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

  Columbia River Light Ship No. 50  

#24184. LV 50 was a wooden-hulled vessel constructed in San Francisco and housed two coal-fired boilers, which produced steam for a twelve-inch fog whistle. Three oil lamp lenses, used to alert vessels at night, topped the ship's two masts. The ship had no engine for propulsion, but was equipped with sails in case the anchor chain, which held the vessel at a position roughly five miles west of the  Columbia River 's mouth, broke. During a severe storm on the evening of November 28,1899, the chain did break. The crew quickly set the sails and kept the vessel from grounding. After several attempts to tow the ship to safety failed the next day, the vessel was intentionally grounded at McKenzie Head near  Cape Disappointment . The Lighthouse Service contracted house-movers Allen & Roberts Co. of Portland,  Oregon to move the lightship ½ mile overland on rails. Eighteen months later, after the ship was successfully hauled 700 yards overland,  LV 50 was launched into  Baker Bay in the  Columbia River . The ship returned to station in August of 1901, after a trip to  Portland for repairs. This rare album of 35 original 6” x 7 ½” photographs by Photographer J. F. Ford, chronicles the move in unprecedented detail. The album was put together by Allen & Roberts and presented to Captain Joseph H. Harriman of Light Ship No. 50 on July 18, 1901. Cover inscribed “Presented to Captain Jos. H. Harriman, Capt.  Of  U.S.  Light Ship No. 50 July 18, 1901.” Exceptional lot on original string-bound album pages as presented.  $2995 net  

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

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

29227. (photo) First-Order Lighthouse Lens From The Hog Island Lighthouse c.1950. This first-order lens is pictured while on loan to the Mariners Museum in the 1950’s. The lens, the second largest lighthouse lens in the United States stands 10 feet tall and weighs 2,500 pounds. 368 prisms make up the reflective body of the lens. The first Hog Island Lighthouse was built in 1852 on what was the southern end of Hog Island, the northern most part of the natural barrier islands between the Virginia’s Eastern Shore and the Atlantic Ocean. By the 1920s the ocean had eroded much of the island and in the 1930’s a hurricane claimed even more of the land. The 10-foot high lens, a first order produced by the Henry-LePaute company in France, was removed from the lighthouse before the final destruction of the facility in 1948.  The land the lighthouse stood on is now underwater. The southern end of the island is no higher than 12 feet now. Now only an abandoned Coast Guard station and a watchtower remain. Today the lens is preserved in a beautiful exhibit pavilion in downtown Portsmouth, Virginia. Photo is b/w, measuring 5 ½” x 9 ½”. Clean, clear, great image. (VG+). $54.

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

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

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

28440. (photograph) Old Point Comfort Light Station, Christmas Season 1953. Original 7 ½” x 9” b/w photo provides a close clear view of the station including the light lit for the evening, and the early light-keeper’s quarters lit up as the keeper’s family prepares for the holiday. News caption on the back notes that Keeper Bob West has to stay on duty most of the evening. News photo, dated December 20, 1953. Clear, close, light stain lower margin. (VG). $54. 

28320b. (news photo) U.S. Lighthouse Service, Airways Division, Airport Beacon, Naval Air Station, Hampton Roads, Virginia c.1920’s. The Air Commerce Act of 1926, provided for the encouragement and use of aircraft in commerce, under the Secretary of Commerce. The Airways Division was set up as a part of the Lighthouse Service, and F.C. Hingsburg  was appointed Chief Engineer, Airways Division. Mr. Hingsburg was previously Superintendent of Lighthouses on general duty, and had been connected with the Lighthouse Service since 1911. Early b/w photo measures 6 ½” x 8 ½” and shows a close, clear view of the beacon lens mounted high on the skeleton iron tower. Photo by “International Newsreel”. Light soiling, remains of paper caption on edge. Extremely rare aspect of early Lighthouse Service duties, such photos are almost non existent. (VG). $145.

1128. (photo print) First Order Light House for Cape Hatteras, N.C. 1869. Elevation View. 6” x 9 ½” color photo of original architectural plan elevation view of the lighthouse tower at Cape Hatteras. Great detail, shows well, would be fine matted and framed. $18.

ERS-26. Submarine Nautilus preparing for Arctic trip c.1930. Close 8” x 10” press photo shows the reconditioned and renamed submarine Nautilus tied up at the Brooklin Nevy Yard in preparation for a proposed trip to the Arctic. In 1930 Sir Hubert Wilkins made plans for a trans-Atlantic trip via the North Pole using a submarine for the purpose of gathering meterological data in the pole area. Wilkins leased a submarine and renamed her Nautilus. The ship was 175 feet in length and weighed in at 560 tons. It was capable of diving to a depth of 200 feet and could support a crew of twenty men for five days. The expedition suffered losses before they even left New York Harbor. Willard Grimmer the quartermaster was knocked overboard and drowned in the harbor. Wilkins was undaunted and drove on with preparations for a series of test cruises and dives before they were to undertake their trans-Atlantic voyage. However difficulties continued to plague the mission until Wilkins was forced to end the first expedition to the poles in a submarine and head for England. Even this was not to be, as he was forced to take refuge in the port of Bergen Norway because of a fierce storm that they encountered en route. The Nautilus suffered serious damage that made further use of the vessel unfeasible. Wilkins received permission from the United States Navy to sink the vessel off shore in a Norwegian fjord on November 20, 1931.Photo has some wear, one coener missing, a few creases, chips. With credit line and description on back. (G+) $28.

28326. [glass projection slides] Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, Nubble Lighthouse, Halfway Rock Lighthouse. c.1900. Unusual set of three b/w glass projection slides featuring three New England lighthouse views. The glass slides are large 3 ¼” x 4” and would provide a large clear view. Fine, clear images, just a bit distant. Set of 3. (VG). $74 net.

2619c. (stereoview) The Southwest Ledge - Ship John Shoal lighthouse, 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition  by Centennial Photographic Company c.1876. The 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, the first exposition of its kind in the United States , was held to mark the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. More than ten million visitors visited the works of 30,000 exhibitors during its six month run. This important view provides good detail of the Southwest Ledge - Ship John Shoal lighthouse at the Lighthouse Establishment exhibit there. Built to be located at Southwest Ledge in Delaware , it was one of the first of its kind, built on a cylindrical iron foundation, designed to prevent flowing ice from inflicting damage to the foundation. The 45-foot-tall lighthouse is an eight-sided three-story cast iron structure with a Mansard roof covering the top two stories. Atop the tower is an octagonal lantern room surmounted by an ogee octagonal roof. The lighthouse design was deemed such a marvel, that when the superstructure intended for Southwest Ledge was completed, it was put on display at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia , shining its light every night from July 4, 1876 until the close of the exhibition. A keeper lived at the lighthouse, tending the light each night. The displayed superstructure never found its way to Southwest Ledge. An identical structure being built was sent to Southwest Ledge during the Exposition so that construction would not be delayed. After the Exposition, the superstructure on display was sent to Ship John Shoal in Delaware . Large format stereoview, clean and crisp, a wonderful clear close view. (VG). $119.

