life. This is a true account of the author and her husband, who purchased the Winter Harbor Lighthouse, Maine , in the 1940’s and their adventures on the island. This is a story of adventure and happiness on the weather-beaten, wave-swept off-shore Maine island. This is the authors first of two romantic tales of this dream come true that many of us share. (VG)  $36.

3169f. Richmond , Bernice. WINTER HARBOR . New York . 1943. 2nd. 211pp. Very light wear to wraps, contents clean tight. Illustrated with photos. To live in a lighthouse means a rather special kind of life. This is a true account of the author and her husband, who purchased the Winter Harbor Lighthouse, Maine , in the 1940’s and their adventures on the island. This is a story of adventure and happiness on the weather-beaten, wave-swept off-shore Maine island. This is the authors first of two romantic tales of this dream come true that many of us share. Light wear and soiling to wraps. Contents clean and tight. (VG)  $28.

25237b. Quinn, William P., SHIPWRECKS ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST – A Remarkable Collection of Photographs of Maritime Accidents from Maine to Florida . Beverly . 2004. DJ. 244p. Illustrated with over 260 photographs. News photographer Bill Quinn has been taking and collecting photographs of shipwrecks since he filmed the sinking of the Andrea Doria in 1956. For nearly half a century he has added to h is remarkable archive, and his books represent some of the largest collections of shipwreck images in print. First published in 1988 and long out of print, Shipwrecks Along The Atlantic Coast has been reedited and redesigned for this new edition. The waters along the Atlantic Coast have claimed thousands of ships over the years. In this classic work, noted news photographer, historian and author Bill Quinn features hundreds of photographs of schooners and square riggers stranded, from the 1870’s to the 1980’s, from rock bound Maine down past the sandy shores of Cape Cod, through the sounds of Sandy Hook , New Jersey and on down the coast to Florida . With detailed text, the author describes numerous wrecks and the work of the Life-Saving Service and Coast Guard over the years. Notable wrecks Include the loss of the General Slocum, the City of Worcester , the Andria Doria, Normandie fire, Amerique fire, wrecks on the many sandy capes on the coast, Diamond Shoal Light Vessel No. 69, and many more. Exceptional vintage photographs and riveting reading. Clean, tight, some wear to dj. (VG+). $26.

29322. Seibold, David J. and Charles J. Adams III. SHIPWRECKS NEAR BARNEGAT INLET, LONG BEACH ISLAND, NEW JERSEY. Exeter House Books. 1995. 2nd. 92p. Soft wraps. An account of numerous wrecks and rescues in this notoriously dangerous stretch of Atlantic coastline. From the 1800’s up until the 1980’s,  the author describes many of the more interesting of famous incidents. Scarce title. (VG+). $10.

BR-98. DeWire, Elinor. GUIDE TO FLORIDA LIGHTHOUSES. Englewood , Fl., 1987. 96p. Soft wraps. Filled with over 45 superb vintage and color photographs of some 30 Florida light stations representing many diverse styles of architecture and design. Includes a great deal of historical narrative and presents a wonderful perspective on the Light House Service in the 7th District. (M). $6.

BR-110. ed. Townsend, Robert B. Tales from the Great Lakes. Toronto. 1995. 203p. Soft wraps. For more than two hundred years, thousands of giant sailing ships traversed the Great Lakes carrying cargo and passengers. The memory of the romance and elegance of these beautiful ships has almost been forgotten in the search for greater efficiency and speed in our modern world. C.H.J. Snider (1879-1971) chronicled this era in his 1,303 "Schooner Days" columns for Toronto's The Evening Telegram between 1931 and 1954. A great marine researcher and artist, Snider himself worked aboard schooners in his youth and studied first-hand the development of the Great Lakes region. Included herein are selected articles written for Toronto's The evening telegram from 1931-1954. Coupled with Snider's writings are those of Robert B. Townsend, who, besides introducing Snider's stories, adds some of his own. (VG). $7.

BR-109. Mitchell, Al. Historic American Lighthouses. Bellevue. 2003. 140p. Stiff wraps. Hundreds of fine old lighthouses stand guard at America's shores, watching over crowded harbors, maritime channels, deadly shoals, and killer reefs. Some, including the venerable towers at Portland Head in Maine, are nearly as old as the country they serve. Others, such as the one at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina have become international celebrities, and they all have a dramatic story to tell. From shore to shore, in superb photos, visit the most magnificent structures and learn their riveting histories. There is the isolated Florida light station that suffered an Indian attack; a shipwreck that literally crashed the Christmas Eve celebration of a keeper and his family; and the sinking of the legendary lake freighter Edmund Fitzgerald. (M). $8.

BR-108. Shanks, Ralph and Lisa Woo. GUARDIANS OF THE GOLDEN GATE. 1990. 318p. Hardcover. “...Climb the iron stairways of San Francisco Bay ’s lighthouses to light the ancient lamps...on the beach below, the rescue boats are being readied...more watches...more beaches to patrol....” Guardians of the Golden Gate is nearly three times larger than the author’s earlier work ‘Lighthouses of San Francisco Bay. All of the original stories are here, along with a rich treasure of countless new adventures. Illustrated with hundreds of vintage photographs, the Shanks’ wonderful work chronicles the work of San Francisco Bay ’s Life-Savers and Light Keepers as never before. Wonderful reading. (M) $12.95.

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

BR-105. Coast Guard. MOMENTS IN HISTORY. Wash. c.1990. 36p. Soft wraps. Pamphlet contains 18 lovely color reproductions of paintings reflecting famous early Coast Guard moments, by today’s renown artists. Each full page color reproduction includes a full page description of the moment in history that the artist has captured. Important scenes include The Revenue Cutter Eagle Captures The Bon Pere, Cutter Harriet Lane Fires Across The Bow Of The Nashville, Ida Lewis Makes A Rescue At Lime Rock, Pea Island Life-Saving Crew, Lightship Nantucket Sunk By R.M.S. Olympic, and much more. Includes painting by John Witt; Ida Lewis Makes a Rescue at Lime Rock. Nicely done, scarce pamphlet. (VG). $14.

BR-103. Wass, Philmore B. LIGHTHOUSE IN MY LIFE - The Story of a Maine Lightkeeper’s Family. 1987. 258p. Soft Wraps. ‘An engaging and authentic account of a child’s life growing up at Libby Island Light Station in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Faithfully tending the beacon, the author and his family strove to maintain a normal family life under unusual and often demanding conditions. A fascinating story of a vanished way of life.‘ Some notations and underlining. (VG-). $6.

BR-102. Bachelder, Peter Dow. THE LIGHTHOUSES & LIGHTSHIPS OF CASCO BAY . Cape Elizabeth , ME. 1995. 1st. Soft wraps. 110p. Updated and enlarged, “The Lighthouses & Lightships of Casco Bay is the most comprehensive guide to the many historically and architecturally significant lighthouses and lightships of Casco Bay .” “Although the age of lighthouse keepers is gone, the author effectively brings this age alive again, through words and pictures chronicling the people and events in the development and history of these lighthouses and lightships. With over 75 photos and illustrations, this work provides an interesting and detailed look at the lights of this area. New. (M).$8.

BR-101. Stonehouse, Frederick. GREAT LAKES LIGHTHOUSE TALES. Gwinn , Michigan . 1998. 192p. Soft wraps. Lighthouse Tales, by one of the most respected authors on the subject, tells the exciting story of the human side of lightkeeping. It describes the deadly storms, killing fogs and numbing loneliness that those who “kept the lights” endured. Stories of wreck and rescue thread their way through this tribute to the “wickies” of a bygone era. Thoroughly illustrated with vintage photographs. (M). $7

BR-99. Crowley , Jim. LIGHTHOUSES OF NEW YORK – Greater New York Harbor , Hudson River and Long Island . Saugerties. 2000-. 128p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with 60 photographs. At last - all the lighthouses, light towers and light ships of the Hudson River, New York/New Jersey Harbor and Long Island , including Long Island Sound, are collected in one book. Author Jim Crowley, a professional photographer and avid lighthouse fan, photographed the lighthouses and collected their history and interesting facts in this comprehensive tour of New York 's sentinels. Each of the existing 45 lights is represented in a full-page photo which faces a page of descriptive text, and additional archive photos were used to illustrate their changes over the years. Complete access and contact information is provided for those who are more than "armchair travelers" and wish to view and/or visit these historic landmarks. Rounding out the book is a section of illustrated lighthouse history and lore, covering the origins and early life saving techniques used by the forerunner of the United States Coast Guard. The famous, the hidden and the long-forgotten…. all gathered in this beautiful oversized maritime history of New York State lighthouses. (M). $8

BR-100. Butler , Karen. Nantucket Lights: An Illustrated History of the Island ’s Legendary Beacons. Nantucket . 1996. (151 pp. / 148 illus.) DJ. Lavishly illustrated, Nantucket Lights tells the story of the island’s lighthouses and lightships and the men and women who faithfully kept them. This is one of the most comprehensive and attractive books ever done on the lighthouses of Nantucket . Dazzling images including fascinating historic illustrations as well as recent photographs and paintings, and a carefully researched text illuminate an important aspect of Nantucket ’s maritime past. Nantucket 's three lighthouses all have fascinating history -- little Brant Point Light, which has been rebuilt more than any other American lighthouse; remote Great Point Light, completely destroyed in a storm in 1984 but rebuilt only two years later; and Sankaty Head Light, the famous "Blazing Star." There's also an excellent chapter on the Nantucket Lightship. Even if you've never been to the " Far Away Island ," this book is a must. (M). $19.95.

BR-96. Feltner, Dr. Charles E. and Jeri Baron Feltner. Shipwrecks of the Straits of Mackinac. Dearborn. 1997. 3rd. Soft wraps. 338p. An extensive guide to shipwrecks lying in this particular stretch of water in Lake Michigan. Very nicely illustrated throughout with b/w photos and period art of the actual ships, vintage diving advertising and maps. Text covers 41 discovered wrecks and, 43 undiscovered ships, information on lighthouses, statistics, glossary of nautical terms, bibliography and more. (VG+). $12.

BR-97. na. A History of Fairport Harbor Ohio. Plainsville. 1990. 3rd. 303p. Soft wraps. Fairport Harbor's early history and development is the story of the Western Reserve. The favorable harbor played an important role in the building of this part of the Western Reserve. It was a port of call for boats carrying immigrants from Europe, going to the upper lake regions, and a haven of calm water for boats in a storm. Filled with history of the area including the Life-Saving and Coast Guard station, the lighthouses, fire and police departments,  and more. (VG+). $9.

JOURNAL OF LIGHT STATION LOVELL’S ISLAND RANGE LIGHT, Boston Harbor.

   Keeper Jennings next to the lighthouse. 

D-03. U. S. Lighthouse Service. JOURNAL OF LIGHT STATION FOR THE LIGHT STATION AT LOVELL’S ISLAND RANGE LIGHT, BOSTON HARBOR, MASSACHUSETTS July 1, 1911 to November 30, 1919.  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 [shown in photo standing at base of tower- photo not included. 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. This historic log records the careers of both keepers of this important light station. “….June 30, 1919….This page closes my Light-House life, consisting of 35 years of service, beginning at Cape Ann, ending at Lovell’s Island, Mass. Alfred G. Eisener [Keeper]….” SUPERB Original intact standard issue Light-House Journal: Hard bound folio with half-calf spine and corners. Spine is labeled in gilt embossed letters “306 – Journal of Light Station – Light-House Establishment – Department of Commerce and labor”. Volume measures 14” high by 8 ½” wide and contains 202 form pages completed in the hand of Keepers Alfred G. Eisener, and Charles Harold Jennings, covering the period from July 1, 1911 to November 30, 1919.  This type of record was kept at all stations and contained daily listings of important events, bad weather and other special notes. Each page is signed in the hand of the Keeper. Some of the special notes include Sept. 30, 1918 when the light was extinguished for the duration of the Great War, November 11, 1918 Great War practically ended today – Armistice signed, and sadly: “This page closes my light-house life, consisting of 35 years of service, beginning at Cape Ann, ending at Lovell’s Island, Mass.” signed Keeper Alfred G. Eisener. Also noted are the signatures of the District Inspector after inspection of the station with dates of inspection and various notes. Back endpapers used by keepers to record period of absences during the years. Pages are in good condition, generally clean and tight. Binding lightly soiled, with expected light wear. Hinges are worn, front wrap present but detached, back intact but worn. Spine intact and legible. Spine is clearly gilt embossed: “306 – Journal of Light Station – Light-House Establishment – Department of Commerce and labor” (VG). Reduced to $995.

29127. na. American Merchant Seaman’s Manual. Ed. Felix M. Cornell and Allan C. Hoffman. Cambridge. 1964. 5th. 834p. Stiff wraps. Property stamp on frontis “Commanding Officer, Shinnecock Coast Guard Station, Hampton Bays, N.Y. 11946.” The American Merchant Seaman’s Manual has been the primary seamanship text and reference book for the American Merchant Marine for more than sixty years. Merchant mariners going to sea for the first time need to know as much about their new job, their ship, the sea, and the Merchant Marine as they can. From Marlinespike Seamanship to Navigation and Weather, this manual is designed to provide the knowledge that these new seamen need to embark upon their careers at sea. Clean, crisp. (VG+). $48.

29176. Castle, Beatrice Hanscom. The Grand Island Story. Marquette. 1974. 110p. DJ. Grand Island, the largest island along Lake Superior’s south shore, about one-half mile from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. The first Settlers came to the Island in the early 1800's when trading for furs was the prime industry. Includes information on the Grand Island North Light (built in 1867), as well as the East Channel Lighthouse, shipping, settlement and more. (VG). $18.

2614. (catalogue) Bannerman, Francis. MILITARY GOODS CATALOGUE 1938 - CANNON, UNIFORMS, GATLING GUNS, AMMUNITION & RELICS. FRANCIS BANNERMAN CO. New York 1938 ed wraps 9" x 11 ½”  287pp. This extensive catalog is accompanied by the original pictorial mailing envelope (edge worn) and a 1939 correction list. Illustrated throughout. The Bannerman Company dated from the Civil War. They were the first merchants to recognize the value of surplus military goods and became the premier private arms dealer in the world. They bought 90% of the surplus from the Spanish American war and after they were told not to store the 90 tons of explosives in New York , they bought Bannerman Island on the Hudson River . The company prospered until the 1970s. Catalogues of their goods were routinely issued for almost 100 years although the quality of the printing deteriorated over the years as the staff aged and pages were reproduced. Extensively illustrated catalogue includes thousands of piostols, rifles, cannon, cartridges, uniforms, medals, swords, naval lamps, battle lanterns, life rings, binnacles and much more. Some past issues included Lyle guns, Life-Saving Service annual reports for $1 each, lighthouse items and more. Superb reading and a great reference. Pictorial paper covers and contents in good condition, age toning but clean and tight. (VG-).  $128.

23148b. Baker, T. Lindsay. LIGHTHOUSES OF TEXAS. College Station . 1991. 128 p. DJ. A significant work focuses on the history of Texas ’ ten light stations over the years. Detailed text coupled with vintage photographs present the reader with a full account of their design and construction, the engineers, inspectors, keepers and their families, repairs, their roles during the Civil War, and much more. Beautifully presented and thoroughly researched and documented. Extremely difficult to find today. (VG+).  $78 net.  

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.  

BR-89. Adamson, Hans Christian. KEEPERS OF THE LIGHTS. New York . 1955. 430pp. Illustrated with photos, provides a compelling history of the lighthouses and light vessels of the United States . Well done, interesting and complete. Ex-Library. Spine with some wear, contents clean and tight. (VG-). $22.

BR-91. Kozma, LuAnne Gaykowski. LIVING AT A LIGHTHOUSE – Oral Histories from the Great Lakes . GLLKA. 1987. 103p. Soft Wraps. Stories of daily life and work, of family members and traditions, and events both common and unusual. Lighthouse keeping was more than a job, it was a way of life. The complete record cannot be found in the official records and in government reports. These memories, first hand accounts and family stories complete the picture. Wonderful reading. (F-).   $18.

21514a,b. [towel] Original large U. S. Coast Guard hand or dish towel measures 23" x 36". Manufactured by Cannon Mfg., this is a bright rose on white linen and bears the large initials "U.S.C.G." on a rose colored center band. These may have been for use at the Coast Guard Academy or for use in ship’s wardrooms. A fine Coast Guard collectible for your collection or for your galley. Clean, crisp, may be unused. (F). $54 net.    

21126. South Bend Replicas, Inc., CATALOGUE OF ANTIQUE/REPLICA ORDNANCE. South Bend , Indiana . 2004-2005. 130p. Soft wraps. South Bend Replicas are the manufacturers of solid-cast machine-bored cannon for display and actual firing. Included among their inventory are 1878 style Lyle gun barrels used by museums around the country to demonstrate the breeches buoy drill of former life-savers. J. Paul Barnett, owner of the company, is one of the foremost experts on the subject of cannon and particularly those developed by David Lyle. Their catalogue provides thousands of photographs and extensive text describing all manor of cannon, present day construction processes to provide authentic reproductions, and much about safety in the present day demonstrations of these pieces. Interesting reading as well as a great reference. (M). $10. 

2812. (booklet) U. S. Coast Guard. Information for Retired Personnel of the United States Coast Guard. nd. c.1940’s. 8p. Soft wraps. 4” x 5 ¼”. Small booklet included benefits, privileges and procedures for retired personnel to follow to obtain such benefits. (VG). $18.

BR-85. Noble, Dennis L. THAT OTHERS MIGHT LIVE – The U. S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915. Annapolis , MD. 1994. 177p. DJ. One of the first full-length accounts of the operational history, this detailed and interesting work has been somewhat overlooked in the recent upsurge of interest on the subject. Filled with numerous early photographs and diagrams, the author sheds light on many of the daily duties, rescues and little out-of-the-way stations that time has forgotten. In a clear and precise style, he describes how rescue efforts were conducted including the gripping story of the schooners George Taulane and J. H. Hartzell, and many more. A well done, most interesting work. Clean, bright. (F-). $21.

25135. Taylor, Thomas W. FLORIDA'S TERRITORIAL LIGHTHOUSES, 1821-1845. Allandale. 1995. 302 p. Soft wraps. Inscribed by the author. “This book is clearly a cut above most lighthouse books published in recent years. Author Taylor really did his homework in researching the earliest lighthouses to dot the Florida shores." -- Wayne Wheeler. U.S. Lighthouse Society. This book is a limited edition publication, numbered, signed by the author, and issued in honor of the Sesquicentennial of Florida Statehood, 1845-1995. As the only book to date dealing with these early lighthouses, this book details the construction and early history of the sixteen lighthouse towers at the thirteen light stations which were constructed in Florida during the Territorial Years of 1821 to 1845. The information comes from documents from the National Archives, Library of Congress, letters from the keepers, transcripts of other documents which are no longer in existence, and other sources. It is a one-of-a-kind book which should be included in every collection of Florida history. The book includes 300 pages of text and 80 black and white photographs, maps, and drawings, many of which have never been published before. An excellent source and fine reading. (VG+) Originally published at $39.95.          Our Price $29.95.

8390g. Clifford, Candace. 1994. INVENTORY OF HISTORIC LIGHT STATIONS. National Park Service. 1994. 386p. Soft Wraps. This comprehensive inventory of United States Light Stations was conducted by the National Maritime Initiative and lists vital information relating to hundreds of existing lights. Also included are extensive bibliography, owners and addresses of station managers. This is probably the most comprehensive listing of stations available today, and is illustrated with hundreds of photographs. Clean, moderate cover wear. (VG+).  $54 net.

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.

7235h. Mitchell, Edwin Valentine. ANCHOR TO WINDWARD. New York . 1940. 270p.  For thirty five years the Maine Seacoast Mission had been ministering to the needs of isolated communities and families on the islands and headlands of Maine . Within the far-flung parish of the Mission are fifty-two lighthouses, twelve Coast Guard Stations and a lightship, many of which were visited as Mr. Mitchell’s accompanies the crew of the Mission steamer Sunbeam. Learn where the lighthouse keepers go on their vacations, what their favorite reading is, and about their hobbies, as well as carrying the sick to the mainland and taking supplies to those in need. Contains a wealth of information about offshore life of the keepers and others in the area. This was a real sleeper, as the title obscures its rich lighthouse family content. Clean, crisp, near fine. (F-). $68.

7235i. Mitchell, Edwin Valentine. ANCHOR TO WINDWARD. New York . 1940. 270p.  For thirty five years the Maine Seacoast Mission had been ministering to the needs of isolated communities and families on the islands and headlands of Maine . Within the far-flung parish of the Mission are fifty-two lighthouses, twelve Coast Guard Stations and a lightship, many of which were visited as Mr. Mitchell’s accompanies the crew of the Mission steamer Sunbeam. Learn where the lighthouse keepers go on their vacations, what their favorite reading is, and about their hobbies, as well as carrying the sick to the mainland and taking supplies to those in need. Contains a wealth of information about offshore life of the keepers and others in the area. This was a real sleeper, as the title obscures its rich lighthouse family content. Clean, some wear and bumping, hinges light wear. (VG).  $58.

20367. READING FOR LIGHTKEEPERS. October 1883. For many years various missions had been ministering to the needs of isolated communities and families on the islands and headlands of Maine. Within the far-flung reaches of the services were over sixty lighthouses, twelve Life-Saving Stations and a lightship. One such mission, the Maine Seacoast Mission, sailed on the Mission steamer Sunbeam carrying the sick to the mainland and taking supplies to those in need. Also aiding the families at the remote light stations was Messrs. W. S. Jordan & Company, who had the contract for supplying the lighthouses with oil. Mr. Jordan made it a practice to include with the loads of provisions, a selection of books, pamphlets, papers and picture books for the children. After being thoroughly enjoyed by the keeper and his family, the lot would be passed along from one station to another. Herein copied are 18 pages from a hand-written log kept by Mr. Jordan, recording packages sent to various Maine light stations. Particularly interesting are comments made by the keepers who received the packages, including excerpts from thank-you letters received. Includes also a listing by date of the keepers and stations who received packages from January 1880 until September 1883.  (Photocopy $3.60).  

26318. (training manual / scrapbook) United States Coast Guard Reserve, 13th Naval District c.1944-1945. This one of a kind personalized United States Coast Guard Reserve Training Manual, issued to Leon Haskell Lt.(jg) in March of 1944 at Div.7, 13th, Naval District, Portland, Oregon. The manually of organized  typed and mimeographed document includes topics such as Confidential Orders from the CO, Operational Procedures, Vessel Operations and Inspections, Navigational Instructions, and even details for on-board Cooking and Food Preparation. The half century old pages are in excellent condition. Manual is in gilt embossed ring binder and contains about 140 page sheets and dividers. Also included is a package are  ten 8” x 10” b/w photographs of Leon Haskell and Commodore Joseph E. Stika (also served as Vice-Admiral USCG, commanding officer of Coast Guard Training Station Alameda), a rare photo of boat CRG2461, station and boat photos, seven newspaper articles concerning the USCG Recerve in the area,  extracted from The Oregonian and Oregon Journal 1944-1945 , a signed letter to Leon Haskell from Stanly Donogh, Commodore, Coast Guard Auxiliary Seattle, 13th Naval District, dated 31 Jan 1944, relating to the development of the USCG Auxiliary, and an original menu from the USCG Thanksgiving and Spar Birthday Dinner and Tea Dance, 23 Nov 1944, hosted by Lieut. T.J. Firth, Commanding Officer, and Lieut (jg) J.D. Rosemergy, Executive Officer, both of which autographed the menu, along with fourteen other signatures of individuals present. A rare, interesting grouping. (VG). $88.

25156. Beard, Tom [ed]. THE COAST GUARD. Seattle. Foundation for Coast Guard History. 2004. 368 p. Oversize 10 ½” x 14 ½”. From protecting our coastlines and inland waterways, to drug interdiction, combat missions, and its new prominent position as guardian against terrorism as part of the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Coast Guard maintains a constant vigil in the safeguarding of American people, property, and way of life. Its roots stem from the establishment of the Revenue Cutter Service and Lighthouse Establishment in 1790 to regulate and protect commercial shipping as well as carry out maritime search and rescue, and the federalization of volunteer beach life-saving patrols as the Life-Saving Service in 1871. Two of these organizations merged in 1915 to form the Coast Guard. Now, the spirit and essence of the Coast Guard is celebrated for the first time in a definitive, magnificently illustrated, large format book published with the Foundation for Coast Guard History. Written by an outstanding team, including historians and distinguished active and retired officers including two Commandants, The Coast Guard has over 350 pages of riveting and informative text and stories of the "Coast Guard" experience. Essays on the early history of these services, lighthouses, beach patrol, lifeboat rescues, search and rescue, training, aviation, the drug war, and the war on terrorism all have one common focus: the incredibly trained and highly motivated people that make it all work. Filled with stunning full-color and vintage photography and historically inspired paintings and original vintage photographs complement the text. The Coast Guard enables the history of America's Coast Guard to be cherished permanently in a handsome package that all Coast Guard personnel will be proud to own and—with its unique medallion-inlaid large padded cover—to display. This book will be read again and again by past and present personnel, their families and friends, and the countless others that have been inspired and intrigued by the exploits of the United States Coast Guard. (VG+).  Published at $75. Our Price $64.95.

Finally available again:

26354. Williams, Elizabeth Whitney. A CHILD OF THE SEA; and LIFE AMONG THE MORMONS. [self published] Ann Arbor . 1905. 2nd. 229p. Soft wraps. Illustrated. This is a memoir by Michigan 's first female lighthouse keeper concerning her personal experiences at the light station, and living among the 19th century Mormons on the island. The author (c.1844-c.1905) lived for thirty-one years on Beaver Island , Michigan and gathered as much knowledge of Mormon life as any one outside of their teachings could possibly have gotten. She combines tales and legends with her own memories to provide a charming account of the area and times. Photo illustrations include the following:   The Light House and Life Saving Station at Beaver Island Harbor, Michigan; James Jesse Strang, the Mormon King, King Strang's Residence; The Mormon Feast Ground at Front Lake, Beaver Island; The King's Highway, Beaver Island; The old Mormon Printing Office, now the Gibson House, at Saint James, Beaver Island, Michigan; Font Lake, Beaver Island where King Strang baptized his people; and Little Traverse Light House, at Harbor Point, Michigan. This is a facsimile reprint of the 1905 edition. Charlevoix , Michigan :  Privately printed  by “The Henry Allen Family.” 8vo-over. Only light wear and sunning to wraps, contents clean and tight. Quite scarce. (VG). $44.

Historic Vessels of the United States Revenue Marine and Coast Guard

These large 11”h x 17”w black line printed profile views of vessels of the Service were published by the Coast Guard for the Bicentennial. These detailed views depict the various types of vessels in typical configurations and clearly show every detail of the vessel. Establishing the exact configuration of many of these vessels was something of a challenge, as photos or plans of many of these vessels no longer exist. Using original deck plans, photographs of the time, profiles obtained from the National Archives, or descriptions of alterations and various other sources, the artists have been able to reconstruct how these rare vessels probably appeared during these periods. Printed in black on white, heavy stock, this fine collection of views is suitable for framing and would be a fine way to decorate your hallway or den. Some include written detailed historical sketch and description of configuration, usage and historical source material. Clean, crisp, may be some bending near edges but can be easily matted out. #20166 @ $14.75 ea.

Early Sailing Cutters

a. U.S. Revenue Cutter JOSEPH LANE 1849 ~ 1869

d. U.S. Revenue Cutter ALEXANDER HAMILTON 1831 ~ 1853

Coast Guard Vessels of the Prohibition Era

g. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter PORTER 1924 ~ 1933

j. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter CHELAN 1928 ~ 1941

The Coast Guard and Amphibious Warfare 1941 - 1945

s. U.S.S. JOSEPH T. DICKMAN 1941 ~ 1946. Manned by the Coast Guard.

t. U.S.S. LST 785 1944 ~ 1946. Manned by the U.S. Coast Guard.

World War II Coast Guard Cutters

k. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter SEA CLOUD 1942 ~ 1943

l. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter COBB 1943 ~ 1946

Coast Guard and Coast Guard-Manned Vessels of World War II

o. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter ESCANABA 1932 ~ 1943. 1943 configuration.

q. U.S. Army Supply Vessel FS-550 1944 ~ 1945. Manned by the U.S. Coast Guard.

r. U.S.S. ALBUQUERQUE 1943 ~ 1945. Manned by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Post World War II Coast Guard and Coast Guard-Manned Vessels

v. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter DILIGENCE commissioned 1964-.

w. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter HAMILTON commissioned 1967-.

x. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter POLAR SEA commissioned 1978-.

y. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter LEGARE commissioned 1990-.

z. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary MARLIN 300. 1997-.

aa. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter EAGLE. 1994 configuration.

North Carolina Life Saving Stations by Artist Donald Bryan

Artist Donald Bryan began to record his travels on canvas in the 1940’s. He later established his home and studio in Nags Head, North Carolina where he produced paintings capturing the spirit and beauty of the coastal lifestyle. His work has been shown through galleries for many years and grace the walls of homes and offices across the country. These prints are made from his original paintings and were professionally matted and framed some years ago. Prints measure 8” x 12” in a 14 ½” x 18” frame. Prints and mats are clean and bright, in slightly worn frames. Print and artist are fully described on the backs. $78 each or $350 for all five:  

25368a. (framed print) Life Saving Station at Currituck Beach, North Carolina, by artist Donald Bryan. “Where Yesterday Lies Dreaming” is a reproduction of an original oil painting by renown artist Donald Bryan. The print pictures the Currituck Beach Lifesaving Station, first known as Jones’ Hill station. Built in 1905, this was one of the first seven Outer Banks’ stations.  

25368b. (framed print) Little Kinnakeet Life Saving Station, North Carolina, by artist Donald Bryan. “Asleep in the Sun” is a reproduction of an original oil painting by renown artist Donald Bryan. The print pictures the Little Kinnakeet Lifesaving Station. Built by 1879, this was one of the first seven Outer Banks’ stations.  

25368c. (framed print) Durant’s Life Saving Station, North Carolina, by artist Donald Bryan. “Touch Memories” is a reproduction of an original oil painting by renown artist Donald Bryan. The print pictures the Durant’s Lifesaving Station, first known as the Hatteras station. The name was changed in 1883 to end confusion with the Cape Hatteras station. Built in the late 1870’s, this was one of the first seven Outer Banks’ stations.  