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

10268. (photo) Montauk Point Lighthouse c.1930-1940. Montauk, the oldest lighthouse in New York State, was authorized by the Second Congress, under President George Washington in 1792. Construction began on June 7, 1796 and was completed on November 5, 1796. This historic landmark has been part of Long Island's land and seascape for over 200 years and still serves as an active aid to navigation. Clear, close image shows great detail of the tower fog signal buildings, etc. taken from the beach below. 7” x 9”. One corner fold. (VG). $24.

Noted author and photographer Bruce Roberts photos. 8" x 10" Signed by the photographer. Include Ponce Inlet LH, Pensacola LH, Jupiter Inlet LH, St. Augustine LH. $34 each. Ask for others available. 

26322b. (cabinet photo) Gray’s Harbor Lighthouse and Fog Signal Building, Westport, Wash. c.1899. Rare, early view shows a close image of the light tower and steam fog signal building. Good view includes the two large fog signal trumpets protruding from the side of the building,  and more. Image is close, clear on mount measuring 4 ¼ ” x 5 ¼”. Clean, clear, light soiling and reminants of very light stain. A very nice important early image. (VG+).  $158 net.

Original New England Steamship Photographs by N. L. Stebbins c.1900.

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

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

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

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

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

2762. [paperweight] Heavy glass rectangular paperweight featuring an early c.1900 photograph of Hyannis Harbor Lighthouse, South Hyannis, Mass. This rare item features a close photograph of the short white light tower, flanked by the 1 ½-story keeper’s dwelling and out buildings. In front stands the uniformed light keeper speaking with two finely dressed women. In 1848, Congress authorized the building of a proper lighthouse at South Hyannis for $2,000. A 19-foot (to the base of the lantern), conical brick tower was built, and the light went into service on May 7, 1849. A fifth-order Fresnel lens replaced the original lighting apparatus in 1856, and a new cast-iron lantern was installed in 1863. Photo remains clear and sharp, overall in excellent condition. 2 ½” x 4” x ¾” h. One of the few such items of this remote Cape Cod light and most desirable. (F-). $135 net.

10104. (copy photo) U.S. Lighthouse Service, Tompkinsville Depot, Staten Island c.1900. 8” x 10”. Great digital copy photograph, clear image from original photo, shows the pier at the Lighthouse Depot with stores stockpiled for the lightships moored alongside. Labeled “Loading lightships with stores, Tompkinsville”. Shipped flat. $18. 

10155. (film strip) The Story of Lighthouses, Lightships and Lifeboats. Ladybird Film Strips. From book of similar name by Olwen Reed. Traces the development of lighthouse and life boat services in Great Britain. Clear images from paintings based on Olwen Reed’s book. In original metal can container. (VG+) $18.

28222. (photo) SS Oliver Olson Aground Coquille River, Oregon Nov. 3, 1953. Original 8” x 10” b/w photograph provides an unusually close, clear view of the vessel hard aground. The Oliver Olson, a 307-foot-long, 2,235-ton steamship built in 1918, was headed to Bandon to load lumber in November 1953 when it was caught in a cross current and went hard aground on the rocks at the entrance to the South Jetty, damaging its propeller and rudder. Eventually she was declared a total loss and it was decided to strip the ship’s salvageable parts, cut down the empty hull level with the existing jetty, fill the cavity with quarry rock and, thus, extend the jetty by 300 feet. Her remains can still be seen today at low tide about halfway between the small signal building and the westernmost tip of the jetty. Great view. (VG+). $44.

27138a. (mounted photo) Light House at Old Crow Nest, West Point, Hudson River, New York. c.1900. Taken from the Hudson River looking down river, the attractive Victorian octagonal wood light tower and large pyramidal bell tower stand on the rocky point jutting into the river. Established in 1853, the original light was a thirty-two foot high post light which was replaced by a wooden hexagonal tower in 1872. The keeper lived elsewhere as there was not a keepers house at this station. A fog signal tower was added in 1888.  Large 6 ½” x 8 ¾” image on 10” x 12” mount provides a striking view. Very nice condition, clean, bright, perfect for framing. (VG+)  $88. (shown)

27138b. (mounted photo) Light House at Old Crow Nest, West Point, Hudson River, New York. c.1900. Taken from the Hudson River on the opposite side, the attractive Victorian octagonal wood light tower stands on the rocky point jutting into the river. The fog bell tower is not visible in this view. Large 6 ½” x 8 ¾” image on 10” x 12” mount provides a striking view. Very nice condition, clean, bright, perfect for framing. (VG+)  $74.

11272. (copy photo)  White Island Light Station, New Hampshire c.1904 view by Henry G. Peabody. Recent copy photo made from silver print “#156 of White Island Lighthouse and Dwelling” by renown landscape and marine photographer Henry G. Peabody. Clear, close digital view shows all aspects of the station including the keeper’s boat with the sail up drying in the breeze. 8” x 10”. (F). $10.

27248. (photo) Descending the Lighthouse Stairs. c.1978 Fine 6” x 9” press photograph shows an attendant or visitor descending the lighthouse stairway. Clear, fine view for framing. Includes press credits and newspaper view on the back. (VG). $48.

27112. (photo) Fire Island Lighthouse, Long Island, NY c.1950. Official U. S. Coast Guard b/w 8” x 10” photo includes detailed description on obverse. Close clear view shows the tall First-order light tower and keeper’s dwelling located on the south shore of Long Island. Clear, close image. (VG). $38.

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

26310. (stereoview) Lighthouse at West Point, Hudson River, New York. c.1890. West Point Lighthouse was established in 1853 and discontinued in 1946. The original light was a thirty-two foot high post light which was replaced by a wooden hexagonal tower in 1872. Though there was not a keeper's house at this station, a fog signal house was added in 1888. This close view shows good detail of the unusual octagonal light tower as a visitor sits on the rocks nearby. Clean, just a hint of foxing. (VG+). $48.

27136. (photo) Yerba Buena Lighthouse, San Francisco, Cal c.1957. Official Coast Guard photo of the lighthouse lit with floodlights. The lighthouse was built in 1874, mainly to serve passenger boats and ferries between Oakland and San Francisco. Once the Oakland-Bay Bridge opened in the late 1930s, the decision was made to keep the lighthouse operational due to increased shipping traffic in the Bay. In 1957 the light tower was lit with floodlights to make it more visible to mariners. The lighthouse was automated in 1958. To this day, the lighthouse still retains its original fourth-order Fresnel lens and is still an active aid to navigation. 8” x 10” b/w image provides close, clear view at night. Includes detailed information about the light and keepers in press release on obverse. Dated January 14, 1957. Close, clear, just a bit of wrinkling from moisture to the back.  (VG). $64.

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

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

26184. (photo)  Eaton's Neck Lighthouse with Keeper Arthur Jensen, LI. NY. c.1900. Large photo on original mat measures 7 ½” x 9 ¼” and provides a fine, early view of the light station at Eaton’s Neck with the keeper posing in front of the light tower. Eaton’s Neck light station was located on the east side of Huntington Bay entrance. The lighthouse was 73 feet high and displayed a fixed white Third-Order light. The original octagonal sandstone tower is shown, built on a foundation constructed was constructed in 1798 on 10 acres of land. In 1868 the station was renovated, the wooden steps replaced with iron steps and landings, walls lined with bricks, the keeper's quarters expanded and a steam fog signal installed. Today the station continues as an active Coast Guard navigational aid. This photo appears to be from an old photo album and retains the canvas hinge strip on the left edge. The image shows a light tower and keeper’s dwelling keeper Jensen and another gentleman with his dog and hillside. Written in ink on bottom is "Eaton's Neck Light, L.I."  The image itself is in very good condition, edges of mat page with small chips and moisture staining to extreme edge of page, but does not affect photo at all. Page size 10 ½” x 14”. A descendent of Keeper Jensen wrote to advise that the keeper in this image was her father, Keeper Arthur Oskar Johan Jensen. Jensen was keeper at Eaton’s Neck from 1917 until 1942. Superb early view. (VG-).  $185 net.

26129c. (cabinet photo) Gray’s Harbor Lighthouse Keeper’s Dwellings, Point Hanson, Wash. c.1898. Rare, early view shows a close image of the Principal Keeper’s dwelling and the Assistant Keepers’ dwelling, with the tall masonry light tower in the background.  Nice detail of the two dwelling buildings, along with the privy and their large fenced, manicured lawn in front. Image is close, clear on mount measuring 5 ¼ ” x 8 ½ ”. Clean, clear, crisp, very nice important early image. (VG+).  $135.  

26129d. (cabinet photo) Gray’s Harbor Life Saving Station, Westport, Wash. c.1898. Rare, early view shows the rare Peterson’s Point-type life saving station in 1898 just as it was being completed. Located south of Gray’s Harbor in Westport, the station was originally called the Peterson Point station. Included in this rare view is the two-story station, separate boathouse, as well as the rear ell, drill pole and more. Image is close, clear on mount measuring 5 ¼ ” x 8 ½ ”. Clean, clear, crisp, very nice important early image. (VG+).  $145.  

26129a. (cabinet photo) Pier Construction, Gray’s Harbor Life Saving Station, Westport, Wash. c.1898. Rare, early view shows the pile driving machinery and equipment as workers work to build a pier at the life saving station. Rare view shows the tall pile driver working at the end of the pies as a worker looks on. Image is close, clear on mount measuring 5 ¼ ” x 8 ½ ”. Clean, clear, crisp, though somewhat light, a very nice important early image. (VG+).  $115.  

Lot price all three Gray's Harbor images: $363.  

1036. (photo) Montauk Point Lighthouse c.1930-1940. Montauk, the oldest lighthouse in New York State, was authorized by the Second Congress, under President George Washington in 1792. Construction began on June 7, 1796 and was completed on November 5, 1796. This historic landmark has been part of Long Island's land and seascape for over 200 years and still serves as an active aid to navigation. Clear, close image shows great detail of the tower and particularly the fog signal building, etc. 2 ¾” x 4 ½”. (VG). $22.

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

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

Other similar firefighter view available for Waltham. 

8333q. [stereo view] LIGHT-HOUSE EXHIBIT, U. S. GOVERNMENT BUILDING – TRANSEPT LOOKING SOUTH. International Exhibition 1876. (c.1876). By Centennial Photographic Co. Rare stereo view of the large first-order and other lenses at the Light-House Establishment exhibit at the 1876 International  Exposition. This is an extremely clean, detailed view showing most of the two lenses, Lighthouse Service ensign and other portions of the electric exhibit. Nice, quite clear, lightly soiled, bent corner. (VG).  $48.

Copy photos from Coast Guard / National Archives 8x10 b/w $20 each:

Point Hueneme Lt. Sta. 1893 H. Bamber view

Oakland Harbor Lt. Sta. 1918 view

Cape Flattery Lt. Sta. 1940’s

Cape Flattery Lt. Sta. 1893 H. Bamber view (2)

Construction St. George Reef Lt. Sta.

St George Reef CG

St. George Reef Lt. Sta. (2)

West Point Lt. Sta., Wa

Tillamook Rock Lt. Sta. (2)

Tillamook Rock Lt. Sta. (from painting) (2)

Tillamook Rock Lt. Sta. w/ LJH Tender

Destruction Island Lt. Sta. (2)

Willapa Bay Lt. Sta.

Ano Nuevo Lt. Sta.

Port Aransas Lt. Sta. 1943

Grand Marais Lt. Sta. 1914 Lake Superior

Cattle Point, Wa., Lt. Sta.

Cape Disappointment Lt. Sta. (2)

S. Farallon Lt. Sta. 1859

Farallon Island Lt. Sta. 1925 (2)

Hudson City Lt. Sta., Selkirk , NY

Cape Flattery Lt. Sta., Tatoosh Island (2)

Punta Gorda Lt. Sta.

Piedras Blancas Lt. Sta.

Cape Hinchinbrook Lt. Sta. 1950’s

Scotch Cap Lt. Sta., Ak

Lincoln Rock Lt. Sta., Ak

Cape Decision Lt. Sta., Ak

Eatons Neck Lt. Sta., Long Island

2989. (lot negatives / contact prints) Walter L. Main Circus Parade c.1900. Lot of 10 wonderful close, clear views show portions of the circus parade of the Walter L. Main Circus c.1900. Walter L. Main, had an outstanding career in the circus business during 1887-1939. His Walter Main Circus, headquartered in Geneva, Ohio, was, at a time, one of the largest traveling railroad circuses in the world. After selling his own circus in 1905 he reverted to primarily leasing his name to other showmen. That was the case in 1932, when it went to James Heron, and 1933, when Tom Gorman had it. The Walter L. Main Circus was a popular circus during the late 1800s through mid-1900s. Main's circus outfit had to perform in smaller cities during this time because of stiff competition from the larger circus companies taking dates in the bigger cities of America. Main’s circus offered such performers as Adelle Houbignant (the greatest somersaulting bare back rider of all time), Aline Dumas (France's loveliest and most intrepid queen of the lofty trapeze), Mike and Ike ( the world famous twin-midgets), Miss Naida Miller (whirlwind on the high wire), Major and Mrs. Pee Wee McLaughlin, a wolfman, clowns galore and much more. Negative views include: Ponies pulling a large circus wagon lettered "WALTER L MAIN SHOWS."; young child walking alongside parade of soldiers; uniformed members of un-named Lodge organization marching; two men on horseback, in royal attire, in front of animal cage; Woman jumping from high pole into net; soldiers / band on horseback; line of four circus elephants; early automobile; men on horseback with a flag – labeled “Turks”; and a woman in ethnic clothing riding a camel. Additional contact prints (without negatives) include: Features man in horse drawn carriage with African American children walking along side. "Buffalo Bill" handwritten on back; Native Americans on horseback; Soldiers riding caisson - handwritten on back: "Gatlin Gun”; and mules pulling stagecoach. Each negative is in a labeled envelope with notations on the outside. Large format negatives measure approximately 3 ½” x 4 ½”. Overall condition of the negatives is very good. Ten negatives, 20 contact prints (some duplication). Wonderful close, clear views. (VG). $128.