25368d. (framed print) Caffey’s Inlet Life Saving Station, North Carolina, by artist Donald Bryan. “Beyond is the Ocean” is a reproduction of an original oil painting by renown artist Donald Bryan. The print pictures the Caffey’s Inlet Lifesaving Station. Built in mid-1870’s, this was one of the first seven Outer Banks’ stations.  

25368e. (framed print) Kill Devil Hills Life Saving Station, North Carolina, by artist Donald Bryan. “A Sense of the Past” is a reproduction of an original oil painting by renown artist Donald Bryan. The print pictures the early Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station as well as the replacement station behind.

25374. Rand, Edward A., FIGHTING THE SEA or WINTER AT THE LIFE-SAVING STATION. New York . 1887. 344p. After visiting a Life-Saving Station and examining various reports, the author became impressed with the work of the hardy crews. Herein the author presents a tale “…for young people of the brave men who watch the sea while we are sleeping, and whose generous daring may well provoke us to courage and self-sacrifice in other spheres.” An interesting tale of the crews, their lives and personalities. Being quite rare, this is a most desirable title. Contents tight, though some light soil & age toning. Covers nicely embossed, corners and edges bumped, moderate soil. (VG-). $84.

6295d,f. deGast, Robert. LIGHTHOUSES OF THE CHESAPEAKE. Baltimore. 1973. 4TO. 173pp. DJ. Profusely illustrated with wonderful photographs, this large-format book provides a photographic history of the 32 remaining Chesapeake Bay lighthouses. In addition to the compelling photos, the author provides us with historical background, tales of shipwrecks and lighthouse fires, storms and other disasters endured by the keepers. Quite clean, tight. Most worthwhile reading. (VG+).   $38 net.

Dames Point, St. Johns River FL. Hand drawn on linen, Lighthouse, Dames Point, St. Johns River FL, 6th District Sheet No. 1, half elevation and half sectional elevation, 7 Sep 1872. 24” x 32”. 4 color. $2200 net.

NEW. 25335. Tag, Thomas A. THE FRESNEL LENS MAKERS PART III THE HENRY-LEPAUTE LENS WORKS. Dayton . 2005. 8 p. Spiral bound. Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume to his list of publications – The Fresnel Lens Makers Part III The Henry-Lepaute Lens Works. Part III of five parts, describes the development of the early Fresnel lenses and defines the companies and individuals who took part in this effort. Augustin Fresnel had assistance from many sources as he developed and perfected his lens. This part details the work of the Henry-Lepaute Lens Works, in France, from ite beginnings as a clock maker, to its production of Fresnel Lenses for the world market, to its current status.  (M). $26.

7159m. (magazine) THE MENTOR. July 1925. Pub. Springfield , Ohio . 66 pp. Special issue devoted to the U. S. Coast Guard, Lifesaving Service and Lighthouse Service contains 4 articles with beautiful illustrations chronicling the history and work of the Life-Saving Service, the Light-House Service and the Coast Guard. Includes an article on "Lighthouses Tended by Women", article on Winslow Homer titled "He Painted the Might of the Sea" and containing reproductions of his paintings of the Lifesaving Service, a  photo-article titled "Picturesque Lighthouses", featuring photos of 11 different lighthouses, article "Through Calm & Storm" relating to lighthouses & Coast Signals, and the article "Knights of the Wave" 17 pages with 16 photos relating "The Story of Rescue at Sea-Duties, Responsibilities and Perilous Service of the Coast Guard of Today". An important lighthouse and life-saving issue. Clean, tight, unusually good copy. (VG+).  $38.

24131b. Secretary of the Navy. Hydrographic Office. No. 87. THE 1931 INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS. American Edition. Volume I. For Visual and Sound Signaling. Wash. Reprinted 1943. 362 p. Black cloth printed boards. The International Code of Signals was first drafted in 1855 by the British Board of Trade and subsequently published in 1857 as a means of maritime communications. The original publication showed 17,000 signals using 18 flags, part of which was specific to the United Kingdom and another part that contained universal signals to be used by all nations. Adopted by most sea-faring nations, the system was revised in 1932 to include seven languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Norwegian. Detailed text includes thousands of signals, as well as color plates of signal flags and flags of maritime nations. Includes alphabetical spelling table, urgent signals, phrases, general vocabulary, semaphore, and more. Also includes a complete list of US Coast Guard stations with location and latitude and longitude, and Coast Guard Instructions to Mariners in Case of Shipwreck. Contents clean, tight, some overall wear. (VG-).  $48.

24131c. Secretary of the Navy. Hydrographic Office. No. 88. THE 1931 INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS. American Edition. Volume II. For Radio Signaling. Wash. 1933. 418 p. Black cloth printed boards. The International Code of Signals was first drafted in 1855 by the British Board of Trade and subsequently published in 1857 as a means of maritime communications. The original publication showed 17,000 signals using 18 flags, part of which was specific to the United Kingdom and another part that contained universal signals to be used by all nations. Adopted by most sea-faring nations, the system was revised in 1932 to include seven languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Norwegian. Detailed text includes thousands of signals for use in radio communication. Includes alphabetical spelling table, urgent signals, phrases, general vocabulary, and more. Contents clean, tight, only light overall wear. (VG+).  $48.

27122. Russ, Jean Madigan. POINT GRATIOT’S GUIDING LIGHT – The Dunkirk Light Station. Falconer. 1989. 38p. Soft wraps. Fine history of the lighthouse at Point Gratiot, its keepers, shipping disasters in the area, excerpts from keeper’s logs and more. Good information. (VG). $22.

2735. Lot 6 Booth Tarkington (1869-1946) related photos) c.1936. A native of Indianapolis, student at Princeton (Class of 1893), was perhaps Indiana's most famous author, both as playwright and as novelist. His best-known works were written in the first decades of the twentieth century: The Gentleman from Indiana (1899), Penrod (1910), Seventeen (1917), The Magnificent Ambersons (1918), and Alice Adams (1921). The last two won Pulitzer Prizes. The 1921 Publishers Weekly poll of booksellers rated him the most significant contemporary American author, above Sinclair Lewis, Robert Frost and Carl Sandburg. His short story, "Cider of Normandy," won the 1931 O. Henry Memorial Award. Tarkington was married twice. His first marriage, in 1902 to Laurel Louise Fletcher, ended in divorce in 1911. In 1912 he married Susanah Kiefer Robinson of Dayton. During their later years, the Tarkingtons spent about half of each year at their home in Indianapolis and the other half at Seawood, the home they developed at Kennebunkport, Maine. The home at Kennebunkport included, besides the house, a schooner- the Regina, and "The Floats," a boathouse to which Tarkington went afternoons for coffee and conversation. Writer Kenneth Roberts was a close neighbor and friend. The boathouse is now the Kennebunkport Maritime Museum/Gallery. Lot includes six photographs removed from an album and include views of the schooner Regina, Mrs. Fog, Tarkington’s nurse, and of Captain Montgomery, who was the inspiration for “Captain Ballentine” in Tarkington’s books. The views of the schooner Regina, owned by author Booth Tarkington, show her docked on the Kennebunk River. This schooner served as Tarkington's summer studio as well. Two views show scenes of Booth's shipkeeper or captain, on deck of the Regina, in the 1930's. All in excellent condition, very sharp and clear, perfect for framing. (VG+). $64.

7197LL. [newspaper] LIFE BOATS FOR THE COASTLINE. Yankee Farmer. January 21, 1837. Short article notes the need for establishing a line of life boats along the coast in the vicinity of New York City. It is also suggested that a “howitzer be placed at the stations, and that such equipment properly placed might have saved the individuals who perished in recent deaths. Full newspaper contains four large pages with articles of the day, clean, two folds. (VG-).  $18.

C25279. (research report copy) Round Island Light House, Mississippi 1833-1998. The lighthouse known as Round Island Lighthouse in Pascagoula, Mississippi was established in 1834. The tower was replaced by a new 50-foot brick tower in 1859, fitted with a fourth-order Fresnel lens. In 1944 the light was automated and by 1949 deactivated entirely. The lighthouse was destroyed by Hurricane Georges in 1998. The Round Island Lighthouse Preservation Society is now working to rebuild the lighthouse using as much of the original tower as possible and the area will eventually be part of a public park. This lot of research information was put together from government archives in 1989 and consists of over 55 unbound copy pages of documents, logbooks, photos and more. Included are copies of historical accounts and descriptions, light station logbook pages, record of keepers, contract for building light house, site plan, source information compiled by author David L. Cipra, time line for station, copies of early photo views, account of the Round Island Filibustering Affair, and more. Nice lot.  $12.  

C25144. (research report copy) Port Pontchartrain Light House, Louisiana 1839- . The lighthouse known as Port Pontchartrain Light House was an octagonal wood tower, built at a cost of $4,400.  Completed in February of 1839, it was 28 feet high and 18 feet in diameter with a revolving chandelier. In late 1855 a brick tower on a concrete pad was built and this tower was torn down in 1864. The light from the old tower was originally placed in the new tower and then replaced with a fifth order Fresnel lens in 1857. In 1929 the light was discontinued and turned over to the New Orleans Levee Board. The lighthouse was originally about 2000 feet offshore but with various landfill projects, over the years, the lake is not even visible from the lighthouse today. This lot of research information was put together from government archives in 1989 and consists of 14 unbound copy pages of research set in a time line. Also includes two copies of photo images of light station.  $3.

AIDS TO NAVIGATION BLUEPRINTS  

22476b. [blueprints] Original Coast Guard blueprints for ELECTRIC FOG BELL STRIKER TYPE A AND B. 2 sheets 8” x 10 ½”. Sheets detail the Electric Fog Bell Striker Type A gear case, and Type B section through clock case. Blueprint sheets (2) are clean, crisp. (F). $28.

 22476c. [blueprints] Original Coast guard blueprints for Diaphone Fog Signal Apparatus. 4 sheets, (3)  8” x 10 ½” (1) 16” x 21”.. Sheets detail the Daiphone Fog  Signal Magnetic Valve for Type F & F-2T; Whistle Solenoid Valve, Magnet Valve Arrangement for F-2T Diaphone Control Showing Piping and Wiring, and Operating Valves for Type F and Type F-2T Fog Signals. Blueprint sheets (4)are clean, crisp. (F). $58.

 9171. [full page plate] Lighthouses. c. 1890. From early encyclopedia. this handsome one page lithograph plate shows 12 beautiful detailed full and sectional views of lighthouses, their construction features, lens and lantern apparatus. This extremely detailed view is a beautiful item for framing, measuring 8” by 10” and clean, crisp, as new. (F). $78. Image on request.

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)

21367d Small, Connie. THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER’S WIFE. Orono , Maine . 1986. 1st. 226p. Soft wraps. Inscribed by the author. The compelling tale of Constance Small’s 28-years keeping the lights with her husband Elson began in the early years of the century, growing up the daughter of a Life-Saver at the West Quoddy Head Life-Saving Station. After marrying Elson, they were assigned to the Lubec Channel Light in 1920. Later they served at Avery Rock Light, Seguin , St. Croix River Light, and finally Fort Point Light in New Castle , NH . Most interesting true tale of family life in the Lighthouse Service. Illustrated with photographs. (M).  $16.95.

W-01. Strobridge, Truman R. UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY. Wash. U. S. Coast Guard. June 1982. 148p. Soft wraps. An important research text, provides a comprehensive listing of writings related to the US Coast Guard, from archival, fictional, historic and technical sources listed alphabetically by author and by topic. Included are descriptions of content and publication information. Subject index includes: Administration and Organization, aids to navigation, Aviation, Biographies, Civil War, Cutters, Training, Equipment and Facilities, Expeditions, Flags Ensigns Pennants and Customs, Icebreaking, Law Enforcement, Medicine and Science, Minorities, Port Security, Prohibition Era, Revenue Cutter Service, Search and Rescue, Spanish-American War, Uniforms, World War I and II, and much more. Extremely valuable for research or collectors. Clean, crisp. (VG+). $34.  

25210. (research – photographs) Boston Lighthouse c.1960. Package of information and research accumulation  was compiled by Robert E. Wilson in 1965 for an article in the Worcester Telegram/ Evening Gazette, Parade supplement on the history and pending designation of Boston Lighthouse as a National Historic Landmark. Four official 8”x10” b/w Coast Guard photographs include: photo of Keeper’s houses taken from the light tower including the “Big House”, which was torn down in 1959,. 2 photos picturing entire island and structures, and a photo of Rear Admiral James A. Alger, Jr., Commander, First Coast Guard District with Osborne Earle Hallett, Keeper of Nobska Point Lighthouse and former Keeper of Boston Light, and Boatswain's Mate First Class Mike Mikelonis, Officer in Charge of Boston Light. Lot also includes some newspaper articles, letters and press releases from the Department of the Interior on the subject of the designation of Boston Lighthouse as a National Historic Land mark as well as nine pages of the writer’s notes on the history of the light station. Also included are two US Coast Guard pamphlets: COAST GUARD HISTORY CG-213, 1958. 32p.; US COAST GUARD – A Study of its Origin, Responsibilities, Relationships and Direction. 1963. 41p. An interesting, informative lot. (VG+).  $58.  

24155. Who Invented the Fresnel Lens? Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume to his list of publications – Who Invented the Fresnel Lens. From 1822 , when Fresnel published his first paper Memoire sur un Nouveau Systeme d’Eclairage des Phares, Sir David Brewster, in Scotland , claimed that he was the true inventor. This account discusses the various claims and should settle the dispute. 15 p. Spiral bound.  $26.

25140. Warner, Gertrude Chandler. THE BOXCAR CHILDREN – The Lighthouse Mystery. Chicago. 1963. 128 p. Soft wraps. Four adventurous orphans take up residence in a boxcar and begin to solve mysteries -- this is the premise of the beloved Boxcar Children series, begun in 1942 by Gertrude Chandler Warner and still going strong. When the Alden children spend the summer in a lighthouse on the New England coast, Strange things happen. Ages 7-11. (M). $3.50.  

 25141. Lee, Warren. SAND ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE CHRONICLES. Theodore. 1998. 86 p. Spiral bound. Inscribed by the author. Sand Island Lighthouse has stood guardian over Mobile Bay for over one hundred and twenty nine years. The lighthouse is a beautiful and majestic structure towering over the Gulf of Mexico, located 3 miles south of Dauphin Island, Alabama. It was constructed by the renowned lighthouse builder Winslow Lewis in 1873. Searching in vain for an accurate description of the history of this lighthouse, the author was dismayed to learn that there was nothing to be found. The author decided to do the necessary research and developed this accurate historical record of the Lighthouses past. Nicely done, filled with information. (VG). $19.95.

 25142. Garner, Thomas M., THE PENSACOLA LIGHTHOUSE. Pensacola . 1994. 18 p. Soft wraps. History of this important aid to navigation, from its construction in the 1820’s through its many changes over the years. Illustrated with photos. (VG).  $4.50.

21200c. Von Physter, George. PAINTINGS AND LORE OF CALIFORNIA LIGHTHOUSES. San Diego . 1963. 1st. 40p. Soft wraps with dj. Interesting booklet features 14 b/w reproductions of California lighthouse paintings, along with a description of the station and a bit of history as well. Light stations include Point Loma, Ballast Point, Los Angeles Harbor Light, Anacapa, Point Conception, Point Sur, Pigeon Point, Mile Rocks Light, Point Reyes , Todos Santos Island Light, South Coronado Island Light, San Felipe Light, and more. A scarce booklet. Clean, crisp, only light wear to dj. (F-). $32.  

BR-66. na. U. S. LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE. Fortune Magazine January 1937. Pp. 61-69, 126-132. Lengthy, large folio illustrated article details the men and equipment of today’s Lighthouse Service. Wonderfully illustrated with photographs, paintings and diagrams including a large full page diagram of the Nantucket LV No. 112  illustrating its construction, equipment and operation. Other photos include quartermaster at the wheel of the Lighthouse Tender Spruce, lens apparatus, buoys and more. Most interesting and detailed article, excellent images. Disbound, staining to some corners. Worth it for the lightship illustration alone. (VG-).  $34.

21550b. Secretary of the Treasury. TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL LIST OF MERCHANT VESSELS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH OFFICIAL NUMBERS AND SIGNAL LETTERS…. FOR THE FISCAL TEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1896. Wash. GPO. 1896. 405 p. Complete listing of merchant and US Government vessels operating and includes all steam, sailing, iron and steel and unrigged vessels giving official number of vessel, signal letters, rig, name, tonnage, dimensions, year and place of building, home port and more. In addition to merchant vessels, includes tenders of the U.S. Light-House Establishment, Revenue Cutter Service cutters, US Navy, Quartermaster’s Department of the Army, Coast and Geodetic Survey , US Fish Commission, Marine Hospital Service, and more. Extremely important reference. Clean, tight, in government blue binding with gilt  embossed title. Light wear but clean, very nice copy. (VG). $75 net.

6100k. Whiting, John D., STORM FIGHTERS - TRUE STORIES OF THE COAST GUARD. Indianapolis . 1927. 256pp. Cover nicely color illustrated. 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. Scarce account of the lives of the men. Overall clean, tight, very nice copy. (VG) $42.  

25352. na. CHAINS, ANCHORS AND MOORING GEAR. HANDBOOK CONTAINING SKETCHES AND USEFUL TABLES. Henry Wood & Co., Ltd., Dee Iron Works, Saltney, Near Chester, England [Established in 1780] c. 1907. Gilt embossed hard cover. Maritime ship’s chandlery catalogue includes lightship chain, buoy chain, anchors, mooring gear, cables, grapnel irons, shackles, hawsers and more. Also includes tables of measures and more. With 80 illustrations (pages 38-84) plus two multi-folding tables, and laid in broadside for Wood’s Patent “Viking” Stock Anchor. Excellent reference, clean and tight. (VG). $148.  

W-03. Cassells, Ian. A LIGHT WALK. Scotland . 1997. 152 p. Soft wraps. Whilst on duty in the cramped confines of Muckle Flugga Lighthouse, Ian Cassells took to walking circuits round the light station for exercise. With this background, when the northern Lighthouse Board celebrated its Bicentenary in 1986, he made the suggestion that in commemoration of the anniversary  he carry out a sponsored walk to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, calling at all the manned lighthouses on the Scottish mainland. It took the author 58 days in which he covered over 1100 miles on foot – A Light Walk! This is the story of his walk. (M). $19.95.  

W-06. Ryder, Richard G. OLD HARBOR STATION CAPE COD . Norwich . 1990. 1st. 128 p. Soft wraps. Extremely rare and worthwhile account of the life-savers at the Old Harbor Life Saving Station in Chatham , Mass. This detailed work is a one of a kind, chronicling not only much of the wrecks and work of the life savers, but particularly looking at each and every item and piece of equipment issued to such a station at the time. Includes a complete listing of inventory items with description and many photographs, wreck accounts, life at the station in 1904, moving the station and much more. A most important and interesting chronicle, quite valuable for museums of if restoring a station and very difficult to find. (F-). $54.  

W-02. Willoughby , Malcom F., (Commander USCGR [T]) RUM WAR AT SEA. GPO. 1964. 2nd printing. 183pp. Illustrated with photos, recounts the history of the Coast Guard during the prohibition era. A carefully researched and well written history of that turbulent period. Very clean, crisp, tight copy. (F).  $24.  

W-11. (video) SEUL CHOIX POINT, LAKE MICHIGAN – A Community and its Lighthouse. 1997. Seul Choix Pointe on northern Lake Michigan is home to one of North America's most brilliantly restored light stations. Hand polished hardwood floors, glistening copper molding, authentically furnished rooms, and a winding 96-step light tower suspend the visitor between past and present. While the lighthouse preserves the station's maritime heritage, the fog signal building serves as a regional history museum that displays a rich collection of artifacts from the voyageur, commercial fishing and logging eras. Take this video journey and travel back in time as the story of Seul Choix Pointe is told through breathtaking scenery, poignant historical photographs and personal recollections. VHS - 45 minutes. $19.95.  

W-10. (video) LIGHTHOUSES – Guardians of the Night. 1997. Now you can enjoy a visually spectacular documentary on the history of lighthouses on home video. Guardians of the Night takes you on a journey as you revisit the Golden Age of the Lighthouse, and see so many of the proud, majestic and formidable structures that "stand firm against wave and wind". This truly unique home video is filled with fascinating facts, stunning arieal photography and rare archival building plans and drawings that will captivate the lighthouse buff, interest mariners of all kinds, and make all viewers sit back and watch in delight. VHS - 52 minutes. $9.95. 

7393d,e. Noble, Dennis L. A LEGACY - The United States Life-Saving Service. USCG Bicentennial Publication. Wash. c.1987. 27pp. Soft Wraps. Tremendous overview of the life and work of the members of the U. S. Life-Saving Service. Well illustrated with 26 wonderful large format photographs. Also with a complete listing of Coast Guard small boat rescue stations. A most interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG).  $16.  

23489. Humiston, Fred. BLUE WATER MEN – AND WOMEN. Portland . 1966. 1st. 172 p. For more than three centuries the sailing vessel has dominated the Maine scene, directly influencing economic, social and cultural structures as well as furnishing an effective method of defense and attack. These men were a breed apart. Their exploits and prowess will be remembered for years to come. Blue Water Men – And Women tells their story, from pirates and the West India trade, to California gold rush, to the era of the “Sail Carriers” and more. Excellent source and reading. (VG+).   $24.  

23490. Humiston, Fred. WINDJAMMERS AND WALKING BEAMS. Portland . 1968. 1st. 199 p. Second in the author’s series, this title focuses on the transformation of shipping in Maine from sail to steam. 1816 pioneered the steamboat economy and soon Maine waters saw odd-looking contraptions that clattered through years of trial and error and evolved into great fleets.  However, sail did not give up easily,  as it battled for survival well into the twentieth century. Another excellent source and reading. (VG+).   $24.  

23476. Short, Vincent and Edwin Sears. SAIL AND STEAM ALONG THE MAINE COAST . Portland . 1955. 203 p. DJ. Thoroughly illustrated with full page plates of steam and sailing vessels. The first in a series of books on the subject, this volume includes eighty six  photographs of paintings and vessels that once ruled the coast. Includes detailed history of the vessels, dimensions and information and portraits of the captains and more. Good reading and reference. (VG-).  $18.  

23368b. [lot] Lorenzo Sitgreaves (ca. 1811-1888) – U. S. Lighthouse Engineer, Surveyor and topographical engineer. 

During the Mexican War Lorenzo Sitgreaves took part in the Battle of Buena Vista and marched through Chihuahua, he led an 1851 Zuni and Colorado Rivers survey expedition and for many years after was assigned to the Light House Establishment and involved in the construction and repair of many of the nation’s light stations. His career with the Light House Establishment involved work on numerous light stations on the Atlantic and Great Lakes coasts and his work can still be seen in hundreds of locations including the 1858 Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Charles LH, La Pointe Lighthouse on the southern shore of Lake Superior, and hundreds more. In addition, he was in charge, Office of Lighthouse Engineer, at Detroit December 21, 1852, to December 11, 1856. During the Civil War, Sitgreaves attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Corps of Engineers. Sitgreaves conducted the first scientific expedition across Arizona in the early 1850’s and later the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest in New Mexico and Arizona was named for him. This rare lot from his personal files contains numerous items and information chronicling his work during the 1850-60’s. Included are:

1. Civil War era check register maintained by Major Lorenzo Sitgreaves, 6" x 8.25", marigold paper cover, handwritten on front, "Ist National Bank, Madison , Wis , 1864, Aug. 3 to Oct. 22". 55pp. used -- appx. 162 checks. Some of the names: Lieut. A Rood; Maj. G. R. Giddings; Maj. N. Richardson; Capt. Wm. C. Young; Lieut. J. H. Purcell; Col. C. S. Lovell and more, and many non-officers. Payment notations include: transport; rent; rations; stationary; lodging; telegrams, "services clerk Camp Randall ." Unsigned by Sitgreaves, though he possibly wrote his name on one of the checks. Also included is  similar bankbook in account with Maj. Sitgreaves.

2. U. S. Lighthouse Establishment, manuscript invoice/receipt, 1p., 8" x 10", Sept. 1853, ADS signed three times, "L. Sitgreaves" Capt. T.E. L.H. Insp. Top notes that Sitgreaves is owed and appropriation of $61.50 "For fuel & quarters of the officers of the Army serving on Lt. House duty - 3 March 1853" and "For fuel and quarters while stationed at Detroit Mich on Lt. House duty, from 1 July to 30th Sept". Sitgreaves then certifies that the above was for Lt. House use and then notes that he received payment on 30 Sept. 1853.

3. Original Survey Notes [in hand of Lorenzo Sitgreaves]. Two manuscripts: 1. 3 1/2pp., 8" x 10", Aug. 3, 1851, ink on blue paper. Reads, "Method used in making observations for azimuth at [delta shape] Mt. Pleasant , U. S. Coast Survey" and "Result of observation for azimuth before and after culmination." Appx. two pages of text, one page chart and one and half pages of keys/formulas. The text notes, "The elongation mark used in the observations was placed almost exactly in line to Mt. Blue , on the summit of the next ridge of the mountains about a mile distant from the station." Quite esoteric, however was written in the same year that Sitgreaves led his noted survey expedition. Fine condition.

4. Mexican War Surveyor's Receipt - 1p., 7.75" x 9.75", Feb. 6, 1847, Saltillo , Mexico , signed "Dan Drake Henrie". [Note: The Battle of Buena Vista took place a little south of Saltillo on Feb. 23, 1847 Sitgreaves was engaged in this battle and was breveted captain for bravery.] Daniel "Dan" Drake Henrie (b. 1824), a Mormon from Nauvoo , IL , joined the Mormon Battalion in 1846. He was a noted government surveyor who participated in the surveying of the Mason Dixon line. In Sitgreaves hand, the receipt notes that Henrie was due $50.60, "To Services as assistant surveyor from the 1st to the 23rd Dec 1846, being 23 days at $2.00 pr. day" and one ration per day at 20 cts per ration. Henrie signs below noting that he received payment from Lieut. L. Sitgreaves T. Engr. Although the bottom of the page notes, "Duplicate" the signature of Henrie is not in Sitgreaves' hand. This is probably a second copy for Sitgreaves' records. One 2" split, well away from text, and a few edge nicks, otherwise excellent condition

5. Mixed assortment of items – fine gravure cabinet style portrait photo, possibly Sitgreaves in his later years; retirement papers; letter to Sitgreaves at age three from his aunt; billheads; original 1888 will leaving his goods to Ms Mary Jesup Sitgreaves; 1878 hand written last will; published will of brother Theodore R. Sitgreaves;  1882 letter from brother; misc. letters/papers. Appx. 25 items.

An important lot relating to this noted lighthouse engineer. $585 net.

9434d,g,h,j. Bachand, Robert G., NORTHEAST LIGHTS, LIGHTHOUSES AND LIGHTSHIPS - RHODE ISLAND TO CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY. Norwalk , Ct. 1989. 422 pp. Impressive reference work covers 133 light stations that existed Includes all manor if information from construction information, major alterations and characteristics of the lights that existed there, to information about the keepers work there. A most excellent reference for this area, extremely difficult to find now. As new. (M). $52.

25216. Tag, Thomas A. THE FRESNEL LENS MAKERS PART II SAUTTER. Dayton. 2005. 10 p. Spiral bound. Thomas Tag has long been probably the only authority on lamps, lens apparatus and illumination for lighthouses, with his articles on the subject appearing in our catalogue, as well as the U. S. Lighthouse Society’s Keeper’s Log, Lighthouse Digest and other publications. Now Tom has added still another volume to his list of publications – The Fresnel Lens Makers Part II Sautter. Part II of five parts, describes the development of the early Fresnel lenses and defines the companies and individuals who took part in this effort. Augustin Fresnel had assistance from many sources as he developed and perfected his lens. This part details the work of the Louis Sautter Company, in France from its beginnings producing Fresnel lenses and other lighthouse equipment from 1852 to the company’s final demise in 1970..  (M).  $26.  

 Past U. S. Coast Guard Publications  

6259a, b. Noble, Dennis L. and PA3 Kenneth Arborgast. THE COAST GUARD ALONG THE NORTH ATLANTIC COAST . USCG Bicentennial Publication. Wash. c.1988. 24pp. Soft Wraps. Tremendous overview of the life and work of the men of the Coast Guard dating back to the 1700’s when the Revenue Cutter Service and Lighthouse Establishment, and later the U. S. Life-Saving Service protected our coastline. Well illustrated with 35 wonderful large format photographs. A most interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG).  $19.  

9300d. Noble, Dennis. THE COAST GUARD IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. USCG Bicentennial Publication. Wash. c.1988. 18pp. Soft Wraps. Tremendous overview of the life and work of the men of the Coast Guard dating back to the 1700’s when the Revenue Cutter Service and Lighthouse Establishment, and later the U. S. Life-Saving Service protected our coastline. Well illustrated with 22 wonderful large format early photographs including Light Vessel No. 88 in drydock, lighthouse and Life-Saving keepers and personnel, Umatilla Lightship No. 513, Neah Bay Life-Saving Station, crew men from the U.S.R.C. Rush, and more. A most interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG).   $12.  

22138. Scheina, Dr. Robert L., COAST GUARD AT WAR. Commandant’s Bulletin. Wash. c.1987. 39pp. Soft Wraps. Great overview of the men and equipment of the Coast Guard from their earliest battles as the Revenue Cutter Service to the Viet Nam War era. Quite well illustrated with over 24 wonderful early photographs including crews on beach patrol during World War II, U-boat patrol in the North Atlantic , Signalman First Class Douglas Munro who won the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery on Guadalcanal , and much more. A most interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG). $16.  

20254b. Coast Guard. MOMENTS IN HISTORY. Wash. c.1990. 36p. Soft wraps. Pamphlet contains 18 lovely color reproductions of paintings reflecting famous early Coast Guard moments, by today’s renown artists. Each full page color reproduction includes a full page description of the moment in history that the artist has captured. Important scenes include The Revenue Cutter Eagle Captures The Bon Pere, Cutter Harriet Lane Fires Across The Bow Of The Nashville, Ida Lewis Makes A Rescue At Lime Rock, Pea Island Life-Saving Crew, Lightship Nantucket Sunk By R.M.S. Olympic, and much more. Includes painting by John Witt; Ida Lewis Makes a Rescue at Lime Rock. Nicely done, scarce pamphlet. (VG). $36.  