24144b. [stereoview] Light-House at Farallone Islands , Pacific Ocean . (c.1870’s). Possibly by Taber, San Francisco , Cal. Extremely rare, close view of the lighthouse gallery and lantern as keepers [or workers] relax at the storeroom at the base. Interestingly, the storeroom is anchored from the winds by a cable running from rock anchors and over the roof. Good details of the lantern structure. View is clear, with some soiling and light foxing, chipping to mount corner.. This is an extremely difficult light to find close view of the light tower. (VG).  $48 net.

26322. (cabinet photo) Gray’s Harbor Lighthouse and Fog Signal Building, Westport, Wash. c.1899. Rare, early view shows a fairly close image of the light tower and steam fog signal building. Good view includes the windmill pumping water for the steam engine, the long trumpet and more. Labeled in ink on obverse “Nov. 19, 1899 1st Asst. Eng., Comp, G. C. Skinner”. Image is close, clear on mount measuring 5 ¼ ” x 6 ¼”. Clean, clear, light wear to edges and corners. A very nice important early image. (VG).  $165 net. 

More Gray's Harbor  lighthouse and Life Saving Service images further below.

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

28439. (photograph) "New York’s Only Light-House". Original 6” x 8” b/w photo provides a close clear view of the new light-house recently built atop a new office building overlooking the Harlem River, intended for use as an aviation beacon. News photo, not dated, includes description on back.  December 20, 1953. Clear, close, a few light spots. (VG). $54. 

28292. (photo) “Execution Rock Lighthouse – The Zitemfeld Twins in 10 Mile Swim. July 4, 1928. National News Photo. 6” x 8” b/w. From the credit line on obverse: “Photo shows the Zitemfeld twins… 14 years old, swimming from the Execution Rock Lighthouse … to City Island, a distance of 10 miles….” Nice clear, close view includes the striped light tower and a portion of the keeper’s house, the fog signal building, radio mast and more as the twins swim toward the photographer. Close, rare view, light wear. (VG). $48.

28171. (photo) Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon c.1930's. Lovely 3 ½” x 11” b/w photograph provides a great, clear view of this historic light station on the high bluff overlooking the rocky coastline. Nicely done professional image, clear, crisp, perfect for framing. (VG+). $44.

27393. (photo) Robbins Reef lighthouse, New York c.1950. Robbins Reef lighthouse is on  the West Side Main Channel in Upper New York Bay. In 1839, the first lighthouse to mark this navigational hazard was constructed: an octagonal stone tower, painted white, that stood atop a stone base. In 1883 this four-story, iron “sparkplug” tower was erected. The bottom story served as a kitchen and dining room, and was originally encircled by a partially enclosed porch. A pair of bedrooms was located on the second floor. To give the tower a distinctive marking, the top half was painted white and the bottom portion brown. The brown and white cylindrical lighthouse stands as monument to the lady who "kept the good light" for over 30 years. Her name was Kate Walker and the captains in the harbor affectionately refer to Robbin's Reef as "Kate's Light". Kate was respected by all for her courage and stamina. She could be seen rowing her children to school each day on Staten Island and is responsible for saving many a stranded boater. Unusually close, clear view measures 7 ½” x 9 ½”. (VG). $42.

28115. (photo) Richard E Byrd Fourth Antarctic Expedition 1946 – 1947. Large 8” x 10” b/w photo shows two of the many vessels for Admiral Byrd’s fourth expedition moored at Wellington, New Zealand. Included in the photo are the Navy icebreaker U. S. S. Mount Olympus (his flagship) and Coast Guard Cutter Northwind at the pier. By the late 1930's, officials of the United States government were becoming aware of the fact that interest in the Antarctic regions was gaining popular momentum among its citizenry due to the successful expeditions of Byrd. President Franklin D. Roosevelt took an active role in creating the United States Antarctic Service as he pushed for additional Antarctic expeditions. The fourth culminating expedition, Operation Highjump, was the largest Antarctic expedition to date. The total number of personnel involved was over 4,000. The armada arrived in the Ross Sea on December 31, 1946 and made aerial explorations of an area half the size of the United States, recording ten new mountain ranges. Byrd made his second flight over the South Pole before returning to the U.S. (VG). $18.

28100a. (stereoview) Richmond Pearson Hobson “The Hero of the Merrimac” c.1898 by Strohmeyer & Wyman Publishers, New York. Richard Hobson was born in Alabama, Hobson graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1889. Hobson then served at various Navy Yards and facilities, including a tour of duty as instructor at the Naval Academy. In the early days of the Spanish American War, he was with Admiral William T. Sampson in New York, and arrived off Santiago on June 1, 1898. In order to bottle up the Spanish squadron, Hobson took temporary command of collier Merrimac, which he would attempt to sink as an obstruction in the channel. The attempt was made early June 3rd under heavy Spanish fire, which disabled the steering gear of the collier. Hobson did sink the Merrimac, but was unable to place her in the shallowest part of the channel. With his intrepid crew of six, he was picked up by Admiral Cervera himself, and treated quite chivalrously for his gallant expedition. Hobson was advanced ten numbers in grade after the war for his heroics and later, in 1933 was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic attempt to block the channel was made a rear admiral by act of Congress. He later became a naval architect, author, and lecturer; and was elected as a Democrat to the Sixtieth and to the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1907-March 3, 1915). Clear, close view shows Hobson as a young man shortly after his war exploits posing on a pier with ships behind. Nice view, light wear, excellent historical Naval image. (VG+).   $44.

9404. (stereoview) Stony Point Lighthouse, Hudson River, New York c.1890. In 1826, the first and oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River was constructed at historic Stony Point to mark the entrance to the Hudson Highlands. The completion of the Erie Canal the previous year, which linked New York City to America's heartland, increased traffic on the Hudson River dramatically, and the need for navigational aids was paramount. The 30-foot-tall octagonal Stony Point Lighthouse, built of blue split stone, was constructed by Thomas Phillips of New York City, at a cost of $3,350. The tower has three stories and a basement, originally used to store whale oil. In October, 1995, the lighthouse was restored, relighted, and re-opened to the public for the first time since 1925, when it was decommissioned after having served for nearly one hundred years. View is close and fairly clear, providing an unprecedented view of the early light tower. View has moderate wear, with two corners of mount broken, light foxing, emulsion worn on one side. (G). $24.

2846. (photo) Lighthouse Lantern “Beacons of the Sea” by M. W. Sampson. Fine early photo, possibly intended for a phot contest, provides an unusually close, clear view of a 5th order 1870’s type iron lighthouse lantern and lens. Photo measures 8” x 10 ½” and is mounted on period mat. Light aging or soiling, would be striking matted and framed. (VG). $44.

Lot of 60 Lighthouse Apparatus Photographs by Chance Brothers c.1873-1881

Superb lot of 60 albumen photographs of dioptic lighthouse apparatus by Chance Brothers, Birmingham c.1873-1881. Original photographs measured 7” x 11 ½” and each was mounted on separate heavy printed catalogue page. Lot appears to have been from Chance Brothers catalogue or book of some type. An unprecedented find of early, original photographs. 

 1. For Bull Point Ilfracombe 1879.  2.  Trinity House London.  3.  Bull Point Near Ilfracombe 1879.  4. Trinity House London.  5. Vlakke Hork Sumatra 1877.  6.  Trinity House London.  7.  King Island Victoria. 8.  Boompjes Java.  9.  Point Malcolm Lake Alexandria South Australia 1877.  10.   Souter Point Coast Of North Umberland.  11. The South Stack Lower Light 1880.  12. Souter Point Coast Of Northumberland.  13.  South Stack Lower Light 1880.  14. South Foreland High Lighthouse.  15. Hooki Breaker Point Dodd Island China 1880.  16. South Foreland High Lighthouse.  17. Anvil Point Dorset 1881.  18. South Foreland Third Order.  19. Macquarie New South Wales 1881.  20. South Foreland Fixed Light.  21. Fort Cornwallis Penang Straits Settlement 1881.  22. Wolf Rock Coast Of Cornwall.  23. Wolf Rock Revolving Light.  24. Tearaght Ireland.  25. Fixed Light For Goverment Of Austria.  26. Flamborough Head Yorkshire.  27. Revolving Flamborough Head Yorkshire Coast.  28. Great Basses Rock Ceylon.  29. Gun Cay Lighthouse Bahamas.  30. Port Of Dublin.  31. Bidston Lighthouse Nr Birkenhead.  32. The Longstone Fern Island 1873.  33. North Breakwater Holy Head 1873.  34. Start Point Devon 1873.  35. Longships Lands End Cornwall 1873.  36. Lowestoft High Light Suffolk 1873.  37. Hartland Point Devon 1873.  38. Red Shades Hartland Point Devon 1873.  39. Cowan Cowan Pouint Queensland 1874.  40. Dungeness 1875.  41. Red Sectors Dungeness 1875.  42. The Little Basses Ceylon 1876.  43. The Casquets Rocks English Channel Exhibited At Brussels 1876.  44.  The Casquets Rocks Exhibited At Brussels 1876.  45. St Tudwall South Islet Wales 1876.  46.  St Tudwall Cardigan Bay 1876.  47. Dioptric Lighthouse Apparatus For Anegada De Afeura Vera Cruz.  48. Dioptric Lighthouse Apparatus For Mexico.  49. Dioptric Lighthouse Apparatus For Brazil.  50. Dioptric Lighthouse Apparatus, Condensing Light With Fixed Apparatus.  51. Dioptric Lighthouse Apparatus For Heligoland North Sea.  

# C26151. Set of 60 high quality Jpg images @ 600dpi on CD available $18.

2809. (stereoview) Remains of fortification, Fort William and Mary, Newcastle , NH c.1890 by M. M. Collis, Portsmouth , NH. Often thought to be the remails of the lighthouse tower, this photo view,  taken sometime between 1872 and 1897, shows the, near the remains of a War of 1812-era Martello tower, which sat just beyond the lighthouse keeper’s dwelling. Known as the Walbach Martello Tower , it was originally built in 1814 as part of the fortifications here. The state gave Frost Point, on which Fort William and Mary stands, to the Federal government in 1791 to protect Portsmouth . In 1808, the defense was renamed Fort Constitution . It was manned and expanded during the War of 1812. On a nearby small hill was added a Walbach Tower , a Martello-built in 1814. View is fairly clean and close, a few marks from wear and pen to the margin. (VG-). $24.

26204. (large photo) Ocracoke Lighthouse, North Carolina. c.1950-1970. 14” x 19” b/w on mat. Located on the island of Ocracoke, this is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina and is equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens. The present 75-foot tall structure is the third, built in 1822. The lighthouse was cemented and whitewashed in 1868, giving it the appearance it has today. Excellent professional clear close view of entire tower and gallery, superb for framing. Light wear. (VG). $38.

28170. (early framed photograph) “A M” Fire Company c.1870. Unusual early New England framed photo of “A M” Firefighting Company posing with hose-cart in front of their large two company firehouse. This appears to be a memorial service as there is a large photograph adorned with banners on the hose-cart and the officer bears a flower bouquet. Around him are 17 members. Their early uniform shirts bear large initials “A M”. Unknown location, originated in a New England estate. Early albumen image measures 4 ½” x 7 ½” and has been adhered to the back of the glass, mounted in original period heavy gilded frame measuring 7 ½” x 10 ½”. Wonderful early image has some wear and emulsion deterioration but is still clear with good contrast. (G+). $48. Sold.

  Original Lighthouse Photography by Bruce Roberts.

 Bruce Roberts has been a well known and respected lighthouse historian, photographer and author since the subject gained the nation’s interest in the 1980’s. The former Director of Photography and Senior Photographer at Southern Living Magazine, Bruce was also a member of the legendary 1960s photo staff of The Charlotte Observer, which pioneered the use of the 35mm camera and natural light for newspaper photography. For over twenty years, lighthouses have become his favorite subject. His renowned lighthouse photography has appeared in hundreds of books and magazines including Southern Lighthouses and American Lighthouses.  Bruce has also done freelance photography for Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated and many others. He has coauthored numerous best selling lighthouse books as well as numerous other historical books. His photography is respected world wide and some are part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution. He is also a founding charter member of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society . “Bruce Roberts has earned the right to be acknowledged as one of our era’s most important photojournalists, and although he seldom displays them, he has a room full of awards to prove it.” says co-author Ray Jones.

We have been most fortunate to obtain from Mr. Roberts a selection of his early lighthouse photographs done for his first  lighthouse series with Globe Pequot;  Northern Lighthouses and Southern Lighthouses. These prints were hand printed by Mr. Roberts at the time and all bear his signature on the back. They are all printed on double weight fiber based paper of the same type used for museum archival printing. All are silver prints done by hand and tray processed – an art that is fast fading away today, being replaced by digital photography. Because of the process and paper used, these museum quality prints will last a hundred years into the future.  