 25189. Browning, Robert M. Jr., THE EYES AND EARS OF THE CONVOY: Development of the Helicopter as an Anti-Submarine Weapon. Wash. U. S. Coast Guard. 1993. 17p. Soft wraps. The development of the helicopter can be attributed to a few visionary men who foresaw the great potential of this aircraft. During World War II, due to the insistence of several Coast Guard officers, this revolutionary aircraft was developed for war and peacetime uses. Their efforts helped the helicopter to evolve into the machine that is known today. The story of the helicopter, of course, just began for the Coast Guard during World War II. The helicopter would quickly become the backbone of the service's search-and-rescue program. This little known account is well worth reading. Includes many early photos. $22.

 

25195. (4 DVD set) Victory at Sea series. Winner of both an Emmy and a Peabody, this legendary 1952 WWII documentary series drew from more than 13,000 hours of footage shot by the US, British, German, and Japanese navies. Narrated by Leonard Graves, with an original music score by Richard Rodgers, it spans American and Allied naval operations from Pearl Harbor to the Mediterranean, Murmansk to Mandalay. This award-winning documentary series is presented in its entirety and has been digitally remastered and restored for your viewing pleasure. Set includes all 26 full length episodes shown on TV, B&W and color; approximately 12 hours on 4 DVDs of original uncut action. Superb, stirring documentary and music that you will long remember. $39.95.

6103q. Sterling , Robert Thayer. LIGHTHOUSES OF THE MAINE COAST AND THE MEN WHO KEEP THEM. Brattleboro , VT. 1938. 3rd. ed. 224pp.DJ. Illustrated with over 80 photographs of Maine light stations. Written by the Assistant Keeper of Portland Head Light, this volume contains a wealth of first hand information about the Maine lights and light-vessels. A rescue of seventeen men…seas washing away the garden….a lone survivor on the barren ledge….panic when the light at Saddleback went out….a bombardment of ducks into the lantern….visions, solitude…and an ever changing background of weather and seasons. Slight browning as normal with this title, clean, tight, some wear to hinges, in well worn dj. (G+). $48.

6103p. Sterling , Robert Thayer. LIGHTHOUSES OF THE MAINE COAST AND THE MEN WHO KEEP THEM. Brattleboro , VT. 1935. 2nd ed. 224pp. Illustrated with over 80 photographs of Maine light stations. Written by the Assistant Keeper of Portland Head Light, this volume contains a wealth of first hand information about the Maine lights and light-vessels. A rescue of seventeen men…seas washing away the garden….a lone survivor on the barren ledge….panic when the light at Saddleback went out….a bombardment of ducks into the lantern….visions, solitude…and an ever changing background of weather and seasons. Slight browning as normal with this title, clean, tight, some wear. (G+). $45.

 24317. (business card) Robert Thayer Sterling, author of LIGHTHOUSES OF THE MAINE COAST AND THE MEN WHO KEEP THEM. Large business or greeting card was given out by author and Assistant Keeper of Portland Head Light, Robert Thayer Sterling at his book signings or for other purposes. Card is buff colored with an image of Portland Head Light and measures 3” x 5”. Near fine.  $24.

 24251. na. EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT OF HER BRITANIC MAJESTY’S COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED TO INQUIRE INTO THE CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT OF LIGHTS, BUOYS, AND BEACONS. Submitted March 5, 1861. Republished for use of the U. S. Light-House Establishment. Wash. GPO. 1871.254 p. Provides extremely detailed information on the lighthouse service in Great Britain . Includes extensive details of the operation, equipment and apparatus, fuels,  as well as ongoing research and possible future advancements. Great detail, well indexed. In original half calf wraps with marbled boards and endpapers, expected wear, hinges intact, overall clean and tight. (G+). $225.  

 OUT OF PRINT!

The below book is no longer available from the author and I have long been searching for a few copies for stock. Finally I was able to pick up two at another out of print book store though they were quite pricey,  and I don’t expect to find any more in the future. This will certainly be your last opportunity to pick this sought after title up for your library. An excellent reference and great reading:

 9421. Gowdy, Jim & Kim Ruth. GUIDING LIGHTS OF THE DELAWARE RIVER AND BAY. Sweetwater, NJ., 1999. 296p. Soft wraps. Just released, this is the most comprehensive history ever written on the lighthouses, lightships, tenders and depots of the Delaware River and Bay – from Cape May to Gloucester City and Philadelphia to Fenwick Island . This detailed history was painstakingly research by the authors and is enhanced by more than 180 photographs and 25 illustrations. Using records from the National Archives, Coast Guard, and private collections this monumental work provides wonderful reading. The vintage photographs alone are a feast to the eye and offer previously unseen views of many of these interesting stations. Includes are views of a number these lights under construction, and some in the process of destruction. Also includes rare views of tenders, keepers, light vessels and much more. (M). $74.  

8405c. Shattuck, Clifford. THE NUBBLE – Cape Neddick Light Station, York , Maine . Freeport . 1979. 95p. Soft wraps. The author uses over 32 photographs detailing the buildings, construction, lamps and equipment, keepers and their families as well as text, and paints an image of the construction and life at this light station over its one hundred year history. Quite well done, with some particularly nice photos, now quite difficult to find. (VG). $48.  

24145b,c. Hurley, George and Suzanne. SHIPWRECKS AND RESCUES ALONG THE BARRIER ISLANDS OF DELAWARE , MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA . Ocean City . 1984. 176 p. Hard cover. Special signed and numbered limited edition of 2000.  Nicely done, this is a story of islands and shipwrecks and heroes. It is an attempt to record and document a part of a colorful segment of the historical heritage that has been left to those who live on the coastal archipelago of Del aware , Maryland and Virginia . The author’s research involved the United St ates Life-Saving Service in the area, which preceded the U.S. Coast Guard. Wrecks from 1875 to 1914 are featured along with rare photographs of the life-saving stations, surfmen and shipwrecks. Little evidence remains on the islands that would attest to  the contributions made toward a proud past: a lonely tombstone in a pine grove at Green Run, a fallen and twisted flag tower at Pope’s Island, a crumbling brick foundation at Broadwater, the collapsed and decaying remains of an old station house on Cobb’s Island , refurbished lifesaving stations at Ocean City and Indian River Inlet, and an unknown sailor’s cemetery plaque at Lewes. Superb rare early photos illustrate the many stations and wreck scenes and extensive text tell the tale. A valuable addition to your library. Long out of print and quite difficult to find. (VG+). $118.  



THIS IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT REPORT OF THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE CONDITIONS OF THE LIGHT-HOUSES:

D-4.  REPORT OF THE OFFICERS CONSTITUTING THE LIGHT-HOUSE BOARD...TO INQUIRE INTO THE CONDITIONS OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES, UNDER THE ACT OF MARCH 3, 1851. Senate Ex. Doc. No. 28. Wash. 1852. 760 pages. With 9 of the original 40 large fold-out plates, clean and intact, few small tears. Disbound. Contents clean, tight, good condition. THIS IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT REPORT OF THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE CONDITIONS OF THE LIGHT-HOUSES of the United States, criticizing the equipment, personnel as well as the general operation of the Service. This report became the basis for the complete re-organization of the Light-House service and was the basis for the permanent establishment of the "Light-House Board". A most rare and important document. (G+). $380 net.

Copy also available:

C-562. REPORT OF THE OFFICERS CONSTITUTING THE LIGHT-HOUSE BOARD...TO INQUIRE INTO THE CONDITIONS OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES, UNDER THE ACT OF MARCH 3, 1851 . Senate Ex. Doc. No. 28. Wash. 1852. 760 pages. 44 large fold-out plates. In two volumes, spiral bound. THIS IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT REPORT OF THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE CONDITIONS OF THE LIGHT-HOUSES of the United States , criticizing the equipment, personnel as well as the general operation of the Service. This report became the basis for the complete re-organization of the Light-House service and was the basis for the permanent establishment of the “Light-House Board” later in the year. This volume is certainly the most complete reference on the state of US Lighthouses at the time and contains superb information on the status of various light stations, illuminating apparatus and fuels, research and experiments in progress, personnel practices as well as information on foreign apparatus for comparison. 44 large fold-out plates include lamps and burners, lens apparatus, lanterns, light vessels and much more. In original brown cloth government binding, professionally repaired with new hinges and endpapers. With original gilt embossed spine “Report on Light Houses 1852”. Moderate staining and foxing as expected. This is surely the one most significant Light House Establishment report.  $128 net.  

6103r. Sterling , Robert Thayer. LIGHTHOUSES OF THE MAINE COAST AND THE MEN WHO KEEP THEM. Brattleboro , VT. 1938. 1st.  ed. 224pp. Illustrated with over 80 photographs of Maine light stations. Written by the Assistant Keeper of Portland Head Light, this volume contains a wealth of first hand information about the Maine lights and light-vessels. A rescue of seventeen men…seas washing away the garden….a lone survivor on the barren ledge….panic when the light at Saddleback went out….a bombardment of ducks into the lantern….visions, solitude…and an ever changing background of weather and seasons. Clean, tight, only light staining to wraps, contents clean and tight. (VG).  $44.

 485i. Hardy, W. J., LIGHTHOUSES, THEIR HISTORY AND ROMANCE. Oxford . 1895. 224pp. With 24 illustrations. A very nice history of many of the lights protecting the British coastline, with a chapter on each. Includes ancient and mediaeval lighthouses, the Trinity House, Grace Darling, lightships, and numerous British lighthouses. Contents clean, tight, light occasional foxing. Covers moderate to heavy staining / sunning. Excellent early information. (G+).  $48.

 20369b. Lucas, Kenneth W. Sr., FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BADGES. 1991. 392p. 8VO. Badges have long been of interest to collectors but before this book, there has been little information to enable collectors to learn the history and designs of these attractive and most desirable insignia. Included are thousands of photographs of individual badge designs arranged by department, with a description of the history and work of each department. Though the author does not include specifics on each design evolution, by going through the many designs shown, including views of the back and clasps, you can begin to piece together a time line to date and authenticate many shields in your collection. Includes complete views and listings of badges issued by the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce [including one badge of the Lighthouse Service], Defense, Energy, Health, Justice, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and over 50 other agencies. Most interesting and a worthwhile reference. (M).  $128 net.

688h. Carmen, Ruth. STORM CHILD. Bridgeport, CT. 1937. 1st. 321pp. DJ. Illustrated with photographs. Wonderful fictional account of a child growing up at Boston Light Station. Based on the real life of Georgia Norwood. Born in 1932, Georgia was one of nine children  of Keeper Norwood of Boston Light Station, and the first child to be born at Boston Light. This novel is based on her adventures and her life growing up at the oldest lighthouse in the United States and was the subject of a later movie. An extremely interesting tale of the life of a keeper’s family, this is a classic on the subject. Clean, tight, a very nice copy in a crisp, bright jacket. (VG+). $54. 

23311. Russell, Florence . CHILD LIFE IN OREGON – A True Story. Boston . 1866. 193 p. 16 Mo. Extremely rare narrative describes the life of the family of lighthouse keeper Bliss on Cape Hancock at the mouth of the Columbia River . This is a relaxed narrative, without any real plot to speak of, comprising a series of vignettes that describe the family life at  the lighthouse, the wreck of a ship coming up from San Francisco , pioneer life in Astoria and Oysterville and on Baker Bay , fauna and flora, and encounters with Chinook Indians by the family and much more. The story includes quite a few details, making this a most unusual insight into the keeper’s life. A highly readable and entertaining book and extremely rare, heretofore unknown. In green cloth on boards with gilt lettering and decoration, frontispiece engraving, otherwise not  illustrated.  Contents are clean with a few minor spots here and there and some foxing on the title page and frontispiece's protective tissue. The front end papers have two different gift inscriptions, plus the name of a third owner. The paper on the front hinge is starting to split, but the hinge is sound. The covers have minor corner wear, rubs, and spots. Important find. (VG-). $225 net.

 

2550. Hulbert, William Davenport. LIFE SAVING ON THE GREAT LAKES . nd. [disbound from] Frank Leslie’s Popular Monthly. c. 1900. 11pp. 4TO. Illustrated with over 15 detailed engravings, the author presents a rather detailed view into the life and duties of the life-savers on the Great Lakes as well as some of the heroic rescues performed. Engravings include many of surfboats in various stages, Lyle gun apparatus as well as station buildings. Nice article. Clean, crisp. (VG). $48.

2026c. Spears, John R., TALES OF THE MUSH-ICE-HEROES. Harper’s Weekly. March 2, 1901. 2p. Great 2-page tale of the Great Lakes life-savers as they braved to get across the “mush-ice” to perform their rescues. Mush-ice is always found along the shore as the season of lake navigation draws to a close. Though it thickens and clots, it does not harden and thus poses serious difficulties to the life-savers in making their way across it with their equipment to reach a wreck. A number of tales are told from the annuals of the Life-Saving Service reports, including the efforts of the Marquette , Michigan crews during the great of November 1886. Includes a number of other tales including the wreck of the City of Duluth near St. Joseph , the schooner J. H. Hartzell south of Frankfort , and more. Includes six nice engraved illustrations. Full issue. (VG). $38. 

 6297f. Brown, Riley. THE STORY OF THE COAST GUARD - MEN, WIND AND SEA. New York . 1943. 2nd. 266pp. Written by a radioman in the Coast Guard, this book provides an insight into the history and the heroism, the achievements and the traditions, and the day-to-day work of the oldest of our gallant services. Chapters include Revenue Marine, Wooden Ships, The World Way, Wings, SOS distress signals, Hurricanes and much more. Illustrated with photographs. Clean, bright.  (VG). $18.

 6297g. Brown, Riley. THE STORY OF THE COAST GUARD - MEN, WIND AND SEA. New York . 1943. 2nd. 266pp. Written by a radioman in the Coast Guard, this book provides an insight into the history and the heroism, the achievements and the traditions, and the day-to-day work of the oldest of our gallant services. Chapters include Revenue Marine, Wooden Ships, The World Way, Wings, SOS distress signals, Hurricanes and much more. Illustrated with photographs. Clean, tight, good copy.  (VG) $16.

2217. Department of Commerce. Lighthouse Service. INSTRUCTIONS TO LIGHT KEEPERS. Wash. GPO. 1911. 26 p. Nicely done reprint. Includes general instructions for all employees, instructions for Light-Keepers, instructions to all stations and vessels equipped with fog signals, instructions relating to light vessels, and much more. Includes all aspects of station and apparatus maintenance. A complete and important document.  $8.55.

 24394. Krebs, Laurie. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A COLONIAL LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER. New York . 2004. 24 p. New from PowerKids Press, this charming addition to their Day in the Life series looks at Boston Light in Colonial times. From the harbor and lighthouse design, to the keeper’s daily duties, changing weather, firing the fog signal cannon, polishing the brass, rescues and more. A wonderful addition to your children’s library. (M). $18.95.

 B-199. Light-House Board. LIST OF [LIGHT] TOWERS, BEACONS, BUOYS, STAKES AND OTHER DAY-MARKS IN THE FOURTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT…. Wash. 1878.  22 p. Soft wraps. Covers the coast from Squan Inlet , NJ . To Metompkin Inlet , VA. 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 present, signature bound, little if any chipping, excellent condition for an early list. Very difficult to find these early lists and well worth the search. (VG+) $142 net.

 6249j. Crowninshield, Mary Bradford. ALL AMONG THE LIGHTHOUSES or THE CRUISE OF THE GOLDENROD. Boston . 1886. 392pp. Nicely illustrated decorative colored covers. This is a story based on the operations of the U. S. Lighthouse Tender IRIS as she tended lights in the First LH District in the 1880's. Excellent b/w illustrations as well as color USLHE First District map with route indicated. Dedicated to the crew of the Tender Iris. Fine reading, should be included in every lighthouse library. Clean, tight, hinges unusually intact, light age browning to page margins and light foxing. A very special book, difficult to find, especially in such nice condition. (VG-).   $158 net.

   2441. na. HOLMES’ MAGNETO-ELECTRIC LIGHT, AS APPLICABLE TO LIGHTHOUSES. London . nd. c. 1864. 44 p. Original gilt  embossed maroon wraps. Detailed description with large two-page engraved plate detailing the mechanics and operation of Holmes’ magneto-electric lighting apparatus for lighthouses. Includes information on the lens and reflector systems, lamp apparatus, comparison with other lighting apparatus, construction and much more. Scarce original report. Contents fairly clean save some light foxing, intact. Front hinge detached, covers clean and nicely decorated. (G+). $128.

Our Pick for Winter Reading:



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



8503d. Engle, William. S.O.S. COAST GUARD. Whitman Pub., Racine , WI . 1936. 424p. With over 200 illustrations, this volume is part of the “Big Little Book Series”, in a 3 ½”w x 4 ½”h stiff wrap format. With text and illustrations, the author tells the tale of the Coast Guard on beach patrol, rescue in surfboat, cutters, rum patrol and more. Beautiful illustrates covers enhance this scarce children’s little-book edition. Clean, tight, pages uniformly age browned, stain to top of page edges, light wear to edges.  Quite collectible and very difficult to find. (VG-).  $48.  

6267g. Howe, M. A. DeWolf. THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS - AN HISTORICAL REVIEW 1785-1916. Boston . 1918. 398pp. No. 147 of a limited 1st edition. Illustrated with over 34 fine photogravures of the Society’s Life-Saving stations, boats, crews and equipment. Chronicles the founding and early activities of the Society including the establishment of stations and huts-of-refuge, rescues and resuscitations, Medal of Honor winners, etc. Includes listing of huts and stations and medal winners from 1786 until 1916. A rare title with a wealth of information on this early Service, beautifully presented. Contents clean, tight, covers only light wear, clean, bright.  (VG).  $169 net.

4325. (notebook) William W. Latham. U. S. Life Saving Service,  Asst. to Superintendent of Construction and Repair, 13th District. 1907-1910. Extremely rare note and account book was kept by the Assistant to the Superintendent of Construction and Repair of Life Saving Stations (13th Life Saving District) in which he recorded the progress of new station construction and ongoing and needed repairs to existing stations. Includes extensive notes in the form of records of communications regarding the work performed, difficulties encountered, supplies and additional work or changes requires. Also includes some cost notes and accounting. Stations where work was performed includes Neah Bay, San Francisco, Fort Canby, Laguina Bay, Portland (OR.), Corvallis, Yaguina Bay, Waaddah Island (Or.), Newport (Or.). In original brown U. S. Life Saving Service pocket notebook, cloth bound with marbled page edges. 4” x 6 ½”. Extremely scarce account. (VG).  $345 net. 



 

23543a,b. Szarkowski, John and Richard Benson. A MARITIME ALBUM – 100 Photographs and their Stories. Newport News. 1997. 245 p. Soft wraps. A wonderful photographic tribute to the sea and the human activities associated with it, and an insight into the life of a mariner. This fascinating book features 100 historical photographs taken between the years 1859 and 1956 that depict the relationships of mariners with their vessels and the sea. Superb vintage photographs chronicle a fragment of the mariner's experience over the past 200 years - shipbuilding, the making of a wooden skiff, commercial fishing and whaling, amateur sailing, deep-sea diving, naval encounters, and much more. In his introduction, John Szarkowski shares his artistic rationale for selecting the particular images that appear in this book. Benson's essays, which accompany the photographs, unify image and story in a vignette of time and place, of historical, societal, and individual meaning. Excellent vintage views and accounts make fine reading. (VG+). $28.

4342k,n,p,q. Otis, James. THE LIFE SAVERS. A Story of the United States Life-Saving Service. New York . 1899. 1st. 327 p. Nicely illustrated with official photographs, nice embossed covers. Relates the history of the Life-Saving Service and the work of the Life-Savers through various chapters in this fictional account. Probably intended for a teenage audience, this is by far one of the best. Based on fact. Quite scarce. Some wear or darkening to covers, contents overall clean and tight, some foxing to frontis pages. (VG-).   $38 net.

   2513 Bacon, Edgar Mayhew. Narragansett Bay - Its Historic and Romantic Associations. G.P. Putnam's Sons. The Knickerbocker Press. New York . 1904. 377 p. Blue cloth hardcover with gilt script. Features black and white photos and drawings by the author, plus a large 12” x 17” foldout map of Narragansett Bay . This book is a wonderful, turn-of-the-century foray into the history and lore of Rhode Island 's Narragansett Bay ,  the result of first-hand research and exploration by the author, Edgar Mayhew Bacon. In the Preface he writes: “The preparation of this study of Narragansett Bay has afforded a fascinating occupation for several years. The collection of material for it has not only necessitated the examination of old records but has led to eventful cruises among the islands, visits to famous landmarks, sojourns in picturesque towns, and acquaintance with many delightful people whose courtesy in facilitating the collection of materials calls for grateful acknowledgment.” The range of topics includes the 1675 Indian rebellion known as King Philip's War, Narragansett Bay's role in the Revolutionary War -- including the burning of the British ship Gaspee by courageous Rhode Island patriots -- shipbuilding in Narragansett Bay, the ghost ship Palatine and other supernatural legends, and much, much more. Contents include: (1) Introductory (2) From Providence to Cowesett (3) The Ambit of the Bay (4) The Charm of Old Bristol (5) From the Top of Pokanoket (6) Sea Rovers from the Bay (7) The Gaspee Affair and Others (8) Rhode Island in the Revolution (9) The Narragansett Country (10) Ghosts At Newport (11) Along Shore at Aquidneck (12) Old Haunts in East Greenwich and Wickford (13) A Budget of Legends. Photos and illustrations include: Old windmill on Aquidneck; Rock inscription at Hopeworth on Mount Hope Bay, attributed to Northmen; Crystal Rock, at the foot of Mount Hope; Mount Hope; Group of sailboats on Providence River; The beautiful gates of Brown University; The canoe was hauled under the stern of the white man's boat; The shores of Providence River; Warwick Neck, at the entrance to Cowesett Bay; Samuel Gorton's leather breeches; Old church at Apponaug; Greene Memorial House at Apponaug; An extensive view of Narragansett Bay as seen from the top of Mount Hope; Fish nets and boats; Fish Hawk's Nest; Lighthouse on Dutch Island; The Dumplings on Conanicut Island; Fort Adams, Newport Harbor; Bishop's Rock, Newport Harbor; Beaver-Tail Light and Brenton's Reef Lightship; Sandy Point Lighthouse; View of Bristol Ferry from Prudence Island; Upper end of Aquidneck; Colt House, Bristol; The Green at Bristol, showing part of church and courthouse; The Hereshoff works at Bristol, where the Cup defenders are built; Papoosesquaw Neck - Poppasquash Neck?; The Narrows at the mouth of the Kickamuet River; Distant view of Mount Hope; Philip's Rock; Woodland border of the swamp where King Philip fell; Mount Hope Bay, looking toward Tiverton; Taunton River, between Taunton and Dighton; Fall River, with Sparrow Island in the foreground; Entrance of Mount Hope Bay, starting point of King Philip's forays into Massachusetts; Commodore Abraham Whipple; Doherty's description; Captain Fones schooner Tartar luring the French frigate away from the merchantmen; The Sakonnet River from Mount Hope; The Warwick shore across Cowesett Bay; Governor Joseph Wanton; The burning of the Gaspee; Tiverton wharves, the site of Joseph Wanton's shipyard; The capture of General Prescott; Where General Sullivan's force crossed to the mainland; The Bathing Beach at Narragansett Pier; Typical Narragansett farmhouse; Old apple orchard on Boston Neck; Whale Rock lighthouse, between Narragansett shore and Conanicut Island; Haunted mill in Kingstown; Along shore; Rocks at Point Judith; Sea wall at Newport, from the Cliff Walk; In quiet waters; Shore rocks beyond the Public Bathing Beach at Newport; The road to the beach, Newport; A cottage on the shore; The North End of Aquidneck, Coal Pier and breakers; East Greenwich Harbor; The birthplace of General Nathaniel Greene; The Governor Greene House on the North Side of Division Street, East Greenwich; The Windmill House, once the residence of Professor George W. Greene; The Babbitt Farmhouse, near Wickford, an enlargement of Richard Smith's blockhouse; The waterfront at Old Wickford; Piano from an old Wickford house; Map of Narragansett Bay. A superb early view and account of this important maritime area. Contents clean and tight, light foxing to endpapers. Wraps some wear to edges and bumping, spine intact but worn. (VG-). $145 net.



 2526. (lighthouse life-saving blotters) c.1900. This is a striking collection of seven turn of the century blotters issued by the First National Bank of Portsmouth , NH . Each of the seven blotters bears a period photo image of a New Hampshire lighthouse or life-saving station including White Island Light, Whale’s Back Light, Fort Point Light, Wallis Sands LSS, Wood Island LSS, Hampton Beach LSS, and Rye Beach LSS. Blotters measure 3 ½” x 9” and are clean and crisp, would look wonderful framed as a set. Set 7 blotters $110.

 2505. Hanson, Bobbi. USCG STATION GRAYS HARBOR . Aberdeen . 1989. 82p. Soft wraps. Booklet was put together by and for the wives of the Coast Guardsmen at the Gray’s Harbor Lifeboat Station to introduce the families to each other and to the area. Includes names and addresses of all personnel, medical information, shopping, buying guides, moving suggestions, and much more. Includes some photos and biographies of each of the persons stationed there. (VG).  $22.

PC-165. Von Physter, George. PAINTINGS AND LORE OF CALIFORNIA LIGHTHOUSES. San Diego . 1963. 1st. 40p. Soft wraps. Interesting booklet features 14 b/w reproductions of California lighthouse paintings, along with a description of the station and a bit of history as well. Light stations include Point Loma, Ballast Point, Los Angeles Hatbor Light, Anacapa, Point Conception, Point Sur, Pigeon Point, Mile Rocks Light, Point Reyes , Todos Santos Island Light, South Coronado Island Light, San Felipe Light, and more. A scarce booklet. Clean, crisp. (F-).  $32.

24269. Thomas, Lowell. RAIDERS OF THE DEEP. Garden City. 1928. 363 p. The first American account of German submariners to offer a sympathetic, behind-the-scenes look at the men who prowled the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and English Channel in U-boats. Widely known for his radio and newspaper dispatches from World War I battlefields, Thomas was immediately successful with this vivid portrait of undersea warfare that included details of the new technology. In his inimitable style, Thomas allows his subjects to tell their stories in their own words, rendering an infinitely interesting look at the challenges of life aboard these early submarines. Their dramatic oral histories tell of Walther Schwiegers’ sinking of the Lusitania , the seven U-boat raiders sent to lay mines across the Atlantic and sink merchant ships off the coast of the United States , and other riveting trials and accomplishments of the U-boaters. A classic of WWI literature. (VG).   $14.

 24241. Clarke, A. C. VOICE ACROSS THE SEA. New York . 1974. 228 p. DJ. An account of submarine telegraph and telephone lines and the laying of the first transatlantic cable over 125 years ago. A complete account of this adventure.  (VG+). $16.

 22140b. Skomal, Lenore. THE KEEPER OF LIME ROCK – The Remarkable True Story of Ida Lewis, America’s First Official Female Lighthouse Keeper and the First Woman to Win a Congressional Medal. Philadelphia . 2002. 136 p. Soft wraps. Scarce uncorrected bound galley proof.  It wasn't until her fifth daring rescue at sea in 1869 that the world discovered the remarkable Ida Lewis, tender of the Lime Rock lighthouse off the coast of Newport , Rhode Island . Hailed for her lifesaving efforts by President Ulysses S. Grant, Admiral Dewey, Susan B. Anthony, and other luminaries of the day, Lewis was the first person awarded a Congressional medal for her years of bravery and extraordinary heroism. Weaving thrilling nautical adventures with tales of other female lighthouse keepers, this compelling biography opens a fascinating and previously unexplored chapter in the history of American women. Nicely illustrated with vintage photographs and prints. Well done. (M).  $16.  

6719d. Manning, Gordon P., LIFE IN THE COLCHESTER REEF LIGHTHOUSE. by The Shelburne Museum . 1958. 43p. Soft wraps, clean, crisp. Nicely illustrated. Details the life of the Keepers in this Lake Champlain lighthouse. Includes listing of the keepers who served here during its’ 62 years of service, as well as details on the 1952 move of the lighthouse to the Shelburne Museum in Vermont . (G+).  $22.  

5270m. Talbot, Frederick A., LIGHTSHIPS AND LIGHTHOUSES. London. 1913. 325pp. Well illustrated with over 110 photographs, many quite unusual and interesting. Details lighthouses throughout the world. Extremely interesting and detailed, one of the more sought after texts on the subject. Subjects include lighthouse origins, building a lighthouse, light and illuminants, fog signals, the Eddystone Lighthouse, some famous lights of England, lighthouses built on sand, light patrols of the French coast, Minot’s Ledge Light, guardian lights of Canada’s coast, lamp-posts of the Great lakes, electric lighthouses, floating lights, the light-keeper and his life, and much more. Library binding with only light wear, contents clean and tight. Difficult to find, excellent reading copy, particularly at this price. (VG) $89 net.

6100i. Whiting, John D., STORM FIGHTERS - TRUE STORIES OF THE COAST GUARD. Indianapolis. 1927. 256 pp. Cover color illustrated with motor lifeboat pushing through the sea. 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, crisp, very nice copy. A very scarce account, fine reading. (F-) $68 net.

7109d. Ballantyne, R. M. THE LIFEBOAT - A Tale of Our Coast Heroes. London. Nd. c.1880. 251p. DJ. 16MO. In this scarce title, the author tells of the work of the lifeboat in wreck and rescue with the aid of fictional characters. Through the many chapters one learns of the extensive history of the lifeboat and the work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, as well as their equipment including surfboat and rocket apparatus. With colour illustrations. Very nice blue embossed binding, light wear, quite clean and bright. (VG). $44.