Presently we have 37 prints available in 8 x 10 and 11 x 14 format, with pricing from $25 to $125. Light stations include: (Maine) Portland Head (2), Pemaquid Point (3), Portland Breakwater (1) , Owls Head (1), Fort Point (1) , (Mass.) Boston Light (4), Nobska (3), (Conn.) New London (1), (Maryland) Assateague (1),  (Virginia) Portsmouth Lightship (2), Old Point Comfort (1802) (2), Old & New Cape Henry (1), (Georgia) Cockspur Island (1), (Florida) St. Augustine (1), Pensacola (5), Port Boca Grande (Gasparilla Is.) (1), (Alabama) Sand Island (1), Mobile Bay (1), (Texas) Old Point Isabel (shown below) (2), Bolivar Point (shown below) (1),

We have shown just a few here but this medium does not do them justice. When matted and framed, you will have a lovely work of art for your wall. Many more are available. Please ask for specific stations noted above and we will email you images available and pricing. 

Fort Point, Maine 11 x 14 $125,  Pensacola, Fl. 8 x 10 $44,  Old Point Isabel, Texas 6 x 9 $40

 Drum Point (Md), Ponce Inlet (Fl), Jupiter Inlet (Fl), Tybee Island (Ga), Boca Grande (Fl), Hooper's Strait (Md), Sand Island (Al). Please inquire for pricing.

Bolivar Point, (Tx) 6 x 9 $45

U. S. Coast Guard photos: Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (Ca), Cleveland West Pierhead LH, Two Harbors LH, Chicago Harbor LH, Buffalo Harbor LH. Also many of motor lifeboats, patrol boats,  and stations available. Please inquire.

8333n. [stereoview] International Exhibition 1876, Machinery Exhibit. (c.1870’s). By Centennial Photographic  Co. (VG+). $18.

8333L. [stereo view] THE GREAT LIGHT-HOUSE LENS MOUNTED FOR WORK,  ELECTRIC BUILDING , WORLD’S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION. B. W. Kilburn view,  Littleton, NH . c. 1893. Rare stereo view of the large bi-valve first-order lens at the Light-House Establishment exhibit in the Electric Building at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. This is a clean, detailed view showing the large lens and clockwork rotating mechanism, and other portions of the electric exhibit. Nice, clear, clean view, light wear. (VG).  $34.

8333o. [stereo view] [LIGHT-HOUSE EXHIBIT, U. S. GOVERNMENT BUILDING – TRANSEPT LOOKING SOUTH. International Exhibition 1876. (c.1876). By Centennial Photographic Co. Rare stereo view of the large first-order and other lenses at the Light-House Establishment exhibit at the 1876 International  Exposition. This is an extremely clean, detailed view showing most of the two lenses, Lighthouse Service ensign and other portions of the electric exhibit. Nice, quite clear, clean view. (VG+).  $48.

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

2554. (photo) Eaton’s Neck Long Island labeled on back “Eaton’s Neck Coast Guard”. c.1900. Beautiful cyanotype view details the imposing building and tall flag mast in the foreground. 9” x 10 ½” in early 20th Century frame. (VG). $48.  

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

  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

Original U. S. Light House Establishment Photographs

by Herbert Bamber 

Engineer, United States Lighthouse Establishment

  The original photographs were taken by Herbert Bamber, a civil engineer for the US Light-House Establishment during the period 1892-93.  During this period, Mr.  Bamber traveled the entire country surveying and photographing the light stations for the LH Establishment files. The original photos that he took are today in the National Archives and you can see many reproduced in  lighthouse references. However, Mr. Bamber made an extra print of each photograph for his own files and these photographs were found in his barn in the  Midwest a few years ago. These were original photographs, hand printed at the lighthouse location in 1892-93. You will note that many of these views show the keeper or his family posed, as photographers were somewhat rare and special.  These rare early views were from a process known as cyanotype, named for one chemical, cyan, that is used, thus the blue/white coloring rather than the traditional black/white. Most photographs printed in this manner show considerable detail. The process was commonly used in the field, and by amateurs at home during the period 1880-1920 because of its relative ease compared to other chemical processes.   Photos measure 8" x 10" and are nicely matted to 11" x 14" for framing. 

U-01. Fort Sumter, SC.,  Lighthouse and Bell Tower. (shown) $165. (sold)

U-02. Ship Island, Mississippi,  Light House and Dwelling.  $155.

U-03. Round Island, Mississippi,  Light House and Dwelling.  $110.

  Photo Retouching Service

We are now able offering the services of a photo retouching and restoration specialist. Note the above photo. Through complex scanning and printing techniques, all of the staining and marks  have been removed. Printed on quality gloss white photographic paper we now can have a beautiful print for framing showing far greater detail. If you have historic or family photos that are damaged and would like a restored print for framing, please call us and we will put you in touch with our specialist.

Copy Negative Sets

Herbert Bamber Collection

of the  United States Lighthouse Establishment

 The original photographs from which these negatives were made, were taken by Herbert Bamber, a civil engineer for the US Light-House Establishment during the period 1880-1910. Mr. Bamber supervised construction of many light stations across the country including Mosquito Inlet Light in  Florida . During the period 1892-93, Mr. Bamber traveled the entire country surveying and photographing the light stations for the LH Establishment files. The original photos that he took are today in the National Archives and you can see many reproduced in  lighthouse references. However, Mr. Bamber made an extra print of each photograph for his own files and these photographs were found in his barn in the Midwest a few years ago. These were original photographs, hand printed at the lighthouse location in 1892-93. You will note that many of these views show the keeper or his family posed, as photographers were somewhat rare and special.

These rare early views were from a process known as cyanotype, named for one chemical, cyan, that is used, thus the blue/white coloring rather than the traditional black/white. Most photographs printed in this manner show considerable detail. The process was commonly used in the field, and by amateurs at home during the period 1880-1920 because of its relative ease compared to other chemical processes.   

We re-photographed the entire collection and offer here the large format copy negatives made from his photographs. Negatives measure 2 ¼” x 3” and show great detail of the light towers, buildings and in many cases the keepers and their families. Regarding the following stations, we have the below listed negatives available:

  Isle of Shoals, NH. 1 negatives available $35, Little River Light, ME. 1 negatives available $35, Ship Island, MS. 2 negatives available $70, E.  Pascagopula ,  MS . 3 negatives available $105, Round Island, MS. 2 negatives available $70, Horn Island, MS. 2 negatives available $70, Pensacola, FL. 5 negatives available $175, Fort Barrancas, FL. 2 negatives available $70,  Fort McRee , FL. 3 negatives available $105, Cedar Keys, FL. 2 negatives available $70, Key West, FL. 2 negatives available $70,  Morris Island , SC. 11 negatives available $385, Fort Sumpter, SC. 3 negatives available $105, Bull’s Bay, SC. 5 negatives available $175, Cape Romain, SC. 9 negatives available $315, Georgetown, SC. 4 negatives available $140, Long Point ,  NC . 8 negatives available $280, Superior Pier Light, MI. 2 negatives available $70,  Duluth ,  MN . 4 negatives available $140, Two Harbors, MN. 4 negatives available $140,  Devils Island ,  WI . 4 negatives available $140, Outer  Island ,  WI . 5 negatives available $175,  Port Washington ,  WI . 4 negatives available $140, Point Loma, CA. 8 negatives available $280, Ballast Point, CA. 6 negatives available $210, Point Fermin, CA. 5 negatives available $175, Point Hueneme, CA. 4 negatives available $140, Santa Barbara, CA. 4 negatives available $140, Point Conception, CA. 7 negatives available $245, Point Sur, CA. 5 negatives available $175, Point Pinos, CA. 7 negatives available $245, Trinidad Head, CA. 2 negatives available $70, Cape Mendicino, CA. 1 negatives available $35,  Cape Flattery ,  WA . 2 negatives available $70,  Ediz Hook ,  WA . 2 negatives available $70, New  Dungeness ,  WA . 2 negatives available $70, Smith’s Island, WA. 2 negatives available $70, Turn Point Fog  Signal ,  WA . 2 negatives available $70,  Patos Island ,  WA . 2 negatives available $70, Admiralty Head, WA. 2 negatives available $70,  Point Robinson  WA . 3 negatives available $105,  Willapa Bay ,  WA . 2 negatives available $70.

Discounts available for quantity purchases – please inquire.

AMBROSE LIGHTSHIP - GERALD LEVEY

  2428cb. (photograph) "Another Lighthouse", [PEMAQUID POINT LIGHTHOUSE] by Lowell Miller. c.1940’s. This is a fantastic vintage 1940's black and white photograph that was done by a wonderful photographer named Lowell Miller. He graduated at the Rochester Institute of Technology during the 1930's and later worked out of his studio in Rochester . This print measures 10 ½” x 13 ½” and is entitled, "Another Lighthouse". It is in excellent condition. The mat board that it is affixed to has corner edge wear, but nothing distractive or damaging to the print itself. There is a label on the back that shows where it was entered in the Newcastle Upon Tyne Exhibition, Midland Salon of Photography, Worcestershire Camera Club Salon of Photography ~ 1953.  (VG+). $88 net.

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

Martha is a resident of Ashland Massachusetts.  She has loved art her whole life.  As a child she won a scholarship to the John Heron Art Museum School in Indianapolis, where she sold her first portrait.  Since then she has been commissioned to do portraits of people, animals and houses in pastels and has won numerous awards for her artwork and photography. 

Martha has taken up painting lighthouses, since the commission of a wedding picture of two of her good friends, who were married in front of the Brant Point Lighthouse.  Martha loves the beauty of the ocean, the breezes and the sounds and tries to capture these feelings and combine them with the history of each lighthouse she paints.

Martha will paint your favorite lighthouse in pastels or watercolors from your photograph. For information, email her at Mayotte22Art@aol.com.

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.

23384. [Framed Lighthouse Prints ] Here is a pair of nicely framed lighthouse prints that were taken from early woodcut engravings. We are not certain of the date on these items but we believe that they may be earlier and possibly framed in the 1970's-1980's. The first print is titled Phare d'Edystonel, and the second print is titled Minot's Ledge Lighthouse. The detailing on these prints is fantastic! These prints are matted and presented in handsome frames with antique style molding and wood design finish. Both frames are complete with glass, paper backings and wire for hanging attached, and are ready for immediate display upon arrival. On the edges of the frames there are a few minor areas that need to be retouched but overall, both frames are in EXTREMELY GOOD CONDITION! These items would look exceptionally nice displayed together in your home, or office, or would make a charming gift for any collector of lighthouses! Overall Size: Approximately 14" x 18 1/4". (VG+). Set 2 framed prints: $126 net.

Photo Retouching Service

We are now able offering the services of a photo retouching and restoration specialist. Note the above photo. Through complex scanning and printing techniques, the first officer’s foot has been restored, as has the hand rail and life ring. In addition, all of the staining and marks from the crease have been removed. Printed on quality gloss white photographic paper we now have a beautiful print for framing showing far greater detail. If you have historic or family photos that are damaged and would like a restored print for framing, please call us and we will put you in touch with our specialist.

C21180. [retouched print shown above]. U. S. Lightship First LH District. c.1880-90. 5" x 7". $16.95.

23109. [stereoview] Cape Meares Lighthouse, Oregon. (c.1880). By L. J. Ennes, Hillsboro. Excellent close view of the squat 1st order lantern and tower. Rare view of the white octagonal light tower and lantern. Excellent view of the lantern with shades closed to block out the midday sun. This extremely rare view shows good detail of the tower and is bright and clear. (VG+). $84.

2038. [view book] FIFTY GLIMPSES OF NANTUCKET ISLAND FROM RECENT PHOTOGRAPHS. John F. Murphy, Boston. 1897. 47p. This scarce turn of the century view book of Nantucket Island features 48 beautiful lithographed views from photos of local scenes. Mostly 5" x 7", views include steamers at the wharf, Sankaty Light, Great Point Light, Life-Saving Station at Great Point, Siasconset, wreck of the Warren at Surfside, Steamer Gay Head, Steamer Nantucket, Nantucket & Siasconset Railroad, the wharves, Main Street, hotels, the Ocean House [now the Jared Coffin House], area homes and businesses and more. Quite nice views, scarce booklet. Signature bound with string. Contents clean and sharp, covers crisp and bright. Scarce booklet in unusually fine condition. (F-). $148.

Pemaquid Point by Anita Price

Water color, matted, please inquire.

A resident of Mystic, CT, Anita has enjoyed doing artwork since she was very young. As a child, Anita's family vacationed in Colorado where she and a family friend, John Kirsch, would hike in the mountains in search of locations to sketch and paint. Kirsch had a successful gallery in Estes Park, Colorado. For many years all of Anita's paintings were of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also spent much of her spare time doing arts and crafts and taking courses at the Art Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she spent her childhood. 

Anita holds a fine arts degree from the University of Wisconsin. As an adult she has painted in oil and acrylic but now works exclusively in watercolor and obtains her inspiration from New England's beautiful homes and gardens as well as its unique shoreline.

Anita's paintings have been described as: "paintings that make me feel happy" . . . "I feel very peaceful when I look at them" . . . "the way life ought to be" . . . "wonderfully soothing colors" . . . "they make me want to go there". Part of Anita's art business includes commissions of house portraits. Often the recipients of her portraits try to duplicate the landscaping created by a combination of Anita's imagination and paintbrush. 