21442. Carter, Robert. A SUMMER CRUISE ON THE COAST OF NEW ENGLAND [Being An Account of a Cruise from Provincetown to Bar Harbor in the Summer of 1858 ...] Boston. 1864. 1st. edition. 7¼" x 5¼" textured cloth hardcover edition. 261 pages. In the summer of 1858, Robert Carter, a journalist, editor and frustrated poet, sailed aboard a rented sloop named "Helen" ($7.50 per day) from Boston to Provincetown, along the brief New Hampshire shore, then down the coast of Maine. Dispatches from his voyage first appeared in the New York Tribune (for which he normally served as a Washington correspondent). They were later collected and published as this book. Some of the chapters include From Boston to Swampscott, Off Boston Light, Provincetown, The Sands of Cape Cod, Dredging Off Nahant * Misadventures, The Great Thunderstorm * From Marblehead to Gloucester, For the Isles of Shoals, Casco Bay, A Storm Off Cape Seguin * Boothbay * The Coast Survey Schooner, The Island of Monhegan, Owl's Head, Mount Desert, Bass Harbor, and much more. This 131-year-old book is considered a New England maritime classic and would make a fine addition to any personal library devoted to sailing, Atlantic sport fishing, or both. Wonderful reading and an ideal way to view the coast as it was over one hundred years ago. Some chipping at crown and base of spine, corners slightly bumped, pages generally clean and tight. (G+). $168 net.

24406. Jahn, Robert. DOWN BARNEGAT BAY: A NOR'EASTER MIDNIGHT READER. Mantoloking. 1981. First Edition, 3rd printing. Soft wraps.  208 pages. Signed by the author. Profusely illustrated with more than 150 drawings and vintage sepia-toned photographs, the author presents an illustrated maritime and folk history of the Jersey shore’s Age of Sail. An engaging tribute to the region, Down Barnegat Bay brims with first-person accounts of the people, events, and places that have come together to shape Barnegat Bay’s unique place in American history. Also includes rare maps, prints, paintings and historic photographs, with contemporary accounts drawn from ships' logs, private journals, local histories, early newspapers and magazines together with little known selections of Barnegat Bay poetry and fiction. Clean, crisp, nice copy. (VG+).  $58.  

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. 

23224. Baarslag, Karl. SOS TO THE RESCUE. NY. 1935. 310pp. Later reprinted as Famous Sea Rescues, this first edition is quite difficult to find. For the first time the story of a number of famous sea disasters is told from the point of view of the vessel’s radio operators. See the development of this craft as the “brass pounders” have practiced it. The author has written these awesome tales in terms of dits and dahs, translated for us in terms of the hundreds of thousands of lives saved  because of the use of radio and the unfailing devotion of the operators. Includes the true stories of the collision of the Republic and the Florida, the loss of the Titanic, the foundering of the Empress of Ireland, the heroic rescue of the storm-swept Antinoe by the President Roosevelt, the capsizing of the Vestris, the dreadful burst of flame on the Morrow Castle, and more. Clean, tight, some soiling to wraps. (VG-).   $24.  

693c. Willoughby , Malcom F. Lt.(j.g.) (T) USCGR, THE COAST GUARD TR's-First Naval District. Boston . 1945. 247pp. Illustrated with photos. With DJ. Relates the contribution of the Coast Guards Temporary Reserve unit in New England during World War II. Chapters cover training, harbor and sea patrols, the "beach pounders", storms, rescues and more. Quite clean, crisp, tight, nice copy in bright but lightly chipped dj. Quite difficult to find. (VG+).   $48.  

6149g. Baarslag, Karl. COAST GUARD TO THE RESCUE. NY. 1937. 2nd. printing. 328pp. Illustrated with official USCG photographs. One of the better chronicles of the history of the Coast Guard and its duties through the years. Chapters include Flying Lifeboats, Joshua James, Cutters, Great Lakes and many more of great interest. Clean, tight, light wear to spine, ex lib with pocket. (VG-).  $22.

8168. Crump, Irving . THE BOYS’ BOOK OF COAST GUARDS. NY. 1928. 258p. Despite the youthful title, this ‘sleeper’ will interest the veteran as well. Provides numerous accounts of rescues and the work of the Coast Guard when the surfboat, life-car  and the breeches buoy were the order of the day. Includes the work of the Revenue Marine, rescues at Chicamacomico, Lone Hill LSS, Frankfort , MI., work of the Cutters Bear and others, Manomet Point LSS and many more. Quite a bit of detail of surfboat and breeches buoy, supplemented by vintage photos, make this a worthwhile addition to your library. Excellent early account and extremely scarce. Clean, crisp, tight, an unusually good copy in fine wraps. (F-).  $76.

 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)

8227. MID-ATLANTIC LIGHTHOUSES – Hudson River to Chesapeake Bay . 1996. 86 p. (2)

8264. SOUTHEASTERN LIGHTHOUSES. Outer Banks to Cape Florida . 1998. 92p. (2)

SOUTHERN LIGHTHOUSES. Outer Banks to Cape Florida . 2002. 88p. (2)

8265. GULF COAST LIGHTHOUSES – Florida Keys to the Rio Grande . 1998. 92 p. (2)

8268. CALIFORNIA LIGHTHOUSES – Point St. George to the Gulf of Santa Catalina . 1997. 86 p. (2)

22432. LIGHTHOUSES OF CALIFORNIA AND HAWAII – Eureka to San Diego to Honolulu . 2002. 87 p. (3)

WESTERN LIGHTHOUSES. Olympic Peninsula to San Diego . 1993. 117p. (1)

24240. Harding, R. Brewster. GREETINGS FROM MAINE – A Post Card Album. Portland. 1975. 80 p. Soft wraps. The fascinating story of how Maine pioneered the development of the picture postcard, as told by Maine post cards. Thoroughly illustrated with Maine postcards on all subjects including lighthouses. (VG).  $14.  

9453. [journal] THE KEEPER’S LOG. Journal of the United States Lighthouse Society. San Francisco . Var. Fill out your collection with these back issues of The Keeper’s Log. This is the premier journal for the lighthouse researcher or enthusiast, filled with hundreds of detailed articles on lighthouses, lightships and tenders across the country. Filled with remarkable original photographs. Most interesting reading. 1993 to 2001. Not quite a complete set – 28 issues. Excellent condition - good historical information.  Entire lot comes with four official USLHS binders. Here is a great opportunity to add some of the earlier issues to your collection at an exceptionally low price of $3.50 each, four for $12. Entire lot $78  

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.  

24243. (commemorative stamp sheet) MAINE STATEHOOD 1820-1970. Issued July 9, 1970, the Maine Statehood 6 cent stamp features the twin lighthouses at Cape Elizabeth, from Edward Hopper’s oil painting in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Full sheet of 50 stamps in unused mint condition. Scott #1391. (VG). $18.  

20264. Veasey, David., GUARDING NEW JERSEY ’S SHORE - LIGHTHOUSES AND LIFE SAVING STATIONS. 2000. 127p. 200 vintage photographs. Published as part of the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing. New Jersey ’s low-lying, sandy coast has been the scene of thousands of shipwrecks over the years as ships bound for New York foundered on its offshore shoals. Over 200 early photographs dating from the 1870’s through the 1940’s, drawn from the National Archives, Coast Guard and local museums document the state’s thirty-eight lighthouses and forty-one life-saving stations. In addition, former journalist Veasey weaves in his text the only history to date of the perils “Down the Shore”. A fine addition to your library. (M) $18.99.

L-07-1 (1). U. S. Coast Guard. UNITED STATES COAST GUARD SHIPS, PLANES AND STATIONS. CG-214. 1955. 36p. Soft wraps. A brief look at the history of the stations and equipment of the Coast Guard. Well illustrated with photos of cutters, icebreakers, tenders, lightships, surf and motor lifeboats, numerous aircraft and stations. (VG).  $10. Reduced $ 5.

4531(5). Putnam, George R., NEW SAFEGUARDS FOR SHIPS IN FOG AND STORM. August 1936. 32pp. 30 photo illustrations [NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, Vol. LXX, No. 2, August 1936] Complete issue, very clean. George Putnam was the Commissioner of Lighthouses in the early years of the twentieth century. In this interesting and detailed article, Commissioner Putnam includes information on the use of the new radio beacons, lightship operations as well as the overall operation of the Lighthouse Service. Included are 30 wonderful official photographs of light stations, tenders, light vessels, lens apparatus, light keepers and more. (VG) $22.

4532i. Putnam, George R., BEACONS OF THE SEA: LIGHTING THE COASTS OF THE UNITED STATES. January, 1913. 53 pp. Illustrated with 67 photographs including light vessels, depots, and much more. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, Vol. XXIV, No. 1, January 1913. Excellent descriptions of the work of the Lighthouse Service by the Commissioner himself. . Wonderfully illustrated with numerous official photographs. Includes especially nice photos of various light vessels, lenses and various lanterns and towers. More and more difficult to find this article. Clean, tight, in library binding of Volume 24, 1913. (VG). $48.

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).

6744z, x, aa, ff,ii. [Topographic Plate]. COAST LINES: PART OF NANTUCKET MASS. US Geological Survey. c.1908. Size 10”h x 16”. Double page plate from early report. Beautiful, early, three color topographic map shows the important contours and features of the area including the Lighthouses and Life-Saving Stations, as well as roads, harbor and important features. This map includes most of the island, from Miacomet Pond and Reed Pond east and north and south to the extremity. U. S. Life-Saving Stations include Surfside, Muskeget, Coskata and Madaket. Lighthouses include Bug Lights, Brant Point Light, Great Point Light and Sankaty Head Light. Also includes harbor, shoals and bars, and much more. Plate is quite desirable for framing. Unusually clean and crisp, a beautiful piece. These early coastal maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium, particularly on the Cape and the islands. (F).  $144 net.

Whaling...

25184. Senate Doc. No. 12. THE DESCRIPTION OF PAPERS DEEMED NECESSARY TO BE PRIVIDED BY LAW FOR THE USE AND PROTECTION OF AMERICAN VESSELS ENGAGED IN THE WHALE FISHERIES. December 27, 1839. 16 p. Report examines information provided by Nantucket, New Bedford and other whaling captains with regard to legalities of entering ports and other issues of the day. $14.

 2012. Sanderson, Ivan T. FOLLOW THE WHALE. Boston . 1956. 423 p. DJ. (VG).  $18

2411. Fisher, Leonard Everett. THE DEATH OF EVENING STAR –The Diary of a Young New England Whaler. New York . 1972. 125 p. DJ.  (VG).  $18

2408. Chippendale, Captain H. A., SAILS AND WHALES. Boston . 1951. 232 p. DJ. (VG-). $16

2407. Hohman, E. P., THE AMERICAN WHALEMAN. London . 1974. 355 p. DJ. (VG).        $24.

2406. Whipple, A. B. C., YANKEE WHALERS IN THE SOUTH SEAS . New York . 1954. 304 p. $18

2405. Robotti , Frances Diane. WHALING AND OLD SALEM . New York . 1962. 292 p. DJ.  $16

2404. Haley, Nelson Cole [harpooner in the Charles W. Morgan 1849-1853] . WHALE HUNT – The Narrative of a Voyage. New York . 1948. 304 p. DJ.  $26

2403. Stackpole, Edouard A., THE SEA-HUNTERS – The New England Whalemen During Two Centuries 1653-1835. Philadelphia . 1953. 510 p. DJ.  $26.

2329. na. OFFICIAL REGISTER OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE APRIL 1, 1880 (WITH POST OFFICE ADDRESSES). GPO. April 1, 1880. GPO. 19p. Original soft wraps. Scarce booklet includes complete listings of Superintendent, assistants, Inspector of Life-Saving Stations, assistants, District Superintendents, assistants, Board for Examination of plans and devices, complete listing of all station Keepers with mailing addresses, and complete listing of Life-Saving Districts and stations. In original wraps, clean, crisp, as new and probably never opened. Extremely rare opportunity to obtain this original booklet and needed information in remarkable condition. (F). $125.

4531t. Putnam, George R., NEW SAFEGUARDS FOR SHIPS IN FOG AND STORM. August 1936. 32pp. (disbound) 30 photo illustrations [NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, Vol. LXX, No. 2, August 1936] Complete issue, very clean. George Putnam was the Commissioner of Lighthouses in the early years of the twentieth century. In this interesting and detailed article, Commissioner Putnam includes information on the use of the new radio beacons, lightship operations as well as the overall operation of the Lighthouse Service. Included are 30 wonderful official photographs of light stations, tenders, light vessels, lens apparatus, light keepers and more. (VG).  $20.

UNITED STATES VOLUNTEER LIFE-SAVING CORPS.

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.

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. 

  

911a,b. 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).  $28. 

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.

24252. (technical & maintenance pamphlet) Safety Car Heating and Lighting Company. THE PINTSCH GAS LIGHTED BUOYS. New York . c.1908. 12 p. with laid in additional. Pintsch Compressed Gas lights were used on buoys, beacons, stake-lights, light-ships and in lighthouses. Manual focuses on buoys and includes sizes and types, lantern, gas supply, colored lights, flash lights, burners, chimneys, cleaning, lighting, testing and more. Well illustrated with extremely detailed diagrams. Additional instruction sheets laid in. Paper wraps present but detached. Contents clean and tight. Scarce information. (G). $78.

 22225c. Barnard, J. G. , US Army. LIGHTHOUSE ENGINEERING AS DISPLAYED AT THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION. Transactions of the American Society of Engineers. Volume VIII. New York . 1879. Pp.55-83 with additional 12 full page article and fold-out plates. Quite interesting and detailed article discusses progress made in the design of lighthouses with particular emphasis put on recent lighthouse construction  in an effort to show the present state of development. Exhibits included coffer-dam used in building the foundation for Spectacle Reef Lighthouse, Brandywine Shoal lighthouse, Sombrero Lighthouse in the Florida Keys, Sand Key Lighthouse, Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, Minot ’s Ledge Lighthouse, lighthouse at Body’s Island , Hunting Island Lighthouse, Race Rock Lighthouse, Penfield Reef Lighthouse and much more. Includes detailed descriptions of the work being performed, full page plates and more. In addition, second article [pp. 83-94] by the late Lieut. Col. B. S. Alexander details the construction process for the recent Minot’s Ledge Light. In this, his memoir, he describes the methods that they used to complete this dangerous project, finishing in 1859. A most interesting prospective by the engineer in charge of the project. Pages are clean and tight but are somewhat brittle. Plates are present and intact, still a bit brittle. A most interesting and scarce bit of information. (G+). $88 net.

 23560. Caesar, Pete. RESCUE – The United States Life Saving Service. Kalamazoo . 1986. 2nd. 111 p. Stiff wraps. Signed by the author. Most unusual book, privately printed by the Ocean and Great Lakes Marine Research Press, picks the 1885-1886 working season of the Life Saving Service and describes in some detail one important rescue or event in the lives of each station’s crew in the country that year. Many stations are illustrated with a photo or postal card of the day, to provide a wonderful glimpse into the lives of the crews during that difficult season. Includes maps showing the station locations and great deal more. Quite an unusual piece, the first time that I have come across it. As new. (F). $48.95 net.  



9419. Smith, Joseph W. GLEANINGS FROM THE SEA: SHOWING THE PLEASURES AND PENALTIES OF LIFE AFLOAT, WITH CONTINGENCIES ASHORE. 1987. [First published 1887.] Wells, Maine. 406p. The irresistible charms of the Maine coastline, and particularly the Biddeford Pool area, prompted the author in 1887 to write this recollection of the history and the people of this area, resort life and particularly the life of a people largely dominated by the sea. In over 40 chapters the author presents all aspects of the life in the area, from the yachting and fishing of the area, to the storms, cruising and ending with a lengthy 71 page chapter detailing the work of the Life-Saving Service at the Biddeford Pool Station. Illustrated with numerous photographs including three wonderful early views of the Biddeford Pool crews. Delightful reading. Gilt embossed binding with gilt page edges, quite well done. (M).  $56.

23580. Herben, Stephen J. A STUDENT LIFE SAVING CREW. Blue and Gray Magazine. June 1894. pp 317-321. Detailed account of the U.S. life saving crew at Evanston , Illinois . Includes detailed accounts of many of their rescues, crew operations, daily life and much more. Beautifully illustrated with 9 large engraved illustrations of the crew and equipment. An excellent account. This early magazine is aimed at veterans of the Civil War and includes numerous other detailed articles of interest including Shiloh , After Thirty-Two Years; A Romantic Incident of the War Ending With the Death of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren; A Day With Mosby’s Men; Confederate Ram Raid off Charlston , S.C. , and much more. Complete magazine in soft wraps, unusually intact, and clean. (VG-). $74. 

21206b. Hill, Helen and Violet Maxwell. CHARLIE AND HIS COAST GUARDS. New York . 1925. 184p. Children’s novel about Charlie, who travels to the coast of Maine and visits the Coast Guard, rescues a boat grounded on the shoal, spends a night at the lighthouse and more. By the end of the summer Charlie has become fast friends with the men of the Coast Guard station, who give him a farewell dinner. Moderate wear, ex lib.  Good reading copy. (G). $8. 

6333x. Putnam, George R. SENTINEL OF THE COASTS - THE LOG OF A LIGHTHOUSE ENGINEER. NY. 1937. 1st. ed. 368pp. DJ. Well illustrated with over 60 photos. This historical and descriptive work by the retired Commissioner of Lighthouses includes chapters on the history and organization of the Lighthouse Service, the perils of lightships, fog and radio, tenders, romance of the buoys, the government workers, and much more. A most important book that has become quite scarce. Unusually good condition for this title, clean, bright, tight, only slight fading to the spine, some wear to dj. (VG+) $134 net.  

23564. [West Quoddy Lighthouse, Maine Puzzle] Older c.1970’s picture puzzle from Fairchild features a great color photo view of the lighthouse and keeper’s house at West Quoddy Head. This early interlocking type puzzle contains 1000 pieces and shows a clear, very close view of the Coast Guard keeper’s house and red and white striped light tower. Puzzle scene is full color, with fine detail of the lens, lantern and tower as well as the surrounding yard and buildings. Believed to be complete but not guaranteed.  (VG).$14.   

23556. Price List 63. NAVY, MARINES AND COAST GUARD. GPO. June 1936. 16p. Soft wraps. Contains list of publications available relating to the US Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. Subjects include air almanacs, cargo handling gear, mooring bits, fire hose, medicine chest, compress air plants, annual reports, direction finders, lots of pamphlets on all manor of subjects, instruction manuals, directories, and tables of data, indexes and catalogues, etc. Light foxing. (VG-).     $8  

23547. [newspaper] PROPOSALS FOR BUILDING AND EQUIPPING FOUR LIGHT VESSELS,  Treasury Dept., Office Lighthouse Board, Washington. The Republic, Wash. D.C., Jan.4, 1853. Over a full front page column headed describes in great detail specifications for three light vessels: One to be delivered at Boston , one to be delivered at a point to be designated by the Board in Vineyard Sound, and for one to be delivered at Smithville, ( Cape Fear ,) North Carolina . Full construction details are included. In addition, on the back page is a 3 1/2" column notice requesting proposals for the erection of a lighthouse on  Minot 's Ledge, War Dept., Bureau Corps Topographical Engineers, signed in type by J. J. Abert, Colonel Corps Topographical Engineers. Full early newspaper contains four pages with articles of the day, light browning and expected wear, 2 folds. (VG-).    $34 net.  

21509d. na. U. S. LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE. Fortune Magazine January 1937. Pp. 61-69, 126-132. Lengthy, large folio illustrated article details the men and equipment of today’s Lighthouse Service. Wonderfully illustrated with photographs, paintings and diagrams including a large full page diagram of the Nantucket LV No. 112  illustrating its construction, equipment and operation. Other photos include quartermaster at the wheel of the Lighthouse Tender Spruce, lens apparatus, buoys and more. Most interesting and detailed article. Full issue. (VG+).       $68.

Commemorative Coast Guard and Lightship Covers

Commemorative envelopes, each addressed and stamped and postmarked on the commissioning day and first day on station, or from Officer in Charge, and with the return address of the light station or vessel commanding officer. Covers clean, crisp, and are important Coast Guard and light vessel collector’s items:

22552. Light Vessel No. 531 New Orleans. Postmarked New Orleans March 13, 1965, the day that the vessel was first on station. $28.

22226. USS Acushnet, Commissioned September 1, 1936, formerly a Coast Guard vessel. Postmarked December 17, 1938. $28.

22361a. Block Island Coast Guard Station, Officer in Charge, South East Lighthouse cachet, Postmarked March 30, 1983. $28.

22361b. West Quoddy Head Light, Officer in Charge, Postmarked November 15, 1983. $22.

22361c. Burnt Island Light Station, Officer in Charge, Postmarked April 3, 1984. $22.

22361b. Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse, Postmarked September 22, ….. $12.



22582a,b. Bonnet, Wayne. A PACIFIC LEGACY - A CENTURY OF MARITIME PHOTOGRAPHY 1850-1950. San Francisco. 1991. 160 p. DJ. This superb chronicle features a wealth of remarkable Pacific coast maritime photographs from the museum archives of the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park. Artist and writer Wayne Bonnett has compiled one hundred and thirty-two richly detailed historic photos into the first major work to feature this collection. The book covers one hundred years of Pacific Coast maritime history from the California Gold Rush through the founding & explosive growth of the great seaports on San Francisco Bay & Puget Sound, the Columbia River region & southern California. Included are the tall square-riggers of the Cape Horn fleet, the "down-easters", the big lumber schooners, the early steamships that crossed the Pacific. A few of the views include: View from the poop deck forward on the Caithness-Shire, Puget Sound c. 1905, whaling ships Bowhead, Beluga & Thrasher in San Francisco Bay c. 1900, the wheelhouse of the Arctic expedition steam vessel Madrono in 1928, USS Constitution in San Francisco in 1933, Port of San Francisco, photo taken less than a month after the earthquake in 1906, the Hall Brothers Shipyard at Port Blakely, Washington with the sawmill in the background, the saloon of the British steel full-rigged ship Eva Montgomery showing Captain & wife inside at Puget Sound c. 1904, Captain's cabin of the British four-masted bark Lynton c. 1905, the shipwreck of the steam schooner Riverside which struck Blunts Reef off Cape Mendocino in 1913, the deck of the new five-masted barkentine Monitor in San Francisco Bay c. 1920, panoramic view of San Francisco in 1898, and much more. The extremely rich and sharp photographs include everything from grand ships to little packets, ferries, interior views, shipwrecks, deck views and much more. Large format 11" x 12" and printed on a heavy stock, this will make a fine addition to your library. (VG+). $94.



23370. Witzell, Susan Fletcher, Jane A. McLaughlin and Mary Lou Smith. NEW ENGLAND VIEWS - THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF BALDWIN COOLIDGE (1845-1928). Woods Hole. 1998. 181 p. DJ. Wonderful work features 189 duotone images selected from the plates of the noted Boston photographer Baldwin Coolidge whose photographs spanned the period of the 1880s to 1917. Over his career, Coolidge took many pictures in Woods Hole, as well as Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, the Elizabeth Islands, New Hampshire, Maine along the Merrimack, the North Shore, city scenes and maritime views as well. Superb views include a number of light stations and life saving stations in the area, as well as ships and shipwrecks, farm and city life of the period, and much more. Published with the cooperation of The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA). New England Views won First Prize in the American Association of Museum's 1999 Design Competition. It was also chosen as one of the 50 Books/50 Covers in the annual design competition of the American Institute of Graphic Arts in 1999. A visual feast for those interested in nineteenth century America. (M). $49.95

6151i. Jones, Stephen. HARBOR OF REFUGE (Being the Recreation of Four Seasons on an Offshore Lighthouse from the Authentic Journal of S. P. Jones, S. N.). Toronto. 1981.345pp. DJ. An engaging collection of reminiscences of this former Coast Guard light-keeper. of the Harbor of Refuge Light Station, DE. Arriving at the lighthouse fresh out of boot camp, the author spends an extraordinary year there through the passage of four seasons. During this time the tower and its keepers are assaulted by vessels run amok, lascivious fishermen, songbirds, and frogs as well as the worst Atlantic seaboard winter storm in fifty years. A true tale, very well written, detailed and most interesting reading. Clean, crisp copy. (VG+) $38.

22190. Campbell, J. M. [Assistant Lightkeeper, Bell Rock Lighthouse], NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BELL ROCK. Edinburgh. 1904. 112p. 12MO. Beautiful gilt embossed lighthouse on binding. After serving nine years as Assistant Keeper of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, the author was encouraged by friends to record his many detailed observations of the life there, with particular emphasis on the many different animal species that exist in the area. From the gulls and terns, to the seals and fish species, the rock was teeming with life which was well chronicled by the author. Most interesting account of the period between 1901 and 1904. Contents clean, tight and bright. Covers light wear and staining, corners bumped. (VG-). $98 net.

23489. Humiston, Fred. BLUE WATER MEN – AND WOMEN. Portland. 1966. 1st. 172 p. For more than three centuries the sailing vessel has dominated the Maine scene, directly influencing economic, social and cultural structures as well as furnishing an effective method of defense and attack. These men were a breed apart. Their exploits and prowess will be remembered for years to come. Blue Water Men – And Women tells their story, from pirates and the West India trade, to California gold rush, to the era of the "Sail Carriers" and more. Excellent source and reading. (VG+). $24.

23490. Humiston, Fred. WINDJAMMERS AND WALKING BEAMS. Portland. 1968. 1st. 199 p. Second in the author’s series, this title focuses on the transformation of shipping in Maine from sail to steam. 1816 pioneered the steamboat economy and soon Maine waters saw odd-looking contraptions that clattered through years of trial and error and evolved into great fleets. However, sail did not give up easily, as it battled for survival well into the twentieth century. Another excellent source and reading. (VG+). $24.

8397a. Williams, Colonel Dion. ARMY AND NAVY UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA How to know Rank, Corps and Service in the Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Foreign Countries. New York. 1918. 302p. 12MO. One of the earlier and most complete references on the subject by a well known authority, profusely illustrated. Includes uniforms of the Coast Guard and Lighthouse Service, and some Congressional life-saving medals. Clean, tight, only light wear. Quite rare, and one of the few that includes the Lighthouse Service. (VG). $118 net.

23476. Short, Vincent and Edwin Sears. SAIL AND STEAM ALONG THE MAINE COAST. Portland. 1955. 203 p. DJ. Thoroughly illustrated with full page plates of steam and sailing vessels. The first in a series of books on the subject, this volume includes eighty six photographs of paintings and vessels that once ruled the coast. Includes detailed history of the vessels, dimensions and information and portraits of the captains and more. Good reading and reference. (VG-). $18.

23388. [commemorative stein] c.1900. An unusual, petite, bright commemorative mug or stein, featuring a beautiful raised relief image of Point Judith Lighthouse, Rhode Island. This item is quite attractive and bears a detailed image in raised relief of the tall octagonal lighthouse with attached keeper’s dwelling and adjacent fog signal building that once guarded Narragansett Bay. Mug is quite bright and distinctive, and measures 4 ¼" high by 2 ½" in diameter. Mug is done in shades of brown, green and black and includes a second image of "The Mathewson Hotel. Clean, quite nice. Made in Germany. A very detailed, pretty piece of a rare lighthouse for your display. (VG). $76 net.

23283. Bailey, John. SENTINEL OF THE JERSEY CAPE - The Story of the Cape May Point Lighthouse. 1st. 1989. 56p. Soft wraps. In an entertaining style, the author provides details of the history and construction of the light station, its technical details, and the life of the courageous keepers who maintained this light for so long. The author provides many details as to the lighting apparatus and equipment of the station, its past and present designs and layout, and the families that lived there. Includes many excerpts from the station logs, making this a detailed yet interesting account. Includes a complete listing of Keepers and assistants through the years. With numerous photos and illustrations. (VG). $26.

9336. [video tape] THE COAST GUARD IN THE 1930’S. Great original film footage produced in 1937 shows the early Coast Guard performing its daily duties. The film is divided into four parts, from a promotional film produced in 1937: The Story of the Coast Guard, The Coast Guard Academy, Service Afloat, and Service Ashore. Early footage includes early cutters, 34’ motor lifeboat underway in heavy seas, taking a vessel in tow during a storm, aerial views of beach stations, firing the Lyle gun and breeches buoy rescue from a vessel ashore, taking men off a burning tanker, pulling surfboats and lifeboats underway, early sea planes, laboratories and maneuvers at the Academy, patrol boats and cutters, flood of 1927, 78-foot patrol boats, capturing rum runners, beach patrol, New Jersey shipwrecks, and much more. Running time is approximately one hour. Great early views, all from original 1920’s-30’s original film footage and narrated, give a little seen view of our early Coast Guard. $29.95.

United States Life-Saving Service.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE

We have just acquired a large collection of these rare Annual Reports of the Life-Saving Service and, in an effort to stem the rise of prices over the last few years on these reports, have endeavored to offer them at as low a price as possible. This is the perfect opportunity to begin your collection or to fill those missing years in your present collection.

Reports are printed by the Government Printing Office [GPO] and range from 180 to 600 pages. Includes extensive details of operations and of rescues throughout the year. Also details personnel, construction and repairs of stations and equipment, evaluation of new equipment and much more. In addition, many include appended reports such as the new Beebe-McLellan Life-Boat, Dobbins’s surf life-boat, launching wagon, improved breeches buoy traveler block, McLellan’s Tally-Boards, and lengthy report on tests performed on Hunt and Lyle guns on Nantucket Island in 1887, reports on Cunningham rockets, surfboats and more. Quite detailed, becoming exceptionally difficult to find. Typical cloth government binding, contents overall clean, expected uniform very light browning on some copies, hinges tight and intact, covers may have some wear. Please inquire.

Please inquire regarding years available.

9155. O’Connor, William D.[Assistant Superintendent of the United States Life-Saving Service.] THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE. [disbound] from an early Appleton’s Annual Cyclopaedia Vol. III, c.1878. 19 p. As Assistant Superintendent of the Life-Saving Service, the author relates tales of the equipment, the work and of the men of the Service as few can. His intimate knowledge and access to official sources allow him to relate the stories of these dramatic rescues as never before. Well illustrated. $18.

4342L,o. Otis, James. THE LIFE SAVERS. A Story of the United States Life-Saving Service. New York. 1899. 1st. 327 p. Nicely illustrated with official photographs. Nice gilt embossed cover scene of life-savers launching their surfboat. Relates the history of the Life-Saving Service and the work of the U.S. Life-Savers through various chapters in this fictional account. Though probably intended for a teenage audience, this is by far one of the best early day-to-day accounts. Based on fact. Quite scarce. Clean, tight in bright wrap, spine slightly darkened. (VG). $64.

8391g. Drysdale, William., THE BEACH PATROL - A Story of the Life-Saving Service. W. A. Wilde Company, Boston. 1897. 318p. With five illustrated plates. All aspects of the work of the life-savers is described in this fictional tale of the men at the Great Harbor Life-Saving Station in New England. Sixteen year old Tom examines the equipment, from the operation of the Coston flare, to the contents of the Life-Saving Service portable library and assists with numerous rescues as we follow him through his adventure. Quite good descriptions, with great detail. An extremely early, rare Life-Saving Service novel. Beautiful gilt embossed covers with only light wear, light soiling to spine, contents clean, crisp and tight, an unusually nice copy. (VG). $98 net.

23182. Davis, Charles G., SHIPS OF THE PAST. The Marine Research Society, Salem, Massachusetts 1929, Publication Number Nineteen of the Marine Research Society. 170 p. DJ. This copy is a first edition of this remarkable work with original dust jacket. Chapters include, Block Island Boats And Pinkys, The Fishing Schooner, The Baltimore Clipper And Other Southern Craft, The Packet Ship Isaac Webb, The Frigate Raleigh, The Frigate Congress, Masts And Spars Of United States Naval Vessels And List Of Plans Of Ships. The volume has hard blue cloth covers and measures 8 ½ X 11 ½ inches. There are 170 pages with index plus 14 two-page plans in rear of book for 12 different ships. There are 54 plates (b&w photos plates and illustrations). Extremely desirable text on the subject, only a few have been found available and has become a sought after text for the marine historian or model ship builder. Clean, tight, very little wear in well worn dj. (VG). $188 net.

23151. Drake, Samuel Adams. THE PINE TREE COAST. Boston. 1891. 1st. 393 p. Gilt embossed title and vignette on wraps. Illustrated with hundreds of wonderful, detailed woodcut illustrations. Samuel Adams Drake was one of America's most enduring 19th-century New England historians and folklorists. In The Pine Tree Coast, Drake focuses all of his experience and powers of observation on the coastal villages, seaports and islands of old the old Maine coast, which he personally visited. From Lubec to the Isles of Shoals in New Hampshire, Drake takes the reader on a guided tour of everything on the Maine and New Hampshire shoreline that was worth seeing in the 1880s. He mingles prosaic descriptions of oceanside scenery with local history, folklore and anecdotes about the people he encounters along the way. Drake is never stingy with praise, but he has no qualms about being critical either. One moment he's rhapsodizing over the majestic beauty of an ocean cliff, the next lamenting ancient houses blighted by time and poverty. If an innkeeper or a fisherman rubs him the wrong way, he writes about it. Touches like that keep his narrative interesting, unpredictable, and true to New England's ever-shifting temperament. The Pine Tree Coast is a beautiful and sometimes bittersweet portrait of life along the New England shore in 1880. Complementing the text are hundreds of detailed woodcut illustrations showing scenes and historic personages from the locales the author writes about, adding rich visual texture to his narrative. As expected, life on the ocean is a prominent theme here, including lighthouse life, shipwrecks and much more. Contents clean and crisp, binding worn at hinges, spine worn, covers fairly bright with light wear and bumping. Superb New England reading. (VG-).$118 net.

7234e. Flint, Willard. A HISTORY OF U. S. LIGHTSHIPS. [U. S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office] 1993. 21p. 8VO. Soft wraps. Of the few persons steeped in the knowledge of this little known branch of the Lighthouse Service, Mr. Flint must surely be considered the leader. In the 1980’s Mr. Flint published the definitive historical record of all lightships and stations for the Coast Guard and this wonderful pamphlet stems from that endeavor. Filled with 29 detailed b/w photographs, this booklet chronicles some of the important history, disasters and life aboard these vessels. A great booklet. (VG). $22.

2307. na. ANASTATIC DRAWINGS OF GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS, PRESENTED BY SOVEREIGNS AND PUBLIC BODIES TO CAPT. GEORGE WILLIAM MANBY, F.R.S. FOR SERVICES RENDERED IN THE SAVING OF LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM SHIPWRECK: TO WHICH ARE ATTACHED A FEW OBSERVATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEPOSITING OF THESE MEMORIALS. 1852. Yarmouth. Printed for private circulation, 8vo. Inscribed by Captain Manby: "Presented to Lieut. Col. Mason, East Norfolk Regt. By his much respected friend George Will. Manby, Capt. R.N. May ’53." George William Manby was most famous for his development of an early line mortars and cannon for firing a life line to a ship in distress, which bears his name. Born in 1765, Manby devoted himself to the development of life-saving apparatus after experiencing a shipwreck while in his forties. In addition, he developed the breeches buoy apparatus and was a founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The early life-saving equipment developed by this important inventor included early mortars, shot, heaving lines, faking boxes, weatherproof pistol, life-car, buoys, signals, lifeboats, and much more. Includes engraved portrait and twelve sepia lithographic plates. In red blind- stamped cloth, lettered gilt on cover, re-backed with new spine and endpapers. An important work by this noted life-saver, extremely rare. (VG). $332.

21228c. na. LIGHTHOUSES AND OTHER AIDS TO NAVIGATION IN ALASKAN HISTORY. US Coast Guard. 1990. [reprint of 1974 edition.] 87p. Soft wraps. A book like this should be published on every state, for the extensive vintage photographs and the history provided are exceptional. By 1940 there were 457 minor and major lights in Alaska, 15 fog signals, 316 buoys and much more. The book describes the role of the Lighthouse Service in Alaska from the 1860’s until 1938 and then continues with the work of the Coast Guard since. Includes historical summaries of light stations, architectural descriptions, wonderful early photographs and much more. Over 80 photographs include brass hardware, post lights, buoys. Lighthouse tenders and crews, depots, station boats and boathouses, keepers and their families, and more. Clean, crisp. (VG+). $59.

7197rr. [newspaper] [practice of appointing Light House Keepers]. The Portland Daily Advertiser, Portland, Maine. May 17, 1853. Article remarks on the practice of appointing keepers based on their political affiliation, and that the recent keeper appointed to Boon Island Light was appointed by a Democrat appointed by President Polk, rather than a Whig as was reported, and that the keeper "..has never seen a vessel, and with good old fashioned country notions of ‘early to bed and early to rise’ very verdauntly supposed that vessels kept country hours, and ‘did not sail after it became dark’". This most interesting comment on the system also notes that one of the newly appointed keepers at Cape Elizabeth has resided in an interior town until the Presidential election and several Democrats were well qualified but set aside. Full newspaper contains Four pages with articles of the day, quite clean, 2 folds. (VG-) $28.

2393. Morrison, John H. HISTORY OF AMERICAN STEAM NAVIGATION. New York, W.F. Sametz & Co., 1903 First Edition. 8vo,. Pp. 630. Well illustrated with numerous engravings of steamships. Very good copy of the first edition of this important history of the invention and early development of steam boats and steam navigation, with especially good information on the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, Long Island Sound, the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic coast. Chapters cover the country by area with history of the noted vessels and steamship lines of the period. Also includes extensive information on the progress of the science at the time, history of various steamship lines. Also includes excellent chapters on tow boats, the state of lighthouses, lightships and fog signals and the work toward improvement, Life-Saving Service, Steamboat Inspection Service, and on the Steam Calliope or Organ. Superb early reference. In original black cloth, gilt spine lettering. Contents clean and crisp, some light wear, former owner's bookplate on front pastedown. (VG). $138 net.

6431e. Shanks, Ralph and Janetta T. LIGHTHOUSES OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY. 1976. 1ST. 123p. Soft wraps. Inscribed by the author. "...Climb the iron stairways of San Francisco Bay’s lighthouses to re-light the ancient lamps...on the beach below, the rescue boats are being readied...more watches...more beaches to patrol...." All of this well known author’s original stories are here, along with a rich treasure of countless new adventures. Illustrated with over 65 vintage photographs, the Shanks’ wonderful work chronicles the work of San Francisco Bay’s Light Keepers as never before. Light stations includes Alcatraz Island, Yerba Buena, Point Bonita, Fort Point, Mile Rocks, Lime Point, Angel Island and Point Blunt, East Brother, Mare Island, Roe Island, Oakland Harbor, Southampton Shoal, Carquinez Strait, and more. Wonderful reading. Extremely difficult to find this early West Coast Reference. Clean, crisp, nice copy. (VG). $58 net.

 



2358a. [Coast Guard commission] Large, 16" x 30" certificate announcing the commission of Lighthouse Engineer Henry Edward Litchfield to the position of Lieutenant in the United States Coast Guard. Dated in 1939, this was done at the time of the merger when Lighthouse Service personnel were offered positions in the Coast Guard. Emblazoned across the top of this beautiful certificate in large letters is "President Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States…." over a fine engraved bald eagle, with commissioning details below. Appointment bears a gold seal, and is signed in ink by the Acting Secretary of the Treasury. Dated December 1, 1939, this is a large, rare, clean document and just beautiful for framing. Includes original mailing tube addressed to Lighthouse Engineer Henry Edward Litchfield, New York. (VG). $118 net.

2358b. Certificate only without mailing tube. (VG). $94 net.

21347. [submarine signals] Submarine Signal Company, Boston. c.1906. The Submarine Signal Company developed and installed apparatus used to transmit receive signals through the water, with considerable detail and illustrations of the various pieces of equipment used. This system was in use extensively on lightships to communicate their position in thick weather. Submerged bells were suspended from lightships and offshore lighthouses as a means of signaling passing vessels. Vessels so equipped had a through-hull receiver and could determine the direction from which the signal was coming. This lot consists of five clear, close company photographs with written descriptions of the apparatus used. Photos include the installation on buoys and vessels, telephone indicator box placed in the pilot house to determine the direction of the sound, No. 10 bell on buoy that is rung by the action of the waves, lightship bell used to send its message 20 miles under water, and electrically operated undersea bell. Photos clean and clear sepia views, 3 ½" x 3 ½" up to 5" x 7". (VG-). $38

22521. [set 3 lighthouse keeper documents] Very early US Lighthouse Establishment letters dated 1862 to 1880 from keeper by W. W. Wetmore of Plum Island Light Station, Long Island, New York and his wife. Plum Island, today, is the off limits reserve of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Animal Disease Center, and was the subject of a novel a few years ago. The lighthouse is still maintained. The first letter in this exciting group of three letters was written in 1862 to his daughter. He mentions them waiting for the Lighthouse Inspector as well as a delivery of wood and coal. He also mentions painting a box to keep her melodian safe. The second letter is from the daughter to Keeper Wetmore in 1877 and mentions her new farm which they will be moving to in the spring. The 1880 letter is from Keeper Wetmore, datelined Plum Island Lt. Station,and gives directions to reach the island. Three postmarked envelopes are included. Very good condition, only light browning at folds, some wear. Good penmanship makes these quite readable. An important early Light House Keeper’s letter set and a fine collectible. (VG). $284 net.

 20245b. Noble, Dennis L., UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING SERVICE ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY. CG-230. Wash. U. S. Coast Guard. 1975. 23p. Soft wraps. An important research text, provides a comprehensive listing of writings related to lighthouses, from archival, fictional, historic and technical sources listed alphabetically by author. Included are descriptions of content and publication information. Quite valuable for research or collectors, quite scarce. (VG). $38

6421f. Glunt, Ruth R. LIGHTHOUSES AND LEGENDS OF THE HUDSON RIVER. Monroe. 1975. 154p. 1st. DJ. Illustrated with over 47 early photographs. Fascinating memoir of life tending a Hudson River lighthouse, by the wife of Chester B. Glunt, who was in charge of the U. S. Coast Guard Light Attendant Station at Saugerties, New York. A fine account of the many lights in the area. This volume is becoming scarce, as is the original smaller volume entitled The Old Lighthouses Of The Hudson River. Clean, tight, as new, the nicest copy that I have yet found. (F). $58.

4342k. Otis, James. THE LIFE SAVERS. A Story of the United States Life-Saving Service. New York. 1899. 1st. Nicely illustrated with photographs. Nice embossed covers. Relates the history of the Life-Saving Service and the work of the Life-Savers through various chapters in this fictional account. Probably intended for a teenage audience, this is by far one of the best. Based on fact. Quite scarce. Ex lib with standard markings, moderate wear, clean. (G+).$66.

9217. Huntress, Keith. NARRATIVES OF SHIPWRECKS AND DISASTERS 1586-1860. Iowa State University Press. 1973. 248p. Unbound printer’s proofs, stapled by signature. A scholarly compilation of narratives of 24 notable shipwrecks with detailed accounts and a wealth of information. Included are such famous shipwrecks as the Nottingham Galley off Boon Island, the Brig Tyrrel off Sandy Hook, shipwreck of the French Frigate Medusa, destruction of the whale-ship Essex (Herman Melville based his last chapter in his book Moby-Dick on this incident.), loss of the Albion off Fastnet Rock, fatal explosion of the boiler on the steamship Helen MacGregor at Memphis, loss of the steam packet Home, and many more. Also includes a lengthy listing of narratives published of shipwrecks and disasters since the 1500’s. Nicely illustrated with period woodcut engravings. A most interesting and valuable work. (G). $62.

22244. [newspaper] SEVERE STORM AT BOON ISLAND LIGHT. The Portsmouth Journal. February 9, 1839. Half column article includes a letter by Keeper Eliphalet Grover at Boon Island Lighthouse describing the recent gale. Keeper Grover noted that by the second day the seas were up around the buildings and the family was forced to retreat into the light house for safety. He continues to describe the scene and damage wrought by the storm’s fury. The article goes on to describe in some detail damage at other area lighthouses including White Island and Whales’-Back. Excellent details of the sufferings endured by the keepers at such offshore stations. Full early newspaper contains four pages with articles of the day, one fold. (VG-). $56.

22499. var. … UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE ON HATTERAS ISLAND…. [Sea Chest. Volume 5, Number 1, Fall 1978]. 64p. Most interesting and detailed chronicles include: Wreck of the Omar Babun-Ed McLeod tells about the last breeches buoy rescue, The Storm of '44-One of the worst hurricanes to hit Hatteras Island , I'm Gonna be a Lifesaver-Efforts are being made to preserve the Chicamocomico Coast Guard Station , Wreck of the G.A. Kohler-First four-masted schooner to wreck on the Outer Banks , The J.A. Midgett Receipts-120-year-old documents found in an old house, and much more. Well illustrated with well over 15 vintage photos and illustrations. Very difficult to find. $36.

22494. Strobridge, Truman R. UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY. Wash. U. S. Coast Guard. June 1982. 148p. An important research text, provides a comprehensive listing of writings related to the US Coast Guard, from archival, fictional, historic and technical sources listed alphabetically by author and by topic. Included are descriptions of content and publication information. Subject index includes: Administration and Organization, aids tonavigation, Aviation, Biographies, Civil War, Cutters, Training, Equipment and Facilities, Expeditions, Flags Ensigns Pennants and Customs, Icebreaking, Law Enforcement, Medicine and Science, Minorities, Port Security, Prohibition Era, Revenue Cutter Service, Search and Rescue, Spanish-American War, Uniforms, World War I and II, and much more. Extremely valuable for research or collectors. (Spiral Bound Photocopy $34).

22487. [newspaper] ACT OF CONGRESS TO ERECT LIGHT-HOUSE ON BOON ISLAND, &c. Columbian Centinel Newspaper. Boston. March 9, 1811. This is an exceedingly historic issue, as the second page notes recent Acts passed in Congress, including an Act to erect a light house on Boon Island, Maine, buoys at Edgartown Harbour, stone column on Cape Elizabeth, and for completing the beacons and buoys in Beverly harbour. Full newspaper contains four pages with articles of the day, clean though some wear, two original folds, edges worn. A fine Colonial lighthouse item, unusually good condition for a 191 year old piece. (VG+). $28.

6275h. Ralph Shanks, Wick York, Lisa Woo Shanks, editor. THE U. S. LIFE-SAVING SERVICE - HEROES, RESCUES AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE EARLY COAST GUARD. 1996. Petaluma, CA. 262p. DJ. Hard cover. This long awaited work by Ralph Shanks and Wick York is now available. Filling a longtime void in the chronicles of the Life-Saving Service, this book is the result of two decades of research by these highly respected maritime historians. In 272 large format pages, the authors present unforgettable stories of the surfmen and their unsurpassed bravery. Unique to this work is the authors coverage of the architecture of the stations. Using over 400 rare photos from the Library of Congress and other historic sources, the authors provide a station by station look at the architectural features that make them such a unique and unforgettable piece of our history. Hard cover edition, now out of print and no longer available, is quite sought after for libraries and museums and now commands a premium. We have been fortunate to come upon this copy, still shrink wrapped as new. (M) $39.95 net.

6103m. Sterling, Robert Thayer. LIGHTHOUSES OF THE MAINE COAST AND THE MEN WHO KEEP THEM. Brattleboro, VT. 1935. 1st. printing. 224pp. Illustrated with over 80 photographs of Maine light stations. Written by the Assistant Keeper of Portland Head Light, this volume contains a wealth of first hand information about the Maine lights and light-vessels. A rescue of seventeen men…seas washing away the garden….a lone survivor on the barren ledge….panic when the light at Saddleback went out….a bombardment of ducks into the lantern….visions, solitude…and an ever changing background of weather and seasons. Ex. Library with normal markings in cloth library binding, some wear. The best Maine account available. (VG-). $54 net.

22542. ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE ERECTION OF A LIGHT HOUSE ON ONE OF THE ISLES OF SHOALS, IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. Columbian Centinel. Boston, May 31, 1820. Nearly full column article relates an Act to construct said lighthouse. Also noted are numerous other lights authorized including; Ten Pound Island, Baker’s Island, light vessel at Smith’s Point Shoal in Chesapeake Bay, light house at Shell Castle Island NC, and many more. Full newspaper contains four pages with articles of the day, clean though some wear, one original fold, light age browning. A fine Colonial lighthouse item, unusually good condition for a 187 year old piece. (VG). $34.

7197n(2). [newspaper] LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER’S SALARIES…. The Portland Transcript and Eclectic. May 10, 1856. Short paragraph noting that there are about 40 lighthouses on the coast of Maine, the number of keepers and salary ranges received by the keepers. The article notes that the keepers at Whale’s Back Light, Boon Island and Mt. Desert receive the highest salary at $600 per year. The lowest salary noted is $250. Full size newspaper contains four pages with news and advertisements of the day, quite clean, 1 fold. Fine for framing or for reading, quite interesting very early lighthouse article. Folded. (VG) $12.

8218d. Cobb, James F., THE WATCHERS ON THE LONGSHIPS. London. 1878. 4th. 283p. Nice gilt embossed binding. A tale based strictly on fact, about life of the keepers at the lighthouse on the treacherous Longships shoals. First exhibited on the 29th of September, 1795, the light was the scene of many dramatic tales and tragedies. Included is the tale of the little girl who was left alone in the lighthouse, - her father, the keeper, having been purposely kidnapped by wreckers, - and who was obliged to stand on the family bible to light the lamps. Other tales include the keeper, in the early days, who heard noises so horrible that his hair turned white in a single night, Christmas at the light, and more. Numerous other tales of keeping the light. A fine early binding and collectible. Pages tight but signatures loosening a bit, fairly well worn, covers nicely engraved and gilt embossed, moderate wear to spine, edges worn. Light soiling from use. (G+). $65.

PC-118. Senate 166. "REPORT of THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY communicating THE RESULT OF AN EXPERIMENT TO ASCERTAIN THE EXPEDIENCY OF USING GAS, INSTEAD OF OIL, IN THE LIGHT-HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT." May 24, 1844, 41pp. Very interesting historical reading about the continual search for brighter and more efficient fuels, examinations of various types of lights, report on lighting apparatus invented by Benjamin F. Coston and erected at the lighthouse at the Christiana River, Delaware, and more. $34.

2033b,c. Johnson, Arnold Burges, [Chief Clerk, United States Light-House Board]. THE LIGHT-HOUSE SERVICE. Harper’s Young People. February 9, 1892. 3p. Illustrated with four engravings. Larger work originally prepared by the clerk of the Light-House Board for use of the International Conference, this article provides presents a broad overview of the operation and equipment of the Light-House Establishment in the United States. Includes a bit of history and growth, costs, the Light-House Establishment, construction, light-vessels, buoys, river lights, illuminating apparatus, fog signals, personnel, administration and others. Full issue. (VG). $38.

23453. Boyle, Martin. LIGHTHOUSES OF ENGLAND AND WALES. Southampton. 1999. 20-50 pages. Soft wraps. Booklet provides a complete history of the lighthouse with sections on early history, construction efforts, specifications, optics and lighting, fog warning systems and much more. Unusually detailed accounts with exceptional vintage architectural plans, photographs and diagrams. An excellent series, thoroughly illustrated and well researched. 12 titles available: Beachy Head, Portland Bill, Eddystone, Wolf Rock, Skerries Rock, Needles Point, Longships, Pendeen, The Smalls, Kinnaird Head, Lighthouses Four Countries – One Aim. $12 each. 

23518. Taylor, Thomas. MONHEGAN ISLAND AND ITS LIGHTHOUSE. 2003. Soft wraps. The Island of Monhegan, some sixteen miles off the coast from Boothbay Harbor, Maine, is known as a summer artist colony and unique tourist destination. Thomas Taylor's new book, Monhegan Island and Its Lighthouse, brings to life the history of this unique coastal island of Maine from the times of early exploration and ties this in to the history of its picturesque lighthouse, which was first built in 1824. Includes an overall history of the island and its people leading into the need and construction of the first lighthouse in 1824. Then the author details the reconstruction of the light station as well as the fog signal station on nearby Manana Island. Also includes excellent sections on the technical changes in the lighthouse and evolving life on the island, as well as the changes in the station brought about by the evolution of the Coast Guard and then World War II. Well illustrated with a number of historic photographs of the lighthouse and details of the lives of the keepers. Well done, large format. (M). $14.95

23444. Bryant, Gridley. DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS OF A PLAN FOR A LIGHT-HOUSE ON MINOT'S LEDGE, NEAR THE ENTRANCE TO BOSTON HARBOR. c.1850’s. 8p. Disbound. Bryant was best known for his involvement as engineer and one of the founders of the Quincy Railroad, one of the pioneer American railroads. This pamphlet gives a detailed description of the building and construction details for a light house on Minot's Ledge, also called Cohasset Rocks. He recommended a stone lighthouse following "the disastrous occurrence to the iron pile Light house on that place" (1850). Includes details on the design, description of the proposed building, the construction process, and much more. Excellent construction details. No plan, disbound, stitch marks, light soiling, else a very good copy with the pencilled signature of the Rev. Daniel Might above the title. $88 net.

23316. Parsons, Charles. MONTAUK POINT, LONG ISLAND: an 1871 visit. Reprinted from Harper’s New Monthly Magazine. September 1871. 14 p. Soft wraps. Early detailed account of a visit to Montauk Lighthouse and the surrounding area. Wonderful details of the area and life during the period. Includes 20 detailed engraved views. (VG). $12.

23470. Morison, Samuel Eliot. THE STORY OF MOUNT DESERT ISLAND. Boston. 1960. 5th. 81 p. DJ. A colorful and informative history of one of Maine’s most beautiful and interesting areas by seaman and naval historian Samuel Morison. (VG+). $22.

819g. Hough, George A. Jr., DISASTER ON DEVIL’S BRIDGE. Mystic, CT. 1963. 146p. Soft wraps. The most complete account of the wreck and loss of the steamer City of Columbus off Gay Head, Martha’s Vineyard in 1884. The first news of the loss came when the Revenue Cutter Dexter arrived in New Bedford on January 18th, with a handful of survivors. With a detailed account of the men of the Revenue Cutter Dexter and their heroic rescues, and the attempts of the Life-Savers, this is the most complete and interesting account of this disaster to date. Well illustrated with photographs. Some wear to edges, light browning to wraps. (VG-). $28.

22452. Taylor, Theodore. FIRE ON THE BEACHES. New York. 1958. 248 p. DJ. In the war between the U-boat and the American merchant marine, 1942 was a year of crisis. Mr. Taylor tells of that bitter and heroic year which began with the US unprepared. This is a story of actions at sea, of the men who fought, and of the naval commanders who improvised escorts and developed a plan of convoy operations. An exciting account. Illustrated. (VG+). $19

4342L. Otis, James. THE LIFE SAVERS. A Story of the United States Life-Saving Service. New York. 1899. 1st. 327 p. Nicely illustrated with official photographs. Nice gilt embossed cover scene of life-savers launching their surfboat. Relates the history of the Life-Saving Service and the work of the U.S. Life-Savers through various chapters in this fictional account. Though probably intended for a teenage audience, this is by far one of the best early day-to-day accounts. Based on fact. Quite scarce. Clean, tight in bright wrap, spine slightly darkened. (VG). $64.

8391f. Drysdale, William., THE BEACH PATROL - A Story of the Life-Saving Service. W. A. Wilde Company, Boston. 1897. 318p. With five illustrated plates. Special edition in half calf with marbled boards, gilt embossed spine, marbled endpapers. All aspects of the work of the life-savers is described in this fictional tale of the men at the Great Harbor Life-Saving Station in New England. Sixteen year old Tom examines the equipment, from the operation of the Coston flare, to the contents of the Life-Saving Service portable library and assists with numerous rescues as we follow him through his adventure. Quite good descriptions, with great detail. An extremely early, rare Life-Saving Service novel. Beautiful gilt embossed covers with very little wear, contents clean, crisp and tight, an unusually nice copy of an unusual edition. (VG+).$128 net.

9217b. Huntress, Keith. NARRATIVES OF SHIPWRECKS AND DISASTERS 1586-1860. Iowa State University Press. 1973. 249p. DJ. A scholarly compilation of narratives of 24 notable shipwrecks with detailed accounts and a wealth of information. Included are such famous shipwrecks as the Nottingham Galley off Boon Island, the Brig Tyrrel off Sandy Hook, shipwreck of the French Frigate Medusa, destruction of the whale-ship Essex (Herman Melville based his last chapter in his book Moby-Dick on this incident.), loss of the Albion off Fastnet Rock, fatal explosion of the boiler on the steamship Helen MacGregor at Memphis, loss of the steam packet Home, and many more. Also includes a lengthy listing of narratives published of shipwrecks and disasters since the 1500’s. Nicely illustrated with period woodcut engravings. A most interesting and valuable work. (VG+). $48

22373. [newspaper page] Yates, Snowden. WINNING THE BADGE OF COURAGE STORIES OF REAL MEN IN THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE WHO GOT THE COVETED TREASURY MEDAL. The Morning Telegraph. 1911. Superb full page article describes men of the Life-Saving Service who have been awarded the Congressional Life-Saving Medal and the deeds that they performed. The article leans heavily toward men of the Outer Banks of North Carolina and includes such heroes as Captain Pat Etheridge of the Hatteras station, Superintendent J. G. Kiah, Keepers W. Gaskill and Griesser [Buffalo LSS], Capt. Silas. H. Harding [Jerry’s Point NH LSS], surfman G. N. Gray [Charlotte LSS], Erasmus S. Midgett, and more. Includes eight photographs of these men and of Superintendent Sumner I Kimball, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and more. Full page, clean, light age browning. (VG-). $116.

22379. [newspaper] Proposals for Light-House on Robbin’s Reef in the Harbor of New York, and second Proposal for Building a Vessel to be used as a Floating Light [lightship] off Sandy Hook. The New York Times. August 25, 1837. Lengthy 1/4th page articles detail specifications for the above lighthouse and light vessel in the New York area. Detailed information includes all aspects of the construction, dimensions and materials to be used, lanterns and equipment. Extremely detailed, interesting very early information on these two important lights. Full newspaper contains four pages with articles of the day, only light browning and expected wear, 2 folds. (G+) $48.

22367. Willoughby, Barrett. LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER AT THE END OF WEST. Saturday Evening Post. January 26, 1935.4 p. Lengthy article relates interview with Head Keeper Ted Pedersen at the Cape Sarichef Lighthouse in Alaska. The Cape Sarichef Lighthouse is in the Aleutian chain of islands and is the most western lighthouse on the two American Continents. The light station clings to the cliffs in the island of Unimak and with four active volcanoes visible in the area, life here was a considerable challenge. The interview provides considerable detail into the day-to-day operations and the efforts of the keepers just to live in this remote outpost. Quite interesting, illustrated with photographs. Full issue. (VG). $22.



22347. Hart-Davis, Adam and Emily Troscianko. HENRY WINSTANLEY AND THE EDDYSTONE LIGHTHOUSE. Sutton Pub. 2002. 208 p. dj. On November 26, 1703, during the worst storm ever recorded in Britain, Henry Winstanley died in his lighthouse when it was blown away. Winstanley had been an ingenious man. In 1695 following the loss of two of his ships on the Eddystone Reef, he determined that no more vessels should founder there, and he volunteered to build a lighthouse. Constantly thwarted by weather and politics, he struggled for three years before he was able to light the first candles in his unusual structure. His lighthouse survived for five years, and this is his story and the story of the first Eddystone Lighthouse. Nicely illustrated, well done. (M). Published at $18.95 Our Price $17.95.

22284. Von Ahnen, Katherine. MARY ELIZABETH AND THE CAPE MAY POINT LIGHTHOUSE. Cape May. 1990. 42 p. Soft wraps. Inscribed by the author. True story of a summer visit to Cape May lighthouse by Mary Elizabeth Bennett Rott, whose uncle Ed was Assistant Keeper there for over 20 years. Though this tale is not illustrated, it does provide an unusual insight into the summer life of the keepers there. (F). $38.

PC-108. Pearson, Lynn F., LIGHTHOUSES. Shire Publications. 1995. 32p. Soft wraps. An interesting overview of the Lighthouse Service in Great Britain. A good overview by an architectural historian, well illustrated with over 40 photographs. (F-). $8.

22342. [Light-House Establishment blueprint] "Blue Print Sink, Room 22 Office L. H. Engineer. Phila, Pa. 1½" = 1". 1902." 18"h x 24"w. Original blueprint shows four views of large blue print sink installation. By Lieut. Col. W. A. Jones, Engr. 4th. L. H. Dist. Clear, sharp details, quite clean. Folded twice. Unusual look into the office life of early Light-House Engineers. (VG). $38.

9336a,b. [video tape] THE COAST GUARD IN THE 1930’S. Great original film footage produced in 1937 shows the early Coast Guard performing its daily duties. The film is divided into four parts, from a promotional film produced in 1937: The Story of the Coast Guard, The Coast Guard Academy, Service Afloat, and Service Ashore. Early footage includes early cutters, 34’ motor lifeboat underway in heavy seas, taking a vessel in tow during a storm, aerial views of beach stations, firing the Lyle gun and breeches buoy rescue from a vessel ashore, taking men off a burning tanker, pulling surfboats and lifeboats underway, early sea planes, laboratories and maneuvers at the Academy, patrol boats and cutters, flood of 1927, 78-foot patrol boats, capturing rum runners, beach patrol, New Jersey shipwrecks, and much more. Running time is approximately one hour. Great early views, all from original 1920’s-30’s original film footage and narrated, give a little seen view of our early Coast Guard. $29.95.

 9173a,b. Lafreniere, Normand. LIGHTKEEPING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE – The End on an Era. Toronto. 1996. 108p. Lightkeeping on the St. Lawrence outlines the history of light-keeping in the area from its emergence in 1803 until automation replaced the last light keeper in 1988. This is a tale of shipwrecks and storms, of the lonely existence of the keeper who endured harsh working conditions, often alone. Based on archival materials and on interviews with keepers themselves, this is a most interesting volume. With wonderful information on the depots, daily routines, apparatus and oil, cleaning the lens, watches, salaries, living in the tower and dwellings, light-vessels, and much more. Wonderfully illustrated with over 30 color and b/w photographs. (VG+). $32.

21388. Freeman, Melville C., HISTORY OF CAPE PORPOISE. Cape Porpoise, Maine. 1955. 107p. DJ. This illustrated volume contains the story of a seaside village in Maine. Its origins and early history have been told before in Bradbury’s History of Kennebunkport and are retold here, but more important are the developments since 1837. This volume brings that story up to date. Nicely illustrated with photographs, this volume gives one the true feeling of a small Maine coastal town. As expected, contains good details of its maritime connection, shipwrecks, Goat Island Lighthouse, and much more. Fine Maine reading, well presented. (VG). $34.

21344. Hagar, George J., THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE – Its Origin, Progress, and Present Condition. Frank Leslie’s Popular Monthly. 1878. Pp. 165-183. Disbound. Extremely detailed article describes in great detail the early history of the Service and the work that the crews perform. Includes are lengthy descriptions of the equipment employed along with wonderful engraved illustrations of the stations and equipment. Detailed illustrations include early stations, Senator William A. Newell, Sumner I Kimball, beach apparatus, lifeboats, Francis Metallic Life-car, and more. Scarce early article. Lightly soiled, disbound. (G+). $54.

21345c. Dean, Love. REEF LIGHTS – Seaswept Lights of the Florida Keys. nd. 134p. Soft wraps. Scarce account of the series of six lighthouses constructed between 1852 and 1880, marking the Florida Reefs from Fowey Rocks to sand Key. All of these lights were similar in construction, being of the wrought iron skeleton type. This expert chronicle contains a host of information, from the history of lighthouses in the area, light keeper’s duties, construction and more. Well illustrated with vintage photos, architectural drawings, and more. Excellent reference and most interesting reading. Clean, tight, light use. (VG). $44 net.

9453. [journal] THE KEEPER’S LOG. Journal of the United States Lighthouse Society. San Francisco. Var. Fill out your collection with these back issues of The Keeper’s Log. This is the premier journal for the lighthouse researcher or enthusiast, filled with hundreds of detailed articles on lighthouses, lightships and tenders across the country. Filled with remarkable original photographs. Most interesting reading. Here is a great opportunity to add some of the earlier issues to your collection at an exceptionally low price of $3.50 each, four for $12. Entire lot $88. 1994 to 2001. Not quite a complete set.  Excellent condition - good historical information.  29 magazines. Entire lot comes with four official USLHS binders.

2217. Department of Commerce. Lighthouse Service. INSTRUCTIONS TO LIGHT KEEPERS. Wash. GPO. 1911. 26 p. Nicely done reprint. Includes general instructions for all employees, instructions for Light-Keepers, instructions to all stations and vessels equipped with fog signals, instructions relating to light vessels, and much more. Includes all aspects of station and apparatus maintenance. A complete and important document. $8.55.

8109t. [flag] U. S. Coast Guard Ensign..c.1990’s. Official U. S. Coast Guard Ensign (14 ½"h x 23"w) for use on small craft. Ensign manufactured for Coast Guard use and is fresh and new, made of 100% all nylon bunting. Pattern is of the later design consisting of vertical red/white stripes, with Coast Guard shield on crossed anchors overlaying on the right portion, without the words "Semper Paratus" [post 1950’s]. Top left corner is white with U. S. eagle and shield with bunched stars above. Mfg. by Annin & Company. Wonderful for your display and quite difficult to get these original ensigns. As new, crisp and perfect for flying or display. (F). $79 net.

8391e. Drysdale, William., THE BEACH PATROL - A Story of the Life-Saving Service. W. A. Wilde Company, Boston. 1897. 318p. With five illustrated plates. All aspects of the work of the life-savers is described in this fictional tale of the men at the Great Harbor Life-Saving Station in New England. Sixteen year old Tom examines the equipment, from the operation of the Coston flare, to the contents of the Life-Saving Service portable library and assists with numerous rescues as we follow him through his adventure. Quite good descriptions, with great detail. An extremely early, rare Life-Saving Service novel. Moderate wear, still clean, front hinge well worn and open, rear hinge worn. Nice embossed covers with some wear. (G+). $38

2228. Smiles, Samuel. LIVES OF THE ENGINEERS - SMEATON AND RENNIE. London. 1874. 389p. 12MO. Beautiful gilt embossed covers. A rare biography of these two distinguished British lighthouse engineers. General chapters include work by both engineers on shipping and harbours, beacons, lighthouses, bridges and more. The life of John Smeaton includes chapters on his boyhood years and education, Winstanley’s and Rudyerd’s work on the Eddystone Lighthouses, Smeaton’e lighthouse on the Eddystone, work as a civil engineer, his private life, and more. The life of John Rennie includes chapters on his boyhood years and education, work as a millwright and engineer, the Albion Mills, bridges, the Bell Rock Lighthouse, docks and harbors, Plymouth Breakwater, his character, and more. Wonderfully illustrated with over 80 detailed engravings. An exceptionally scarce volume on these famed engineers and extremely difficult to find, is a sought after title on the subject. Contents unusually clean and crisp, tight, covers bright save just slight sunning to spine. A wonderful copy. (VG) $156 net.

7205e. Naish, John. SEAMARKS - THEIR HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT. London. 1985. 192p. DJ. A Thorough and extensively researched work on the history and design of all forms of landmarks and seamarks from their earliest beginning. Includes beacons, buoys, towers, lightships from the 1200’s to present day. A scholarly though easily readable work, with extensive photographs, illustrations, engravings and references. One of the few books covering the heritage of the world’s beacons, a must for the serious collector. (F). $32.

7118e. [Brunton, Richard Henry. BUILDING JAPAN 1868 - 1876. [With an Introduction & Notes by Sir Hugh Cortazzi, G.C.M.G. In addition to the 1906 Introductory, Postscript & Notes by William Elliot Griffis.]. England. 1991. 269p. 1st. 4TO. DJ. This book is an account of an English master mariner’s participation in the early maritime development of modern Japan. Born in the early nineteenth century, Albert Richard Brown was instrumental in coastal survey and in the erection of over 30 lighthouses. Building Japan was Brunton’s memoir of the years that he spent in Japan constructing lights to light up the coast. R. H. Brunton’s Japan Lights, was first published in London in 1876. The text of Brunton’s work presented here is as edited around 1906. With 28 color and monochrome photos and illustrations and numerous appendices and data. Clean, tight, near fine condition. (F). $46.

22334. Lighthouse Stamp Society. CHECKLIST OF LIGHTHOUSES ON POSTAGE STAMPS. Lakewood. 2002. 50+ p. Spiral bound. For the lighthouse postal collector, here is a detailed checklist for collectors of postage stamps of the world that picture a lighthouse. From Aden to Yugoslavia, includes listings of thousands of stamps. Also includes duck stamps with lighthouses, stamps with lightships, and much more. Not illustrated but filled with important information for collectors. (M). $21.95.

4170. HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES SIGNAL SERVICE with Catalogue of its Exhibit at the Cincinnati Industrial Exposition, 1883. Washington City. 1883. 31p p. Includes a complete history of the U.S. Signal Service as well as a description of their operations. Soft wraps. Illustrated. Clean, crisp, good copy. (VG-). $94 net.

6106e. Cox, William Van Zandt, and Northrup, Milton Harlow, LIFE OF SAMUEL SULLIVAN COX. Syracuse. 1898. 281p. Nicely gilt embossed binding. Dedicated by the author "To the Employees of the …Life-Saving Service…." Given the title "Father of the Life-Saving Service", Mr. Cox spent his thirty year career in the United States Congress attempting to upgrade the Life-Saving Service. Mr. Cox was most proud of his work in creating the Federal statute that created the Life-Saving Service and his untiring zeal in pressing for its eventual passage. Throughout his career he continued to press for the upgrading of this humanitarian service such that, upon his death his widow was presented by members of the Life-Saving Service with a memorial vase inscribed to his memory. This volume details his distinguished life and his efforts in support of the Service. Includes a nice photograph of Sumner I. Kimball and of the Port Huron Life-Saving Station. Illustrated with 28 photographs. Pages lightly browned, otherwise clean, tight, front hinge open but intact, covers with some sunning and soiling. (VG-). $86 net.

22251c. Wells, William R. II, SHOTS THAT HIT, A STUDY OF U.S. COAST GUARD MARKSMANSHIP 1790-1985. Washington, DC: United States Coast Guard Historian’s Office, 1993. 168 p. Hard cover. Probably the only history of Coast Guard small arms training ever written, this thoroughly researched and detailed account by retired Master Chief Gunners Mate William Wells in response to the question: "How were things [small arms training] done on the old days?". This encyclopedic work is the result. The author’s work goes back to the 1780’s with the establishment of the Revenue Cutter Service and includes their weapons training as well. Produced in limited quantity, this is an extremely rare reference on the subject. Includes tables, photos, footnotes, bibliography. (M). $124.

22232. Stevenson, D. Alan. THE WORLD’S LIGHTHOUSES BEFORE 1820. Mineola. 2002 2nd. [originally poblished in Edinburgh. 1959]. Soft wraps. 8VO. 310pp. Over 200 rare illustrations and designs, with 8 maps. One of the most complete and sought after sources on the subject. Offers an excellent history on the origin and operation of lighthouses and lighting apparatus throughout the world by a member of the renown lighthouse engineering family. Part I of the book deals with seamarks prior to 1690 when technical progress really first began, and then lists the more interesting attempts at improvement before 1820. Part II of the book elaborates on particular periods or episodes – such as the dramatic story of the four successive attempts to build a lighthouse on the Eddystone Rocks. Part III explains various aspects of the illumination of early lighthouses. Well illustrated with over 200 illustrations. Well done, quality work. (M). Published at $26.95. Our Price $24.25.

22178c. [Commemorative Lighthouse Stamp Spring Promotion Poster] A set of five commemorative lighthouse stamps were issued April 26, 1990 featuring full color images of Admiralty Head Light, Cape Hatteras Light, West Quoddy Head Light, American Shoals Light and Sandy Hook Light. To promote this set in the Post Offices across the country, The Postal Service produced a large 14" X 21" full color poster featuring Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse at sunset, along with images of the five commemorative stamps. Poster is in unused condition, in original envelope as mailed to each postmaster. (M). $8.

22168. [map] CIVIL WAR LIGHTHOUSES OF THE OUTER BANKS AND CAPE FEAR AND THEIR FATE DURING THE HOSTILITIES. Cheryl Shelton-Roberts. 2002. 16" x 20". Overprinted on an 1862 military map of the area, the authors have identified all of the early lighthouses and light vessels that were present during this traumatic period. Many of the lights ceased existence long age and now the authors have brought them back to life in this beautiful wall map. With each color rendition of the lights is a historical description of the station, its establishment and a bit about its history and outcome after the war. Includes also the five little known Cape Fear River lights and light vessel. Perfect for framing. Shipped rolled. (M). $6.95.

21482. [stationery] Original box of Monogram letter stationery of the U. S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Ct. Box contains 30 letterheads with full color gravure logo of the Coast Guard Academy. Also contains ten second sheets and 16 envelopes. Such stationery was used by cadets at the academy for letter writing to home. Fresh in original box, guess c.1950-70’s. Great for that special letter or note to your Coast Guard relative or friend. (VG). $26.

22164. Thompson, Courtney. LIGHTHOUSES OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND- Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut – A Pictorial Guide. 2002. 190p. Soft wraps. This companion to the author’s earlier works covers the lighthouses of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Replacing and updating her former work Lighthouses of Massachusetts, this guide offers narrative material, directions and over 650 color photographs as well as additional vintage lighthouse views. With select historic photographs, maps and directions for finding the site, a history, description, legends and more, this is a great one-source travel guide and resource. (M). Published $24.95. Our price $23.95.

22180. [blueprint copy] Full size copy from original U. S. Light-House Establishment blueprint for LANTERN FOR APPARATUS OF THE 4TH, 5TH, & 6TH ORDERS. c.1870’s. One sheet 15 ½" x 24". Large sheet details all aspects of the cast iron and steel lanterns in multiple views. Includes complete lantern and glazing, door and trim details, ventilator, pinnacle, floors and more. This is a must if you are repairing or restoring a lighthouse lantern. $22.

7101. Crowner, Gerald E., [Surfman, South Manitou Station 1926-1928]. THE SOUTH MANITOU STORY. 1982. 87p. Soft Wraps. Illustrated with 49 photographs, a chronicle of the author’s work and life as a surfman at the South Manitou Station. Filled with details of the day to day life at the station as well as at the South Island Lighthouse. This is one of the few true day-to-day accounts available from the men who manned the oars and walked patrol. Quite interesting. (M). $13.95.

PC-27. Collins, Francis A. SENTINELS ALONG OUR COAST. New York. 1922 1st. 272pp. Nicely illustrated with 24 official Lighthouse Service photographs. Nicely developed overview of the history of the Service, the light and fog stations, lightships, equipment and men of the Light-House Service. Chapters include Harbor Protection, Early Lighthouses, Building the Lighthouse, Developing the Light, A Night in the Lighthouse, A Service Depot, Aboard a Lighthouse Tender, Aboard a Light-ship, With the Coast Guard, and more. One of the nicer early references. Light overall wear, clean, tight. Bookplates. (VG-) $56.

2282. Julian, R.W. MEDALS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT, THE FIRST CENTURY, 1792-1892. El Cajon, Ca: The Token and Medal Society, Inc. 1977 Cloth. No Dust Jacket Issued. First Edition. Quarto. 424 p., heavily illustrated. This is the essential reference for collectors of United States Mint Medals struck during the period. The work describes and illustrates United States Life Saving Medals, Massachusetts Humane Society, Shipwreck commemorative medals, Military & Naval Medals, Mint and Treasury Medals, Assay Commission pieces, Indian Peace Medals, Bache Coast Survey medal, Presidential Medals, Personal Medals, Commemorative Medals, School Medals, Agriculture, Mechanical, Scientific and Professional Medals , Marksmanship Medals, Religious and Fraternal Medals, and more. Includes information on the issuance and minting of the medal type, sizes, counterfeits, rarity, background, metal content and much more. An essential reference on the subject. (M). $68 net.

22126. Loubat, J.F. THE MEDALLIC HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1776-1876. Flayderman; New Milford, CT; 500 p. 1967 reprint of work originally published in 1878 in an extremely limited edition. This edition is a limited one also. Based on official records and correspondence of the U.S. Gov't and Congress. Medals from 1776-1876 for singular acts of valor on land and sea are described in detail from the terms of their award to the designer, the number struck and whether in gold or silver as well as detailed information about the incident that prompted the issuance. Includes over 170 engravings in exact size by Jules Jacquemart. In addition to medals to George Washington for retaking Boston and numerous other was and presidential medals, includes Army and Navy medals of honor, Wreck of the Steamship San Francisco medal, Loss of the steamer Metis medal, First Class Life-Saving Medal, Second Class Life-Saving Medal, and more. A most interesting reference on the subject. (M). $78 net.

PC-89. na. THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER’S DAUGHTER. Boston. c.1862. 36p. 24MO. Embossed binding, well worn. Short little story of a young Keeper’s daughter who must light the lighthouse lamps when her father fails to return from shore. Includes two other short stories. Binding tight, light soil and moisture staining throughout. Nice early lighthouse collectible for your library. (FR+). $42.

PC-113. H. R. Rep. No. 495. …CONTRACT FOR SUPPLYING LIGHT-HOUSES WITH OIL…CHARLES W. MORGAN… September 17, 1850. 22p. Report details a disagreement between the Treasury Department, Charles W. Morgan, and others arising from a 1839 contract to supply light-houses with oil. It seems that after purchasing large amounts of oil and other supplies, the contractors requested payment which had been the standard practice for the previous twenty years, for which the government refused to pay and subsequently purchased similar supplies elsewhere. This interesting account details the actions and proceedings and provides a unique look at the actions of the government at the time. $26

7378f. [engraving] [Mount] DESERT ROCK LIGHT HOUSE, MAINE. By T. Doughty & W. Radclyffe. c.1839. 5 ½" x 7" on 9" x 12" paper. Exceptionally bright, b/w, finely detailed, early engraving showing the light tower and dwelling on the bluff, with ships and fishermen along the shore. With a freshening wind and storm clouds lurking, this is an exciting and beautiful item for framing. Beautiful detail, clean and crisp, a fine early image. (F-). $38.

6320L. Floherty, John J. SENTRIES OF THE SEA. Philadelphia. 1942. 220 pp. Well illustrated with over 85 U.S.C.G photos. Vivid presentation of the men of the Lighthouse Service and their battles with the elements of nature. The author tells the story of who the men are that man these lonely sentries, what they were like and what their work consisted of. Numerous vintage photographs show details of the stations, lanterns, lens apparatus, tenders, and more. Very nicely done. Clean, crisp, tight, ex lib., still a very nice copy. A desirable title. (VG). $29.

21550a. H. R. Document No. 38. TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL LIST OF MERCHANT VESSELS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH OFFICIAL NUMBERS AND SIGNAL LETTERS…. FOR THE FISCAL TEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1896. Wash. GPO. 1896. 454 p. Complete listing of merchant and US Government vessels operating and includes all steam, sailing, iron and steel and unrigged vessels giving official number of vessel, signal letters, rig, name, tonnage, dimensions, year and place of building, home port and more. In addition to merchant vessels, includes tenders of the U.S. Light-House Establishment, Revenue Cutter Service, US Navy, Quartermaster’s Department of the Army, Coast and Geodetic Survey, US Fish Commission, Marine Hospital Service, and more. Extremely important reference. Clean, tight, in half-calf binding with marbled boards and endpapers, gilt embossed spine. Light wear, clean, some chipping to leather on spine but title intact. (VG-). $75 net.

21126. South Bend Replicas, Inc., CATALOGUE OF ANTIQUE/REPLICA ORDNANCE. South Bend, Indiana. 2000. 130p. Soft wraps. South Bend Replicas are the manufacturers of solid-cast machine-bored cannon for display and actual firing. Included among their inventory are 1878 style Lyle gun barrels used by museums around the country to demonstrate the breeches buoy drill of former life-savers. J. Paul Barnett, owner of the company, is one of the foremost experts on the subject of cannon and particularly those developed by David Lyle. Their catalogue provides thousands of photographs and extensive text describing all manor of cannon, present day construction processes to provide authentic reproductions, and much about safety in the present day demonstrations of these pieces. Interesting reading as well as a great reference. (M). $9.

2174b. Stevenson, Robert Louis.- Scott's Voyage in the Lighthouse Yacht. With a Portrait of Robert Stevenson. Introduction by Robert Louis Stevenson. Reminiscences of Sir Walter Scott, Baronet by Robert Stevenson. Disbound from Scribner's Magazine, Volume XIV, October, 1893. pp. 492-502. New York. Charles Scribner's Sons. 1893. First Edition. 8vo. Robert Louis Stevenson, the son and grandson of engineers specializing in the design ands construction of lighthouses, here introduces his grandfather's acquaintance with Sir Walter Scott and publishes his grandfather's reminiscences of a voyage with Sir Walter Scott in 1814 aboard a lighthouse tender about the Scottish Islands and among his lighthouses, especially the famous Bell Rock Light. Quoted too is the poem, Pharos Loquitur, which Scott composed and wrote into the Visitor's Album at Bell Rock on that occasion. Interesting account of line aboard a tender and at these offshore lights. Disbound without wraps, some moisture to bottom margins only, otherwise clean and crisp. (G+). $28.

994. McGuinn, William F. and Bruce S. Bazelon. AMERICAN MILITARY BUTTON MAKERS AND DEALERS; THEIR BACKMARKS & DATES. Fredericksburg. 1996. 135p. This is a comprehensive study that is an invaluable tool in identifying buttons and what period they were manufactured. With this and Albert’s book Record Of American Uniform And Historical Buttons, you are well equipped to properly identify buttons and determine what period they were manufactured. With hundreds of photographs and details of back-marks (lettering and symbols on the obverse of buttons) one can determine the date and location of manufacture, wonderful for dating your U. S. Revenue Cutter Service, Life-Saving Service, Lighthouse Establishment and Service and Coast Guard buttons. This is a comprehensive discussion and listing of all makers and suppliers of American military buttons covering the period from ca. 1790 to ca. 1945. A MUST for collectors and historians. Hard bound, high quality with literally hundreds of photographs. (M). $34.

21391. Roberts, Norma Elizabeth and Bruce. CAPE HENRY - First United States Lighthouse - First Landing. 2001. 20p. Soft wraps. This well-researched booklet tells the history of the 1792 old Cape Henry Lighthouse and the first landing of the Jamestown colonists at Cape Henry. Cape Henry Light was the first federally funded lighthouse built after the colonies gained independence. Cape Henry was also the site of the celebration ending the existence of the U.S. Lighthouse Service, then known as the Bureau of Lighthouses. In a U.S. Coast Guard ceremony here in August 1939, Commander Waesche announced the merger of the coast guard and lighthouse service. As you would expect from these well known authors, this booklet is accompanied by wonderful archival photos and a detailed text. (M). $4.95.

4532m. Putnam, George R., BEACONS OF THE SEA: LIGHTING THE COASTS OF THE UNITED STATES. January, 1913. 53pp. Illustrated with 67 photographs including light vessels, depots, with chart. . [NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, Vol XXIV, No. 1, January 1913]. Complete issue, tight, slight wear to spine, some soiling covers, contents clean, tight. Excellent descriptions of the work of the Lighthouse Service. Wonderfully illustrated with numerous official photographs. Includes especially nice photos of various light vessels, lenses and various lanterns and towers. More and more difficult to find this issue. (VG-). $48.

313. "THE LIGHTHOUSES OF THE UNITED STATES", by Charles Nordhoff, March 1874 Harpers New Monthly Magazine. 13p., 4TO. With 13 excellent engravings and descriptions of 13 U.S. Lights including Fire Island, Bergen Point, Thatcher’s Island, Thimble Shoals, Blsy’s Island, Spectacle Reef, Point Reyes, Alligator Reef, Calcasieu and others. Provides a wonderful period overview of the history and operation of the Service. Excellent reading or mat the engravings for framing. Moderate wear, soil. (G) $24.

21346a,b. Grubb, Russell. THATCHER ISLAND - An Adventure with Keeper Russell Grubb. Rockport. 1988, probable 1st. edition, 8vo, 115 pp. A wonderful day-by-day account of the author’s life as caretaker at the Cape Ann Light Station on Thatcher’s island in the 1980’s. Living at this remote outpost presented numerous challenges which needed to be met as necessity arose. Being cut off from the mainland for extensive periods of time, "Keeper" Grubb was well provided for with his ingenious manor and indomitable spirit. Great reading, if only we all had such an opportunity. Cardboard covers, spiral bound, type-written. (VG). $18.

3164k,l. Kobbe', Gustav. "LIFE ON THE (Nantucket) SOUTH SHOAL LIGHT-SHIP". 11pp. Century Magazine, Vol. XLII. August 1891. This often quoted article is one of the very few ever written describing the life on these early light vessels, based on the author’s visit in 1891. One "old whaling captain told me that the loneliest thing he had ever seen at sea was a polar bear floating on a piece of ice in the Arctic Ocean; the next loneliest object to that had been the South Shoal Lightship….and it pitched and rolled such that even an old whaleman… felt ‘squamish’." Excellent descriptions of the crews and the life on board. Includes nine very nice engravings. Disbound, without wraps. Clean, crisp. $48 net.

9904h. AN ACT FOR ERECTING A LIGHT-HOUSE AT …OR NEAR THE PITCH OF CAPE LOOKOUT, IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA; AND A BEACON AT THE NORTH POINT OF SANDY HOOK. Acts passed at the First Session of the Eighth Congress of the United States. Washington. 1804. [225p.] Original soft wraps. Two page Act request cession of land to the United States for the purpose of erecting a light-house, and for building said light-houses and furnishing them with supplies at Cape Lookout and at Sandy Hook, and also at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Also includes a compendium of other Acts of the day as well as a proclamation by President Thomas Jefferson. Quite clean and in remarkable condition considering age. (VG-). $38.

8447 (3). Tate, Suzanne. HOLLY FROM HATTERAS – A Tale of Saving Lives. Nags Head. 1998. 32p. Soft Wraps. Illustrated by James Melvin. In this beautifully illustrated children’s history series, the author tells the story of shipwrecks and life-saving at the turn of the century and the important roll that the women and children of the area played in the rescue and care of shipwrecked sailors. Follow Holly as she listens to her father’s stories of rescues as a surfman at the Life-Saving station. And as she discovers a shipwreck. A wonderful addition to your collection, or as a gift for your youngster. Written for preschool through 4th grade. (M).Published at $4.95. Sale Priced at $4.45.

Still available…21471. Stonehouse, ,Frederick. WRECK ASHORE – The United States Life-Saving Service On The Great Lakes. Duluth. 1994. 213p. Soft wraps. From the mid-1780’s until it became the Coast Guard in 1915, the U.S. Life-Saving Service was responsible for the safety of the seas. Despite personal danger or difficulty, the life-savers invariably accomplished the task and became the stuff of legends. For this first time, this wonderful book details the exploits of these intrepid life-savers on the Great Lakes. Just filled with information and hundreds of vintage photographs, Mr. Stonehouse explains all facets of the organization, the stations, the keepers and men, the equipment that they used as well as numerous rescues performed. Excellent reading with a wealth of information and a must for maritime collectors. (M). Published at $29.95. Our price $27.95.

21292. Bosman, Peter. LIGHTHOUSES & RANGE LIGHTS OF DOOR COUNTY, WISCONSIN. Ellison bay. 2000. 118p. Soft wraps. The Door Peninsula of Wisconsin juts northeastward between the waters of Green bay and those of Lake Michigan. There are more than 250 miles of shoreline and by 1900 Door County boasted more lighthouses than any other county in the United States. Though some lighthouses and range lights no longer exist this interesting booklet takes a look at each of the stations, as well as the lifesavers of the area, lighthouse administration, a visitors guide and more. Nicely illustrated by the author and family. (M). $9.

97197xx8. [newspaper] THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE. Portland Transcript. September 21, 1872. Lengthy ¼-page article details a bit of the early history of the service, with a great deal on the present state of recent appropriations and work in progress to upgrade the operations along the coasts. Additional information is presented regarding the equipment and methods currently in use. Most interesting with a great deal of information. Full issue with additional articles of the day, light browning, original folds. (VG). $32

96541. Pouliot, Richard A. and Julie J., SHIPWRECKS ON THE VIRGINIA COAST AND THE MEN OF THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE. Centreville, MD. 1994. 2nd. 226p. DJ. The Coast of Virginia is scarcely a hundred miles long, yet from 1874 to 1915 there were more than 600 incidents involving the Life-Saving Service. Nearly 7,000 lives were imperiled and of these, only 102 lives were lost. This most interesting book is the story of these incidents and if the stalwart men of the Service. An exciting story and a valuable reference work. Well illustrated with vintage photographs, maps and engravings. Appended are lists of all known wrecks during the period, and with notes and extensive bibliography. (M). Regularly retails for $18.95. Our price $17.

21265. Karges, Steven. KEEPERS OF THE LIGHTS – Lighthouse Keepers & Their Families Door County, Wisconsin 1837-1939. Ellison Bay. 2000. 369p. Soft wraps. The lighthouse keepers of Door County, Wisconsin had a great impact upon the communities in which they served. Lighthouses in the area helped to make maritime transport profitable, and the keepers and their families thus were instrumental in settling and developing the area. Keepers of the Lights is an outstanding work of local social history and is extremely well researched. This fascinating overview of the lives of each of the light keepers makes wonderful reading. (M). Published at $20. Our price $18.95.

21235. Scott, Justin. THE SHIP KILLER. New York. 1978. 341p. DJ. Signed by the author. This stunning novel tells of the ketch Siren, run down by a giant supertanker bursting from a squall at full speed. In a few seconds all were lost except one, who was finally able to reach the coast of England. Thus began an odyssey to find the giant tanker and her master and to win the justice that was denied by the authorities. (F). $42.

21264. Merkel, Jim. MAJESTIC LIGHTS – The Apostle Islands Lighthouses. St. Louis. 2001. 120p. Soft wraps. "A contractor exactingly builds a lighthouse, on the wrong island… on a night of vicious storms, lighthouse keepers within a few miles of each other witness two shipwrecks…" Such are the stories of light keepers and their families in the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior. Illustrated with vintage photographs and drawings. Well done history of the lights and the families that kept them burning. (M). $19.95.

854c. Stevenson, D. Alan (ed). ENGLISH LIGHTHOUSE TOURS 1801, 1813, 1818 From the Diaries of Robert Stevenson with his Drawings of Lighthouses. London. 1946. 1st edition. 70p. 12MO. Robert Stevenson ranks high in the hierarchy of great lighthouse builders. D. Alan Stevenson, great-grandson of Robert Stevenson, acts as editor of the diaries, which are in his possession and contributes an introduction and notes which not only mould the diaries into a unique picture of the early lighthouses, but make a romantic contribution to this romantic phase of maritime history. The remarkable connection of the Stevenson family with lighthouses, which has continued for 160 years, ensures a correct historical background on the subject. A remarkable insight to the work and the thoughts of these important lighthouse engineers, and extremely scarce. Clean, tight, near fine save bookplate and name imprint, light soiling to spine. (VG+). $138 net.

2113. Manby, Capt. G. W., METHOD OF RESCUING PERSONS FROM VESSELS STRANDED ON A LEEWARD SHORE. [Gentleman’s Magazine bound volume July – December, 1821]. August 1821. 19p. George William Manby was most famous for his development of an early line mortars and cannon for firing a life line to a ship in distress, which bears his name. Born in 1765, Manby devoted himself to the development of life-saving apparatus after experiencing a shipwreck while in his forties. In addition, he developed the breeches buoy apparatus and was a founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The early life-saving equipment developed by this important inventor is detailed in this scarce work. Illustrated with 22 early engravings including early mortars, shot, heaving lines, faking boxes, weatherproof pistol, life-car, buoys, signals, lifeboats, and much more. Extremely important early information. In calf boards, embossed spine with some wear, overall clean and tight. (G+). $124 net.

21507. Krauskopf, Sharma. IRISH LIGHTHOUSES. Guilford. 2001.96 p. Soft wraps. Ireland has a seafaring side that is entirely enchanting. With almost 2000 miles of coastline, the sea has beckoned many Irish countrymen. Since the first century, Irish lighthouses have been guiding these seafarers home. This lavishly illustrated book tells the story of Ireland’s lighthouses from coast to coast. The wonderful photographs and detailed text traces the evolution of the lights from their beginnings to their technological transformations in more recent times. Includes over 65 striking photographs. (M). Published at $19.95. Our Price $18.95.

21508. Krauskopf, Sharma. SCOTTISH LIGHTHOUSES. Guilford. 2001.96 p. Soft wraps. The waters off the Scottish coast are some of the most dangerous in the world. In a country almost totally dependent on the sea for its livelihood, lighthouses have played a significant part in its history. This lavishly illustrated book presents a tour of thirty-one of the most magnificent lighthouses built over the past 200 years. The wonderful photographs and detailed text traces the evolution of the lights from their beginnings to their technological transformations in more recent times. Includes over 65 striking photographs. (M). Published at $19.95. Our Price $18.95.

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.

 9300c,d,e. Noble, Dennis. THE COAST GUARD IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. USCG Bicentennial Publication. Wash. c.1988. 18pp. Soft Wraps. Tremendous overview of the life and work of the men of the Coast Guard dating back to the 1700’s when the Revenue Cutter Service and Lighthouse Establishment, and later the U. S. Life-Saving Service protected our coastline. Well illustrated with 22 wonderful large format early photographs including Light Vessel No. 88 in drydock, lighthouse and Life-Saving keepers and personnel, Umatilla Lightship No. 513, Neah Bay Life-Saving Station, crew men from the U.S.R.C. Rush, and more. A most interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG). $10.

6259b. Noble, Dennis L. and PA3 Kenneth Arborgast. THE COAST GUARD ALONG THE NORTH ATLANTIC COAST. USCG Bicentennial Publication. Wash. c.1988. 24pp. Soft Wraps. Tremendous overview of the life and work of the men of the Coast Guard dating back to the 1700’s when the Revenue Cutter Service and Lighthouse Establishment, and later the U. S. Life-Saving Service protected our coastline. Well illustrated with 35 wonderful large format photographs. A most interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG). $19.

21402c. Stick, David. BALD HEAD – A HISTORY OF SMITH ISLAND AND CAPE FEAR. Southport. 1985. 1st edition. 143p. DJ. The infamous "Cape of Feare" has been the scourge of mariners for centuries, its wreck-strewn shoals stretching far out into the Atlantic while at the same time standing as a friendly sentry guarding the approaches to North Carolina’s chief river and major seaport. This is the fascinating story of the area, of Old Baldy lighthouse, of the brave surfmen of Cape Fear Life-Saving Station, wrecks on the Frying Pan Shoals, blockade runners, Fort Holmes and much more. Well illustrated and expertly presented by this renown North Carolina author. (VG+). $42 net.

7276. [An Act for Granting to the United States of America, the Light-house at the entrance of the harbour of Nantucket] ACTS AND LAWS, PASSED BY THE GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS: BEGUN AND HELD AT BOSTON, IN THE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, ON WEDNESDAY THE TWENTY-SIXTH DAY OF MAY, ANNO DOMINI, 1795. [Boston: Adams and Larkin. (1795)] pp.503-504. Plain original wrappers, stitched, folio. Minor scattered spotting and wear. Very good. Includes Chapter XVII; An Act for Granting to the United States of America, the Light-house situate on Brant Point, at the entrance of the harbour of Nantucket. This document speaks to a very important time in our light-house history, when the colonial period gave way to the central government, and it was realized that lighthouses were a national concern In 1789 Congress passed an act assuming to the central government responsibility for all aids, and this local Act follows. A very rare copy of an important Act, in wonderful condition. Also contains various other Acts concerning the establishment of Towns and commerce, etc. A desirable Nantucket item. (VG). $128.

7275. [An Act for Granting to the United States of America, the Several Public Light-Houses, within this Commonwealth] ACTS AND LAWS, PASSED BY THE GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS: BEGUN AND HELD AT BOSTON, IN THE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, ON WEDNESDAY THE TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY OF MAY, ANNO DOMINI, 1790. [Boston: Thomas Adams. (1790)] pp. 75-87. Plain original wrappers, stitched, folio. Minor scattered spotting and wear. Very good. Includes Chapter IV; An Act for Granting to the United States of America, the Several Public Light-Houses including Boston Light, the two light-houses on Thatcher’s Island, two lighthouses on Plum Island, Portland Head Light, the Gurnet-Head Light-House in Plymouth, Light-House on Sandy Point [Nantucket]. Also includes various buoys, etc. Act also notes that should the United States shall at any time neglect to keep lighted or in repair any one or more of the aforesaid lights, then the grant shall become void. This document speaks to a most important time in our light-house history, when the colonial period gave way to the central government, and it was realized that lighthouses were a national concern In 1789 Congress passed an act assuming to the central government responsibility for all aids, and this local Act followed. A very rare copy of an important Act, in wonderful condition. Also contains various other Acts concerning the establishment of Towns and commerce, etc. A desirable lighthouse, New England and Cape and Nantucket item. (VG). $128.

Early U. S. Coast Guard Publications...

999. [US Coast Guard] UPSTREAM [MAGAZINE] Publication of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, St. Louis, Ninth Naval District. 1943. Filled with informative notes and articles about the men, women and stations in the district and the Coast Guard Auxiliary there. Each 24 pages, soft wraps, staple bound. $14 each or $48 for all four.
J. August 1943. Special Spar issue; l. September 1943; m. October 1943; K. November 1943.

999h. [Coast Guard] OUTPOST [MAGAZINE] Publication of the U. S. Coast Guard Separation center No. 3, Brooklyn, NY. March 1, 1946. Filled with informative notes and articles about the men and stations in all of the districts, former personnel, housing shortages, family photos and more. Illustrated with numerous photographs and postwar cartoons. Staple bound, soft wraps, 12 pages. $28

999i. [Coast Guard] ALL HANDS MAGAZINE Publication of the U. S. Coast Guard, Third Naval District. April 1945. Filled with informative notes and articles about the men and stations in the district and the men returning home. Includes articles on the men returning, Guadalcanal Vets, recollections of those returning, and memories of some who didn’t return. Illustrated with numerous photographs and postwar cartoons. Staple bound, soft wraps, 16 pages. $28

9300c,d,e. Noble, Dennis. THE COAST GUARD IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. USCG Bicentennial Publication. Wash. c.1988. 18pp. Soft Wraps. Tremendous overview of the life and work of the men of the Coast Guard dating back to the 1700’s when the Revenue Cutter Service and Lighthouse Establishment, and later the U. S. Life-Saving Service protected our coastline. Well illustrated with 22 wonderful large format early photographs including Light Vessel No. 88 in drydock, lighthouse and Life-Saving keepers and personnel, Umatilla Lightship No. 513, Neah Bay Life-Saving Station, crew men from the U.S.R.C. Rush, and more. A most interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG). $10.

6259b. Noble, Dennis L. and PA3 Kenneth Arborgast. THE COAST GUARD ALONG THE NORTH ATLANTIC COAST. USCG Bicentennial Publication. Wash. c.1988. 24pp. Soft Wraps. Tremendous overview of the life and work of the men of the Coast Guard dating back to the 1700’s when the Revenue Cutter Service and Lighthouse Establishment, and later the U. S. Life-Saving Service protected our coastline. Well illustrated with 35 wonderful large format photographs. A most interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG). $19.

8271. Noble, Dennis. THE BEACH PATROL AND CORSAIR FLEET. USCG. Wash. c.1992. 22pp. Soft Wraps. Tremendous overview of the life and work of the Coast Guard’s lonely beach patrol, and the fleet of reserve vessels that has come to be known as the Corsair Fleet. Well illustrated with 29 wonderful large format photographs. A most interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG). $36.

693c. Willoughby, Malcom F. Lt.(j.g.) (T) USCGR, THE COAST GUARD TR's-First Naval District. Boston. 1945. 247pp. Illustrated with photos. With DJ. Relates the contribution of the Coast Guards Temporary Reserve unit in New England during World War II. Chapters cover training, harbor and sea patrols, the "beach pounders", storms, rescues and more. Quite clean, crisp, tight, nice copy in bright but lightly chipped dj. Quite difficult to find. (VG+) $48.

6149e. Baarslag, Karl. COAST GUARD TO THE RESCUE. NY. 1937. 2nd. 328 pp. Soft wraps. Illustrated with official USCG photographs. One of the better chronicles of the history of the Coast Guard and its duties through the years. Chapters include Flying Lifeboats, Joshua James, Cutters, Great Lakes and many more of great interest. Clean, tight, light wear to wraps. (VG-). $27.

4571b. Shomette, Donald G., SHIPWRECKS ON THE CHESAPEAKE - Maritime Disasters on Chesapeake Bay and its Tributaries 1608-1978. Maryland 1982. 324 pp. 5th printing 1982. DJ. Fascinating, detailed accounts of the wrecks and rescues of the area over a 370-year period. Liberally illustrated. With large chronological index of vessels lost in the area. As new. (F) $21.

21378. Vintage Monarch stereoscope stereo view viewer. For those of you who have vintage stereo views in your collection, this is a wonderful vintage viewer for use with your views. This is a great opportunity to clearly see the true depth of your views the way that they were originally intended. Viewer is in original condition complete with handle and eye shield and dates from about 1904. These viewers were supplied by the Keystone View Company for use with their view selections. Viewer is entirely original but in excellent, clean condition. (VG). $124 net.

4532k. Putnam, George R., BEACONS OF THE SEA: LIGHTING THE COASTS OF THE UNITED STATES. January, 1913. 53 pp. Illustrated with 67 photographs including light vessels, depots, and much more. [disbound from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, Vol. XXIV, No. 1, January 1913]. Excellent descriptions of the work of the Lighthouse Service by the Commissioner himself. . Wonderfully illustrated with numerous official photographs. Includes especially nice photos of various light vessels, lenses and various lanterns and towers. More and more difficult to find this article. Disbound, otherwise contents clean, tight. (VG). $46.

FG-27. Floherty, John J. SENTRIES OF THE SEA. Philadelphia. 1942. 220 pp. DJ. Well illustrated with over 85 U.S.C.G photos. Vivid presentation of the men of the Lighthouse Service and their battles with the elements of nature. The author tells the story of who the men are that man these lonely sentries, what they were like and what their work consisted of. Numerous vintage photographs show details of the stations, lanterns, lens apparatus, tenders, and more. Very nicely done. Clean, tight, in lightly chipped dj. A desirable title. (VG). $36.

9434d,g,h,i. Bachand, Robert G., NORTHEAST LIGHTS, LIGHTHOUSES AND LIGHTSHIPS - RHODE ISLAND TO CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY. Norwalk, Ct. 1989. 422 pp. Impressive reference work covers 133 light stations that existed Includes all manor if information from construction information, major alterations and characteristics of the lights that existed there, to information about the keepers work there. A most excellent reference for this area, extremely difficult to find now. As new. (M). $52.

6306d. Waters, Harold and Wisberg, Aubrey. PATROL BOAT 999. Philadelphia.1959. 1st ed. 256pp. DJ. Joining the Coast Guard at the age of seventeen, the author recounts his experiences in chasing rum-runners during Prohibition. Stationed off the coast of Florida, Patrol Boat 999 met with piracy and cold-blooded murder in the roaring twenties. Well written by this 20 year veteran. Light shelf wear, good copy. (VG). $24.

#6514. [lot 7] United States Lighthouse Service Uniform Buttons. Lot of seven buttons all removed from a keeper’s coat many years ago and saved in a small box. Design is FD-24 Image of Masonry (Minot’s Ledge] Light. Five buttons are 16mm (5/8") cuff buttons, and two buttons are 23mm (7/8") coat buttons. All are marked "Superior Quality made in England". Buttons are all intact and not damaged, but they all bear a dark surface corrosion or staining on half to full face and back. Still a nice and unusual lot from the same keeper’s uniform. Lot 7 buttons $54 net.

21263. Butterfield, A. E., REPORT ON THE LIGHTHOUSES, LIGHTSHIPS, LIGHT FLOATS, BUOYS AND VESSELS BELONGING TO THE BOARD. Humber Conservancy Board. Beverley, GB. 1939. 55p. Gilt embossed wraps. The Humber Conservancy Board had jurisdiction for maintaining the lighthouses, lightships and other aids for navigation along the river Humber from Spurn Head to Blacktoft. In this superb report, the Board details all equipment and aids maintained by the board. Extensive vintage photographs, drawings, architectural plans and extensive text detail the various beacons, light towers, shore lights, light vessels with photos and sectional plans, submarine signals, light floats, light buoys, steam vessels owned by the Board including yachts, launches and tenders, wreck marking system and more. Also includes a complete light-list. Well done with great detail. Clean, crisp, nice copy. (F-). $128 net.

21268b. Piper, Horace L., THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE – Inception, Development, and Achievements. The Technical World. September 1904. Pp. 1-9. Rarely found article details at some length the origins of the Life-Saving Service. Includes a mention of the Mass. Humane Society as well as a great deal on the early growth of the service. Includes great photos of an early metallic life-car and mortar, early stations and surf-boats, wrecks, lifeboats, crews and more. Discussion also includes the various methods employed to reach stranded mariners, heroic rescues and more. Very interesting article. Full issue with numerous articles of the day on a variety of subjects. (VG). $48.

4337e. Doc. No. 24. LIGHT-HOUSES, &c. LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TRANSMITTING A REPORT OF THE FIFTH AUDITOR, IN RELATION TO THE EXECUTION OF THE ACT OF 7TH JULY LAST, FOR BUILDING LIGHT-HOUSES, LIGHT-BOATS, &c. December 13, 1838. 171pp. Reports on the condition of light-houses throughout the Districts as well as new construction and proposed beacons. Very complete, early information about many lights throughout the districts [example: ¼ page recommendation that Point Gammon Light on Cape Cod remain, with the upper series of lamps discontinued and lower six to be placed closer together, etc]. Beautifully re-bound in cloth boards with new endpapers, with gilt embossed cover and spine, a superb copy. (VG+). $124 net.

854c. Stevenson, D. Alan (ed). ENGLISH LIGHTHOUSE TOURS 1801, 1813, 1818 From the Diaries of Robert Stevenson with his Drawings of Lighthouses. London. 1946. 1st. 70p. 12MO. Robert Stevenson ranks high in the hierarchy of great lighthouse builders. D. Alan Stevenson, great-grandson of Robert Stevenson, acts as editor of the diaries, which are in his possession and contributes an introduction and notes which not only mould the diaries into a unique picture of the early lighthouses, but make a romantic contribution to this romantic phase of maritime history. The remarkable connection of the Stevenson family with lighthouses, which has continued for 160 years, ensures a correct historical background on the subject. A remarkable insight to the work and the thoughts of these important lighthouse engineers, and extremely scarce. Clean, tight, near fine. (VG+). $115 net.

7447d. Mercey, Arch A. [Cmdr. USCGR] and Grove, Lee. [USCGR]. SEA, SURF AND HELL. THE U. S. COAST GUARD IN WORLD WAR II. NY. 1945. 352p. Relates the participation of the Coast Guard in the second world conflict with stories of human interest. Includes rescues from lifeboats, the arctic, tales of shore duty, the Battle of the Atlantic, storming the beaches in Europe and in the Pacific, the Coast Guard aloft and many other tales. Illustrated with photographs. (VG). $24.

6146d. Ingraham, Reg. FIRST FLEET - The Story of the U. S. Coast Guard at War. Indianapolis. 1944. 1st, 310p. DJ. Illustrated with photographs. Whether landing with the first Marines in the Solomon’s or fighting in the Battle of the Atlantic, the Coast Guardsmen’s hard fought battles deserve to be told. In this factual account the author presents the complete story of their many roles during the World War. Clean, tight in chipped dj. (VG). $24.

22477. [movie film] This is a large 400-foot roll of 8mm home movie film made in 1954 about boating on Long Island Sound. These home movies feature lots of wooden pleasure boats, large Navy ships, and damage from Hurricane Carol of 1954. Much of the film was made from a family's wooden cabin boat that cruised up and down Long Island Sound, from New York City, and perhaps to Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. The boat was the Rango from Norwalk, Connecticut, from the South Norwalk Club marina. The people on the cabin cruiser do a lot of fishing. One town had a bascule bridge, that opened in the middle. The boat is shown leaving a breakwater with a light tower at the end. A lighthouse is also shown, as is Coast Guard vessel # 83346 (see scan), at a marina dock with a Texaco gasoline sign. A large Chinese junk is strangely at the marina too. The Navy destroyer #369 is shown; the ship's name is the Thaddeus Parker, and it is at the Brooklyn Navy Yard together with other vessels. The hurricane footage is all along a town, showing dozens of sunken and wrecked boats, at finger piers and along the shore, on a dreary cloudy day. Another scene is on a sunny day at a large beach party. The motor boat apparently traveled to Mystic Seaport, where a large 3-masted ship is shown, perhaps the Charles W. Morgan, also a large white sailing ship is next to it. There are also close-up shots of the lightship Cornfield, which was on duty at the time in Long Island Sound. A rough, handwritten description of the film came with the reel, mentioning a little bit of everything. Condition of the film is excellent. $58.

21522. Baker, William Avery. A MARITIME HISTORY OF BATH, MAINE AND THE KENNEBEC RIVER REGION. Bath, Maine, Marine Research Society of Bath, 1973. 2 volumes (1160 pages), 32 plates, 7 folding plans, charts, tables, cloth. 1st edition. This is the first comprehensive history of the rich maritime heritage of this region, the results of over five years of writing and many more of research. Beginning in the 1600’s, the author details the extensive ship building history and yards right into the 1900’s. Also included are the storms and wrecks, the effects of the Revolution and other conflicts on the region, ship design and construction, ships and fleets of the region, trade, the effects of steam and much more. An exceptionally comprehensive history of this rich ship building area. Also includes a complete record and history of the sailing ships built in the various yards in the 18th and 19th centuries. Binding is Hard Cover, in slipcase. Condition is near fine, rarely opened. Slipcase with chips to two corners, otherwise clean and crisp. An important reference, quite difficult to find. (VG+). $132 net.

7276. [An Act for Granting to the United States of America, the Light-house at the entrance of the harbour of Nantucket] ACTS AND LAWS, PASSED BY THE GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS: BEGUN AND HELD AT BOSTON, IN THE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, ON WEDNESDAY THE TWENTY-SIXTH DAY OF MAY, ANNO DOMINI, 1795. [Boston: Adams and Larkin. (1795)] pp.503-504. Plain original wrappers, stitched, folio. Minor scattered spotting and wear. Very good. Includes Chapter XVII; An Act for Granting to the United States of America, the Light-house situate on Brant Point, at the entrance of the harbour of Nantucket. This document speaks to a very important time in our light-house history, when the colonial period gave way to the central government, and it was realized that lighthouses were a national concern In 1789 Congress passed an act assuming to the central government responsibility for all aids, and this local Act follows. A very rare copy of an important Act, in wonderful condition. Also contains various other Acts concerning the establishment of Towns and commerce, etc. A desirable Nantucket item. (VG). $128.

21289. [Life-Saving Station, New Jersey] THE NEWBURGH REGISTER ALMANAC FOR 1881. H. P. Kimber & Co., Newburgh, NY. 1880. 44p. Soft wraps. Typical almanac of the day includes all forms of date and astrological information. Of particular interest are the wonderful full page engraved views of scenery across the country and particularly a half-page view of an extremely early life-saving station on the New Jersey coast. With the engraving is a half-page article describing this new service, its evolution from the Massachusetts Humane Society, staffing and more. A wonderful early view, the first I have ever seen of this style station. Clean, crisp, unusually good condition. (F-). $46.

2120. [newspaper] PROPOSALS FOR A LIGHT HOUSE CAPE HENRY, VIRGINIA. Massachusetts Spy or the Worcester Gazette. October 28, 1790 by Isaiah Thomas. Lengthy full column article details the new stone light-house and dwelling to be constructed at Cape Henry. Detailed article discusses the design and construction specifications of the tower, lantern, keeper’s quarters, and fitting up the tower with eight hanging lamps, each of six quarts capacity. Most interesting with a great deal of extremely early lighthouse design information. Interesting too is that this newspaper, the Massachusetts Spy, is an extremely important paper in the history of the United states. During the Revolutionary War, Isaiah Thomas used his paper as a forum for anti-British sentiment in New England, feeding the fires of the Revolution. Full issue with additional articles of the day, light browning and foxing, original folds, but in unusually good condition considering the age. (VG). $68.

773. Kurtz, John D. & Brown, Micah R., [Engineer Dept., U. S. Army]. REPORT ON THE EFFECTS OF THE SEA-WATER AND EXPOSURE UPON THE IRON-PILE SHAFTS OF THE BRANDYWINE-SHOAL LIGHT-HOUSE. GPO. 1874. 8VO (11 ½") 13p. with 5 large fold-out tables and diagrams. Includes information in the form of letters and statements, with descriptions of examinations of the light-house piles. Divers note some piles that now want in verticality, corrosion and other peculiar details. Fold-out plates include Tabular Statement of Pile Measurements, Diagram of Piles and Braces, Plan of Ice Harbor at Brandywine Lighthouse, Longitudinal Section of piles and braces, Diagram of Measurements of Pile Shafts. Soft wraps, overall clean, tight. Scarce item. (G+). $138.

2113. Manby, Capt. G. W., METHOD OF RESCUING PERSONS FROM VESSELS STRANDED ON A LEEWARD SHORE. [Gentleman’s Magazine bound volume July – December, 1821]. August 1821. 19p. George William Manby was most famous for his development of an early line mortars and cannon for firing a life line to a ship in distress, which bears his name. Born in 1765, Manby devoted himself to the development of life-saving apparatus after experiencing a shipwreck while in his forties. In addition, he developed the breeches buoy apparatus and was a founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The early life-saving equipment developed by this important inventor is detailed in this scarce work. Illustrated with 22 early engravings including early mortars, shot, heaving lines, faking boxes, weatherproof pistol, life-car, buoys, signals, lifeboats, and much more. Extremely important early information. In calf boards, embossed spine with some wear, overall clean and tight. (G+). $124 net.

97197qqq. [newspaper] LIGHT HOUSE [CONSTRUCTED] ON COHASSET ROCKS. Boston Journal. March 8, 1849. Lengthy full column article details the new cast iron light-house being constructed off Cohasset. Detailed article discusses the design and construction of the tower, keeper’s quarters, and the efforts involved in anchoring the structure to the ledge. [In the Spring of 1851 this new lighthouse would be swept away by the storm with the loss of two keepers.] Most interesting with a great deal of design information. Full issue with additional articles of the day, light browning, original folds. (G+). $26

97197ttt. [newspaper] TWENTY-TWO YEARS ON MATINICUS ROCK. The Portland Transcript. February 19, 1876. Lengthy ½ page article describes the isolated life of Abbie E. Burgess and her family tending the lighthouse on Matinicus Rock in Maine. Article is based on an interview and visit with Abbie and from this perspective it is most unusual and interesting. This early piece is quite interesting as it dates from the time that the Burgess family served on the island. and it provides a look into the life at this remote outpost during the early years. Full issue with additional articles of the day, light browning, moderate wear, original folds. (G+). $28.

6477m. Stevenson, Robert Louis. [A FAMILY OF ENGINEERS] THE WORKS OF ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON. Volume X. New York 1906. 462 pp. First published in Vol. XVIII of the Edinburgh Edition of Stevenson’s works in 1896, this edition of "A Family of Engineers" is contained in a set of his works. This sought after piece on the history of the Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers remains quite difficult to find. Included is a history of their service to the Northern Lights, and the building of Bell Rock Light. This copy has a gilt top edge; not all do. Front hinge lose, contents quite clean, tight. Spine chipped at top and on label. Still, a nice addition to a scarce Stevenson library. (G+) $54.

20347. [newspaper] THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE. The Daily Graphic. August 17, 1875. Lengthy 1 column article describes the history and organization of the Service, location and organization of the stations, equipment and systems employed for the rescue of shipwrecked mariners. This early piece is quite interesting as it predates the annual reports and provides a look into the organization during its earliest years. One large full sheet, also with some with articles of the day, light browning, moderate wear. (G).$68.

PC-159. Timbs, John. WONDERFUL INVENTIONS: From the Mariner’s Compass to the Electric Telegraph Cable. London. 1868. 400p. With 70 engraved illustrations. An interesting compilation of important early Nineteenth Century inventions which includes a 16 page chapter on lighthouses and lifeboats. Includes early lighthouses, great British lighthouses, construction, cast iron light towers, gas and electric lights, floating lights, Captain Manby and the invention of the lifeboat, tubular lifeboats, the RNLI, and more. Other interesting chapters include The Mariner’s Compass, The Barometer, The Thermometer, The Telescope, Clocks, Gas Lighting, The Steam Engine, Steam navigation, Iron Ships of War, the Electric telegraph, Ocean [submarine] Electr0-Telegraphy, and more. Fine gilt embossed beveled board with some wear, front hinge worn, contents clean and tight. Informative reading. (VG-). $36.

466. LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TRANSMITTING AN ESTIMATE OF THE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SERVICE OF THE YEAR 1817. Wash. Davis. 1817. Folio size. 54p. Includes appropriations for all departments including detailed estimates for the Light-House Establishment (3p.). In addition to oil and supplies, includes appropriations for building light-houses at: Cape Lookout, North Carolina; Cumberland Island, Georgia; Bird Island and Presque Isla on Lake Erie; New Inlet, North Carolina; Bald Head, North Carolina; Race Point and Point Gammon on Cape Cod, Petite Manan in Maine; Cumberland Island and Sapelo Island, Georgia; fitting up lights with lighting apparatus, and more. (VG). $48 net.

9217. Huntress, Keith. NARRATIVES OF SHIPWRECKS AND DISASTERS 1586-1860. Iowa State University Press. 1973. 248p. Unbound printer’s proofs, stapled by signature. A scholarly compilation of narratives of 24 notable shipwrecks with detailed accounts and a wealth of information. Included are such famous shipwrecks as the Nottingham Galley off Boon Island, the Brig Tyrrel off Sandy Hook, shipwreck of the French Frigate Medusa, destruction of the whale-ship Essex (Herman Melville based his last chapter in his book Moby-Dick on this incident.), loss of the Albion off Fastnet Rock, fatal explosion of the boiler on the steamship Helen MacGregor at Memphis, loss of the steam packet Home, and many more. Also includes a lengthy listing of narratives published of shipwrecks and disasters since the 1500’s. Nicely illustrated with period woodcut engravings. A most interesting and valuable work. (G). $62.

97197sss. [newspaper] CONSTRUCTION OF LIGHT HOUSES IN MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE AND MASSACHUSETTS. Daily Northern Tribune. February 22, 1847. Short article details individual appropriations for new lighthouses including Little River, Mt. Desert Rock, Prospect harbor, White Head, Whale’s back, Minot’s Rock, Sow and pigs light-boat, buoy-boat on Tuckernuck Shoal, and more. Full issue with additional articles of the day, light browning, original folds. (VG). $16.

22568. [newspaper] Proposals for Building a Light-House, &c. at the Entrance of Scituate Harbor, in the State of Massachusetts, of the following materials, dimensions and description: … The Columbian Centinel. April 27, 1811. Lengthy full column articles detail specifications for the above early lighthouse and keeper’s quarters, etc. Detailed information includes all aspects of the construction, dimensions and materials to be used, lanterns and equipment. Extremely detailed, interesting very early information on this important light. Full newspaper contains four pages with articles of the day, only light browning and expected wear, 2 folds. (G+) $48.

22553. [bid booklet] U. S. Light-House Establishment. [specifications for] LIGHT HOUSE, ETC. MAHON RIVER LIGHT STATION, DELAWARE. 1900. 39 p. 9½" x 12". Original soft wraps. The fourth Mahon River light house was an elevated structure completed in 1903 to replace an earlier structure threatened by rising water levels and yielding foundation. The new structure was two stories in height set upon iron pile foundation with a lantern rising from the central portion of the roof. These original bid specifications for the new station contains complete Advertisement, Instructions to Bidders, Bid Form, Contracts and Specifications for the erection of the light house with keeper’s dwelling, oil house, barn, privy, elevated board walk and small wharf. Rare, unusual document containing an exceptional amount of detailed information relative to this scarce design. As expected, all aspects of construction, foundations, chimneys, carpentry, trim, roofs, lantern glass and metal work, plumbing, well, millwork, heating, painting, lightning conductors, and more. Complete, tight, some wear to spine, light shipping, contents clean and tight. (VG-). $298 net.

PC-118. Senate 166. "REPORT of THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY communicating THE RESULT OF AN EXPERIMENT TO ASCERTAIN THE EXPEDIENCY OF USING GAS, INSTEAD OF OIL, IN THE LIGHT-HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT." May 24, 1844, 41pp. Very interesting historical reading about the continual search for brighter and more efficient fuels, examinations of various types of lights, report on lighting apparatus invented by Benjamin F. Coston and erected at the lighthouse at the Christiana River, Delaware, and more. $34.

8391f. Drysdale, William., THE BEACH PATROL - A Story of the Life-Saving Service. W. A. Wilde Company, Boston. 1897. 318p. With five illustrated plates. Special edition in half calf with marbled boards, gilt embossed spine, marbled endpapers. All aspects of the work of the life-savers is described in this fictional tale of the men at the Great Harbor Life-Saving Station in New England. Sixteen year old Tom examines the equipment, from the operation of the Coston flare, to the contents of the Life-Saving Service portable library and assists with numerous rescues as we follow him through his adventure. Quite good descriptions, with great detail. An extremely early, rare Life-Saving Service novel. Beautiful gilt embossed covers with very little wear, contents clean, crisp and tight, an unusually nice copy of an unusual edition. (VG+). $128 net.

22379. [newspaper] Proposals for Light-House on Robbin’s Reef in the Harbor of New York, and second Proposal for Building a Vessel to be used as a Floating Light [lightship] off Sandy Hook. The New York Times. August 25, 1837. Lengthy 1/4th page articles detail specifications for the above lighthouse and light vessel in the New York area. Detailed information includes all aspects of the construction, dimensions and materials to be used, lanterns and equipment. Extremely detailed, interesting very early information on these two important lights. Full newspaper contains four pages with articles of the day, only light browning and expected wear, 2 folds. (G+) $48.

22315. [newspaper accounts] THE GREAT HURRICANE AND TIDAL WAVE –September 1938. Ten newspapers of the day provide a factual and pictorial record of the worst disaster that has ever struck New England. Compiled within days of the awful event, numerous part and full page photographs and text record the wild gale. A graphic look into the damage the sweeping winds and tides brought to the region. Vivid photos include vessels on the beach, the historic Narragansett Coast Guard station, Sandy Point lighthouse, Brenton Point Coast Guard station, and much more. Papers include Providence Journal, Pawtucket Times, Providence Evening Bulletin. Full newspapers with articles of the day, clean, overall browning from age, one original fold.. (G+). $48.

22279. [U. S. Signal Service]. Beltzhoover, Hon. Frank E., speech of Hon. Frank E. Beltzhoover of Pennsylvania in the House of Representatives. Wash. 1883. 41 p. Soft wraps. Text of lengthy speech endorses the work of the Signal Service and advocates a number of changes in its organization and duties. In addition mention is made of its’ relationship with the U. S. Life-Saving Service and discusses the area of communications which that service too might benefit from. Clean, tight, in original soft wraps. One corner has been chewed but no text is affected. (G+). $56.

22266. na. Facsimile of a Letter Book of Colonel Sharp Delany, First Collector, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 7, 1789 to December 20, 1790. (Washington, DC: Department of the Treasury, United States Customs Service, June 1987) 100 p. As new, blue Buckram with old stamped lettering, no DJ as published. 95 pages of Delany’s manuscript letter book are reproduced with a forward by Michael N. Ingrisano, Jr., Director of Information Service Division, of the Treasury Department. Colonel Sharp Delany was the first collector of Customs appointed by President George Washington for the port of Philadelphia. Colonel Delany’s letterbook for the period of August 7, 1789 to December 20, 1790 contains facsimile reproductions of his letters in his original hand. These letters were significant because they portray some of the problems of a Customs Service trying to emerge from a succession of administration under the British Crown, under the individual States, and finally as a Federal entity seeking to protect the revenue of the United States. Included is Delany’s October 31, 1789 letter to Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, that advocated regular boat patrols of the coast. This letter was instrumental in establishing the Revenue Cutter Service, which joined with the Life-Saving Service to become the US Coast Guard in 1915. Other letters discuss seizures, purchase and operation of vessels, and customs duties. Extremely scarce, essential for research on the subject. (M). $85.

6106e. Cox, William Van Zandt, and Northrup, Milton Harlow, LIFE OF SAMUEL SULLIVAN COX. Syracuse. 1898. 281p. Nicely gilt embossed binding. Dedicated by the author "To the Employees of the …Life-Saving Service…." Given the title "Father of the Life-Saving Service", Mr. Cox spent his thirty year career in the United States Congress attempting to upgrade the Life-Saving Service. Mr. Cox was most proud of his work in creating the Federal statute that created the Life-Saving Service and his untiring zeal in pressing for its eventual passage. Throughout his career he continued to press for the upgrading of this humanitarian service such that, upon his death his widow was presented by members of the Life-Saving Service with a memorial vase inscribed to his memory. This volume details his distinguished life and his efforts in support of the Service. Includes a nice photograph of Sumner I. Kimball and of the Port Huron Life-Saving Station. Illustrated with 28 photographs. Pages lightly browned, otherwise clean, tight, front hinge open but intact, covers with some sunning and soiling. (VG-). $86 net.

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.

22190. Campbell, J. M. [Assistant Lightkeeper, Bell Rock Lighthouse], NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BELL ROCK. Edinburgh. 1904. 112p. 12MO. Beautiful gilt embossed lighthouse on binding. After serving nine years as Assistant Keeper of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, the author was encouraged by friends to record his many detailed observations of the life there, with particular emphasis on the many different animal species that exist in the area. From the gulls and terns, to the seals and fish species, the rock was teeming with life which was well chronicled by the author. Most interesting account of the period between 1901 and 1904. Contents clean, tight and bright. Covers light wear and staining, corners bumped. (VG-). $118.

6657c. Stevenson, Robert. THE BELL ROCK LIGHTHOUSE. London. 1935. 2nd. 136p. 12MO. [Passages selected from An Account of the Bell Rock Lighthouse (Published in 1824) and edited by A. F. Collins.]. With 22 well done illustrations. One of "The Craftsman Series for young people, this edition brings together portions of Stevenson’s original work, focusing on the construction of the Bell Rock Lighthouse during the years 1807 to 1810. Detailed day-by-day account. Embossed hard wraps, light wear, contents clean, tight, ex. Lib with markings on cover and front end-paper. (VG-). $56

5515b. OUR LIGHT-HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT. na. June 1856. [Putnam’s Monthly. June, 1856. NY. pp.644-658]. Contains a wonderful early overview of the early history and operation of the United States Light-House Establishment, with comparisons to those of Britain and Europe. Written just after the establishment of the Light-House Board, this account provides a most interesting look at the operations and conditions present at such an important time in out lighthouse history. Quite interesting, nice early work. Full issue, unusually clean and tight. (VG). $68.

21509c. na. U. S. LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE. Fortune Magazine January 1937. Pp. 61-69, 126-132. Lengthy, large folio illustrated article details the men and equipment of today’s Lighthouse Service. Wonderfully illustrated with photographs, paintings and diagrams including a large full page diagram of the Nantucket LV No. 112 illustrating its construction, equipment and operation. Other photos include quartermaster at the wheel of the Lighthouse Tender Spruce, lens apparatus, buoys and more. Most interesting and detailed article. Full issue. (VG+). $64.

3164k,m,n. Kobbe', Gustav. "LIFE ON THE (Nantucket) SOUTH SHOAL LIGHT-SHIP". 11pp. Century Magazine, Vol. XLII. August 1891. This often quoted article is one of the very few ever written describing the life on these early light vessels, based on the author’s visit in 1891. One "old whaling captain told me that the loneliest thing he had ever seen at sea was a polar bear floating on a piece of ice in the Arctic Ocean; the next loneliest object to that had been the South Shoal Lightship….and it pitched and rolled such that even an old whaleman… felt ‘squamish’." Excellent descriptions of the crews and the life on board. Includes nine very nice engravings. Disbound, without wraps. Clean, crisp. $48 net.

7197rr. [newspaper] [practice of appointing Light House Keepers]. The Portland Daily Advertiser, Portland, Maine. May 17, 1853. Article remarks on the practice of appointing keepers based on their political affiliation, and that the recent keeper appointed to Boon Island Light was appointed by a Democrat appointed by President Polk, rather than a Whig as was reported, and that the keeper "..has never seen a vessel, and with good old fashioned country notions of ‘early to bed and early to rise’ very verdauntly supposed that vessels kept country hours, and ‘did not sail after it became dark’". This most interesting comment on the system also notes that one of the newly appointed keepers at Cape Elizabeth has resided in an interior town until the Presidential election and several Democrats were well qualified but set aside. Full newspaper contains Four pages with articles of the day, quite clean, 2 folds. (VG-) $28.

6593e. Kobbe, Gustav. HEROISM IN THE LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE. A Description of Life on Matinicus Rock. The Century Magazine. 1897. 12p. disbound. 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. Quite clean. (VG+). $48.

4342L. Otis, James. THE LIFE SAVERS. A Story of the United States Life-Saving Service. New York. 1899. 1st. 327 p. Nicely illustrated with official photographs. Nice gilt embossed cover scene of life-savers launching their surfboat. Relates the history of the Life-Saving Service and the work of the U.S. Life-Savers through various chapters in this fictional account. Though probably intended for a teenage audience, this is by far one of the best early day-to-day accounts. Based on fact. Quite scarce. Clean, tight in bright wrap, spine slightly darkened. (VG). $64.

744. Navy Department. REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COAST SIGNAL SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES. Wash. 1898. 18pp. The Signal Service was organized to open and maintain communications, to note the development and progress of storms, to predict probable future atmospheric conditions and to report on the conditions of the sea and navigable rivers. Signal Service Stations were established in connection with lighthouses and life-saving stations, connected by telegraph and offered communications to ships at sea by light or flag (and later by radio). They also summoned assistance to vessels in distress from the nearest life-saving stations or ports. Regulations identify districts and stations, duties and discipline, care of stations and property, daily drills and routine. Includes a complete listing of stations. (Photocopy $3.60)

21387b. Darrah, William Culp. STEREO VIEWS – A HISTORY OF STEREOGRAPHS IN AMERICA AND THEIR COLLECTION. Gettysburg. 1964. 255 p. One of the more fascinating collectibles today continues to be early photography including stereographs. For the collector or professional, this book continues to be the "bible" on the subject. Includes the history, types, manufacture and development in America, types and dating of views and more. Most important if the author’s checklist of photographers with dates of their primary period of producing views. A most detailed reference and almost impossible to find today. (VG+). $138 net.

5515b. OUR LIGHT-HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT. na. June 1856. [Putnam’s Monthly. June, 1856. NY. pp.644-658]. Contains a wonderful early overview of the early history and operation of the United States Light-House Establishment, with comparisons to those of Britain and Europe. Written just after the establishment of the Light-House Board, this account provides a most interesting look at the operations and conditions present at such an important time in out lighthouse history. Quite interesting, nice early work. Full issue, unusually clean and tight. (VG). $68.

21509b,c. na. U. S. LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE. Fortune Magazine January 1937. Pp. 61-69, 126-132. Lengthy, large folio illustrated article details the men and equipment of today’s Lighthouse Service. Wonderfully illustrated with photographs, paintings and diagrams including a large full page diagram of the Nantucket LV No. 112 illustrating its construction, equipment and operation. Other photos include quartermaster at the wheel of the Lighthouse Tender Spruce, lens apparatus, buoys and more. Most interesting and detailed article. Full issue. (VG+). $64.

2291. Thompson, Lawrance. THE NAVY HUNTS THE CGR-3070. Garden City. 1944 First printing. 150 p. B&w photographs. Detailed account of the U.S. Navy's search for the missing Coastal Picket vessel Zaida and her crew of nine enlisted men. The Zaida was a private 58-foot yacht owned by George Ratsey before the U-boat crisis off the Atlantic coast of the United States during World War II. Zaida was converted to Coast Guard Reserve Boat 3070, and was on anti- submarine duty in the Eastern Sea Frontier in 1942 when she was blown far out to sea. Quite interesting. Dark blue cloth over boards with blue stamped spine lettering. Mild browning to textblock edges and endpapers, otherwise clean and tight, nice copy. (VG). $28.

2244. Schriber, Mary Suzanne. WRITING HOME – AMERICAN WOMEN ABROAD 1830-1920. Charlottesville. 1997. 254p. Before the 1820’s women’s travels outside the United States were infrequent and "accidental", undertaken to accompany fathers and husbands. With the advent of steam-powered ships, followed by the luxurious liners, American women began to journey in significant numbers. Between 1830 and 1900 books of travel written by women number at least 195, by far most after the Civil Way. Writing Home studies these books and the conditions that made them possible, with the tales of women who transformed themselves into travelers and business women. Of particular interest to us here, the author examines Martha Coston’s work A Signal Success: The Work and Travels of Mrs. Martha J. Coston, an Autobiography. Martha Coston traveled to sell night signals that he husband had developed. Widowed and in financial difficulty, she traveled to introduce the signals into the navies of the world and win proper recognition of her husband’s talents. The author discusses her work and writings, and studies her success in a men’s world of business. (M). $36.

 4531(3). Putnam, George R., NEW SAFEGUARDS FOR SHIPS IN FOG AND STORM. August 1936. 32pp. 30 photo illustrations [NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, Vol. LXX, No. 2, August 1936] Complete issue, very clean. George Putnam was the Commissioner of Lighthouses in the early years of the twentieth century. In this interesting and detailed article, Commissioner Putnam includes information on the use of the new radio beacons, lightship operations as well as the overall operation of the Lighthouse Service. Included are 30 wonderful official photographs of light stations, tenders, light vessels, lens apparatus, light keepers and more. (VG) $26.

20141. Dalton, John W. ALONG THE COAST [Official Journal of the Life-Saving Service Surfman’s Mutual Benefit Association]. Volumes No. 1 through 9. From March 1909 to June 1910. Folio 11" x 14". 210 pages. Spiral bound. Along The Coast was the official monthly journal of the Surfman of the Life-Saving Service, distributed monthly in the early 1900’s. The magazine was published by John W. Dalton and was devoted to the work and interests of the Life-Saving Service, the men and the organization. During that period men of the Lighthouse Service at shore stations and on lightship duty also found the publication most interesting as much news of their stations was also reported. Each issue contains hundreds of stories of historical shipwrecks, service incidents, detailed wreck reports, and the work of the life-saving crews. Also included are wonderful photographs [though poorly reproduced in this copy from microfilm] and biographical sketches of the heroes of the Life-Saving Service. Also included are other interesting stories of the sea, official notifications and reports of meetings. One almost never finds any of these publications and now we have an opportunity to read the first nine issues. This is by far the most interesting material that I have ever read on the day to day operations of the Service. A MUST for anyone interested in the subject. [210 pages, spiral bound, folio 11" x 14" photocopy.] $138.

8501b. Phillips, Godfrey W., LIGHTHOUSE AND LIGHTSHIP AND THE MEN WHO MAN THE TRINITY HOUSE SERVICE. London. nd. c.1949. 134 p. Cloth wraps. DJ. Quite a detailed description of the men, equipment and operations of the Lighthouse Service in Great Britain. In addition to chapters on the construction and history of over 15 land and ocean lights, the author also describes in some detail life in the lights, salary, relief days, light vessels, the Trinity House past and present and more. With 23 illustrations. Quite scarce. Clean, crisp nice copy in G dust wrap. (VG).$68.

7429b. Thaxter, Celia. AMONG THE ISLES OF SHOALS. Boston. 1915. 3rd. 184p. Poetess and sister to Oscar Laighton, Celia Thaxter grew up the daughter of the Light Keeper of the light-house on the Isle of Shoals in New Hampshire. In this reprint of her earlier volume, the author offers tales and insights into her life at this vital light station. Whether you enjoy reading of the light-keeper’s life or of life in the remote areas of New England, you are sure to enjoy these early accounts. Scarce account. Quite crisp, clean, tight, a very nice copy. (VG+).$56.

2198a. Markham, Richard. ABOARD THE MAVIS. Boston. 1880. 240 pages. Unusually decorated board covers. Includes 13 untitled chapters with black & white engravings and maps, many full page. It is told in this book how five boys and five girls cruise aboard the schooner "Mavis" about the east end of Long Island, and how, in addition to sundry good times, they learn somewhat of the early history of the Life-Saving Service, and of their country. "Every life-saving station is furnished with a small mortar, or cannon. When a ship goes ashore, and the surf is so heavy that a boat cannot be launched, the mortar, which is packed in a two-wheeled car, is dragged down to the very edge of the surf. Then it is loaded with a conical shot, to which a very light but very strong rope is fastened. It is, perhaps, more like a cord than a rope. This cord is coiled by the side of the cannon, and when all is ready the gun is fired. The ball flies through the air over the ship, if all goes well, and the line drops on deck." Some illustrations include: Carrying a line aboard, the old way, Carrying a line aboard, the new way, The breeches buoy, Launching the surf boat, Half buried in foam and spray, Hauling the mortar-car, Night patrol burning the red light, etc. Quite an interesting difficult to find early novel with Life-Saving Service content, a scarce addition to your collection. Contents clean and tight, hinges intact. Most unusual decorated boards with moderate wear and bumping but still intact. (G+). $48.

20394. Munro, Wilfred H., PICTURESQUE RHODE ISLAND. Pen and Pencil Sketches of the Scenery and History of its Cities, Towns and Hamlets, and of Men who have made them famous. Providence. 1881. 304 pages with 96 additional pages of fine vintage advertisements. In nicely gilt embossed binding. Certainly one of the nicer collections of over 200 vintage Rhode Island scenes. Includes volumes of quaint historical sketches found in few other places, as well as four large fold-out maps. Illustrated with over 200 early engraved views and accompanying text, this is a tremendous look at this area so rich in maritime history. Includes the lighthouses, steamships, churches and government buildings, as well as a host of hotels, mansions and homes, government, personalities, founding, and much more. Fine illustrated advertising by local establishments is included in the front and back. Contents quite clean, nice, expected wear to hinges and spine ends, corners bumped, hinges becoming loose. Most pleasant reading and collector’s volume for your shelf. (G++). $94.

2188. Ferguson, Charles B., TWENTY-SEVEN VIEWS OF RACE ROCK LIGHTHOUSE IN THE FOUR SEASONS. Fishers Island. 2000. 64p. DJ. Signed and numbered by the author. Twenty-Seven Views of Race Rock Lighthouse is artist Charles B. Ferguson’s homage to the island of his birth and the Gothic Revival lighthouse that anchors its southwestern tip. Filled with 27 of the author’s full color paintings accompanied by four lines of haiku-style text, this collectors edition presents a summation of a lifetime spent living and painting on Fishers Island in Long Island Sound. Through his work, Mr. Ferguson traces in his paintings the dramatic story of building Race Rock Light by two historic men: Francis Hopkinson Smith and Captain T.A. Scott and the eight years to complete construction. Race Rock lighthouse appears somewhere in each of the twenty-seven paintings though the major theme is the four seasons on Fishers Island, with its flora, fauna, history and sports. The book itself is a work of art in hard cover with dj, 64 pages 10.5" x 8" horizontal format, 100 lb page stock. Edition is limited to 1000 copies, signed and numbered by the artist. A must for your collection. (M). $168 net.

20247. Mack, E. IDA LEWIS MAZURKA. Philadelphia: Lee & Walker, [c.1869]. Tinted lithographed sheet music cover only, showing Ida Lewis rowing out in a chop to rescue a waving figure in distress. Ida Lewis (1842-1911) was one of the first female lighthouse keeper in the U.S. Her father was a lighthouse keeper in Newport, and by 15 she was assisting him, and was officially appointed keeper of Lime Rock light in 1879. Her first rescue came in 1858 or 59, rowing to the aid of four young men and hauling them all to safety. In 1869, in the midst of a blizzard, she and her brother rescued two men, and the resulting publicity brought her into the national limelight, occasioning this piece, and doubtless others. Light soiling but nicely intact without tears, most presentable for framing. (VG-). $138 net.

6103h. Sterling, Robert Thayer. LIGHTHOUSES OF THE MAINE COAST AND THE MEN WHO KEEP THEM. Brattleboro, VT. 1938. 2nd printing 1938. 224pp. Illustrated with over 80 photographs of Maine light stations. Written by the Assistant Keeper of Portland Head Light, this volume contains a wealth of first hand information about the Maine lights and light-vessels. A rescue of seventeen men…seas washing away the garden….a lone survivor on the barren ledge….panic when the light at Saddleback went out….a bombardment of ducks into the lantern….visions, solitude…and an ever changing background of weather and seasons. Clean, tight, unusually good copy. Ex lib. The best Maine account available. (VG). $55.

6599d. Bradner, Lawrence H., THE PLUM BEACH LIGHT - The birth, life, and death of a Lighthouse. 1989. 196p. Soft wraps. Signed by the author. The story of the Plum Beach Light, Rhode Island from several generations of family records, long forgotten newspaper reports and documents dealing with the politics, bureaucracy, and engineering technology of instigating, building and keeping a lighthouse. A wonderful, detailed account of the light - if only there were a similar account on each and every light... Clean, tight, nice copy. (VG). $26.
6599. [same]. 1989. 196p. Soft wraps.Some wear, a few marks. (G) $18.

4401. H.R. Ex. Doc. No. 13. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. A Statement of receipts and expenditures of the government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1857. 738pp. Contains approximately 61pp. of expenditures of the Light-house Service, well detailed for the year. Contains a wealth of additional information. Disbound. (VG). $63.

22217. [Lighthouse Establishment Bookplate]. Ainsworth, William Harrison. OVINGDEAN GRANGE. London. nd. c.1870. 310p. A tale of 17th Century English Cavalier. This book was part of a U. S. Light-House Establishment keeper’s library, as evidenced by a U.S.L.H.E. Property Label adhered to the inside front cover. Light foxing, hinges and spine weak, some wear. Label clean. It is extremely difficult to find these titles from the early LHE libraries, making this a most desirable item. (FR). $62 net.

7206b. Perry, Frank. THE HISTORY OF PIGEON POINT LIGHTHOUSE. 1986. 87p. Soft wraps. Magnificent Pigeon Point Lighthouse, first lighted in 1872, still shines its flashing signal. This book is the first detailed account of its intriguing past: the tragic shipwrecks of the 1800’s, the legends surrounding its mysterious lens, the first-hand recollections of lighthouse life and much more. (M). $22.

United States Life-Saving Service. 

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE

We have just acquired a large collection of these rare Annual Reports of the Life-Saving Service and, in an effort to stem the rise of prices over the last few years on these reports, have endeavored to offer them at as low a price as possible. This is the perfect opportunity to begin your collection or to fill those missing years in your present collection. Reports are printed by the Government Printing Office [GPO] and range from 180 to 600 pages. Includes extensive details of operations and of rescues throughout the year. Also details personnel, construction and repairs of stations and equipment, evaluation of new equipment and much more. In addition, many include appended reports such as the new Beebe-McLellan Life-Boat, Dobbins’s surf life-boat, launching wagon, improved breeches buoy traveler block, McLellan’s Tally-Boards, and lengthy report on tests performed on Hunt and Lyle guns on Nantucket Island in 1887, reports on Cunningham rockets, surfboats and more. Quite detailed, becoming exceptionally difficult to find. Typical cloth government binding, contents overall clean, expected uniform very light browning on some copies, hinges tight and intact, covers may have some wear. $124 net each.  Years available change weekly, please inquire.

22179s. Glidden, Helene. THE LIGHT ON THE ISLAND – Tales of a Lighthouse Keeper’s Family in the San Juan Islands. Woodinville. 2001. Soft wraps. This classic chronicles the life of a lighthouse keeper’s family on Patos Island in Washington’s Rosario Strait from 1905 to 1913. Herein Helene or "Angie", as she calls herself, records the hardships, adventures and heroism that her family experienced in this remote corner of Washington state. The tale begins with the five-year old and her family moving to Patos as her father is appointed keeper there. Originally published in 1951, this aniversary edition preserves forever an important era in lighthouse life. (M). 16.95.

6259b. Noble, Dennis L. and PA3 Kenneth Arborgast. THE COAST GUARD ALONG THE NORTH ATLANTIC COAST. USCG Bicentennial Publication. Wash. c.1988. 24pp. Soft Wraps. Tremendous overview of the life and work of the men of the Coast Guard dating back to the 1700’s when the Revenue Cutter Service and Lighthouse Establishment, and later the U. S. Life-Saving Service protected our coastline. Well illustrated with 35 wonderful large format photographs. A most interesting pamphlet. Clean, tight. (VG). $19.

22159b. York, Wick. ARCHITECTURE OF THE U. S. LIFE-SAVING STATIONS. Log of Mystic Seaport. Spring 1982. 32 p. Soft wraps. Fine article by noted architectural historian provides a good overview of the architectural history of the stations of the Life-Saving Service. Interesting are the early 1870’s "red-house" stations constructed along the New Jersey coast. Includes over 20 photographs and a wonderful large full page illustration of the beautiful 1882 Victorian station in Bay Head, New Jersey. Also included is a lengthy article on the wreck of the Jason off Cape Cod in 1893. Great for reading or research. (VG). $38.

2286. Bunting, William H. STEAMERS, SCHOONERS, CUTTERS, AND SLOOPS – Marine Photographs of N. L. Stebbins taken from 1884 to 1907. Boston. 1974. 126 p. DJ. Among the more noteworthy pioneer American marine and yachting photographers were men like N. L. Stebbins, David Mason Little, Henry G. Peabody. These noted photographers ranged the New England coast from New York to Massachusetts capturing on glass-plate negatives the great yachts and the most animated yachting 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 reference works. This book reproduces in full page format many of his superb views and remains a tribute to early marine photography. Superb yachting photographs with detailed text make this a must for your library. Clean, crisp in good dj. (F-). $74.

312e. Lamb, Martha J., "THE AMERICAN LIFE SAVING SERVICE", 17pp., February 1882. (from Harper’s Monthly) 6" x 9 1/2". With 15 excellent engravings; Patrolmen exchanging checks-Sumner I. Kimball-Lifeboat Station on Lake Michigan-Self-righting Life-Boat-United States Life-saving Station on the Eastern Coast-Nag’s Head, Scene of the "Huron" disaster-Wreck of the "Huron"-"They found him nearly dead"-Surfman’s Shield-Wreck of the Schooner "Hartzel in Lake Michigan-Life-saving Car-Life-saving Station on the North Carolina Beach-First Ball, Ship "Ayrshire"-The Lyle Gun-Life-saving Medals. Describes the history and the work of the life-savers, their equipment and the rescues. Full issue, some expected wear and chipping, clean. (G). $24.

3164k,m. Kobbe', Gustav. "LIFE ON THE (Nantucket) SOUTH SHOAL LIGHT-SHIP". 11pp. Century Magazine, Vol. XLII. August 1891. This often quoted article is one of the very few ever written describing the life on these early light vessels, based on the author’s visit in 1891. One "old whaling captain told me that the loneliest thing he had ever seen at sea was a polar bear floating on a piece of ice in the Arctic Ocean; the next loneliest object to that had been the South Shoal Lightship….and it pitched and rolled such that even an old whaleman… felt ‘squamish’." Excellent descriptions of the crews and the life on board. Includes nine very nice engravings. Disbound, without wraps. Clean, crisp. $48 net.

4532k. Putnam, George R., BEACONS OF THE SEA: LIGHTING THE COASTS OF THE UNITED STATES. January, 1913. 53 pp. Illustrated with 67 photographs including light vessels, depots, and much more. [disbound from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, Vol. XXIV, No. 1, January 1913]. Excellent descriptions of the work of the Lighthouse Service by the Commissioner himself. . Wonderfully illustrated with numerous official photographs. Includes especially nice photos of various light vessels, lenses and various lanterns and towers. More and more difficult to find this article. Disbound, otherwise contents clean, tight. (VG). $46.

6335f. Collins, Francis A. SENTINELS ALONG OUR COAST. New York. 1922 1st. 272pp. Nicely illustrated with 24 official Lighthouse Service photographs. Nicely developed overview of the history of the Service, the light and fog stations, lightships, equipment and men of the Light-House Service. Chapters include Harbor Protection, Early Lighthouses, Building the Lighthouse, Developing the Light, A Night in the Lighthouse, A Service Depot, Aboard a Lighthouse Tender, Aboard a Light-ship, With the Coast Guard, and more. One of the nicer early references. Extremely clean, tight, near fine. (F-) $88.

21200b. Von Physter, George. PAINTINGS AND LORE OF CALIFORNIA LIGHTHOUSES. San Diego. 1963. 1st. 40p. Soft wraps. Interesting booklet features 14 b/w reproductions of California lighthouse paintings, along with a description of the station and a bit of history as well. Light stations include Point Loma, Ballast Point, Los Angeles Hatbor Light, Anacapa, Point Conception, Point Sur, Pigeon Point, Mile Rocks Light, Point Reyes, Todos Santos Island Light, South Coronado Island Light, San Felipe Light, and more. A scarce booklet. Clean, crisp. (F). $28.

6597q. Witney, Dudley. THE LIGHTHOUSE. Boston. 1975. 1st. US edition. 256p. DJ. 8VO. The author’s enjoyable and informative text compliments over a hundred beautiful color and b/w photographs, early architectural plans and illustrations outlining the history and architectural significance of lighthouses. Includes many quite beautiful photographs of lamps, lens and early lighting apparatus. Certainly one of the nicer of the more recent publishing endeavors, unusually difficult to find. Clean, tight. (VG+). $54.

6597r. Witney, Dudley. THE LIGHTHOUSE. Toronto. 1975. 1st. 256p. DJ. 8VO. The author’s enjoyable and informative text compliments over a hundred beautiful color and b/w photographs, early architectural plans and illustrations outlining the history and architectural significaance of lighthouses. Includes many quite beautiful photographs of lamps, lens and early lighting apparatus. Certainly one of the nicer of the more recent publishing endeavors, unusually difficult to find. Clean, tight. (F). $68.

485h. Hardy, W. J., LIGHTHOUSES, THEIR HISTORY AND ROMANCE. Oxford. 1895. 224pp. With 24 illustrations. A very good early history of many of the lights protecting the British coastline, with a chapter on each. Includes ancient and mediaeval lighthouses, the Trinity House, Grace Darling, lightships, and numerous British lighthouses. Contents clean, very tight, rarely opened. Cover with nice gilt embossed lighthouse, spine sunned. Wonderful early information. (VG+). $64.

Thousands more are available so please contact us regarding your wants, or for a sample catalogue ($3, refundable with your first order). For more information see our Special Online Offers page.

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