Paintings by Anita Price can be found in galleries in Connecticut and Rhode Island as well as at several New England outdoor fine art shows. Her work has been juried into numerous art shows and is included in corporate and private collections throughout the United States.

Part of Anita's art business includes commissions of house portraits. Shown below is a photo sent to Anita and her commissioned painting. Please inquire for more information.

House Portraits by Anita Price

New England watercolor artist, Anita Price, will paint a custom portrait of your home using your photographs. Image can be enhanced by eliminating utility lines, adding landscaping, or by recreating a vintage view of your home. Portrait will be shipped matted and backed with acid free materials so that it can be put directly into a 22 x 28 inch frame.   Please contact us  for further details.

Anita Price
One Elm Place
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 572-7542

Chesapeake Lightship, recently completed for a client,  12" x 18" by GERALD LEVEY - American artist - 1930 -

When our client received this painting, he wrote the artist: "The painting arrived in fine shape on Sat., Jan. 4.  It looks great! It's pretty much just the way I envisioned it.  I'm very happy with all the details you were able to show on the lightship, like the water depth markings on the bow, the shape and texture of the spare mushroom anchor on the starboard bow, the smokestack, etc. One thing that I didn't expect was the fact that the lightship is not lined up so that it's parallel with the bottom of the frame.  It's at a slight angle to the horizon, instead.  But, you know what?  The painting is a lot more interesting that way!  Thanks for doing such a splendid job with the painting. --Frank H."

Gerald Levey is a nationally recognized marine artist whose work is known for its salty ambiance and authenticity. Please inquire as we can commission a painting by the artist of your favorite lightship or other Coast Guard, Naval, merchant or other vessel of your choice in a year and setting of your choice.

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

 9108. [stereo view] Remains of City Fountain and Base of Lighthouse, St. Pierre, Martinique, West Indies. c.1902 by H. C. White Co. Clear view, somewhat soiled and with one chip to sky area, corner bent. Clear, close view shows a gentleman surveying the devastation from a recent storm. Behind the damaged fountain can be seen the foundation remains of a lighthouse, though I have not been able to discover exactly which light was in this area. A most interesting view and probably one of the few photos of the lighthouse remains. (G). $42.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GERALD LEVEY - American - 1930 -

Gerald Levey is a nationally recognized marine artist whose work is known for its salty ambiance and authenticity.

Levey's spirited seascapes and ship portraits are based on his long professional life at sea as a career naval officer. He joined the Navy on his 17th birthday, and served in Pacific Fleet ships as an enlisted man for four years before winning an appointment to the Midshipman program at Columbia. Upon graduation and commissioning, he volunteered for submarine duty, served in both diesel and nuclear submarines and rose to command of USS SABLEFISH, a diesel attack submarine.

After his retirement from the Navy, he continued to work closely with nuclear attack submarines and their crews to develop search and attack tactics. He received the Navy Distinguished Public Service award for leading the tactical development program for 688 Class nuclear attack submarines.

As a high school art student in Brooklyn, N.Y., Levey roamed the city's waterfront, sketching and absorbing atmosphere. He is a recognized expert in both naval and commercial vessels. His paintings of the final years of the great New York port are particularly vivid and document the working merchant ships and harbor craft of the twentieth century.

He is a frequent exhibitor at the Maritime Gallery at the Mystic Seaport where he was awarded the prestigious Rudolph Shaeffer prize at the 1985 Mystic International Show and the Mystic Seaport Purchase Award for the 1991 International exhibit.

He is an Artist Member and a past officer of the American Society of Marine Artists and has been designated as a Navy and Coast Guard artist. He is listed in the Dictionary of Sea Painters, an authoritative compilation of American and European marine artists of the Fifteenth through the Twentieth centuries. Levey is also listed in the Artist Bluebook at AskArt.com.

Several hundred of Levey's paintings hang in the wardrooms of naval vessels, in the corporate offices of the seagoing community and in the homes of collectors who value his paintings for their authenticity and style.

Levey’s paintings have appeared in Naval History Magazine, the Journal of the Steamship Society of America, Towline, the Moran Towing Company magazine and The Log of the Mystic Seaport Museum.

His paintings are in the permanent collections of the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, the Coast Guard Academy, the Submarine Memorial Museum, the Mariners Museum in Newport News , Virginia , the U.S. Naval Academy Museum at Annapolis, the Charlestown Navy Yard Museum in the Boston National Historic Park and in the Los Angeles Maritime Museum.

The following biography is from the artist:

Gerald Levey was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1930. He grew up in Brighton Beach, overlooking the entrance to New York harbor and began drawing passing ships and watercraft at an early age. He developed his watercolor skills in high-school art classes, and painted scenes of the Brooklyn and Manhattan waterfronts.

In 1947, on his seventeenth birthday, he joined the Navy and spent the next four years as an enlisted man, serving in two Pacific fleet ships. In 1951, he won a fleet appointment to the Midshipman college program, graduated from Columbia University in 1955, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the regular Navy. After a year of service in a minesweeper, he volunteered for submarine duty. He served in both diesel and nuclear submarines during the height of the cold war and made more than a dozen patrols and deployments in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. Levey commanded the attack diesel submarine USS Sablefish in 1968 and 1969.

Levey retired from the Navy as a full Commander in 1971, but as a civilian consultant, continued to work closely with nuclear submarines and their crews developing new search and attack tactics against threat submarines. In 1982, he was awarded the Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal for his work in this field.

While engaged in submarine work by day, Levey continued painting marine watercolors in his spare time. During this period, he studied with Lou Bonamarte, a nationally known watercolor painter. He also became an artist member of the American Society of Marine Artists and of the Salmagundi Club in New York City.

In 1985, Levey left the world of submarines and devoted himself fully to a career as a marine painter. He attended the Lyme Academy of Fine Art in Connecticut and studied anatomy and figure painting with Dean Keller.

For the past fifteen years, Levey has worked in the marine watercolor genre, specializing in paintings of merchant ships, water craft, and naval vessels of the Twentieth Century. Much of his work depicts scenes around the port of New York's rivers, bays and wharves during the period when the harbor was the busiest in the world.

Levey's works have been exhibited widely in galleries and museums on both coasts. He has had several solo shows, including a one-man show at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut. His work has appeared in national exhibits of the American Society of Marine Artists held at the Mariners Museum at Newport News, Virginia, and at the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore, Maryland.

He has been an exhibiting artist at the Maritime Gallery at the Mystic Seaport Museum since 1980, and has been in more than forty major shows mounted by the gallery. His paintings received the prestigious Rudolph Schaefer Award in the Mystic International Exhibit in 1985, and the Mystic Seaport Purchase Award in the 1991 International Show. He has also exhibited in exhibitions in museums and galleries in Seattle, Annapolis, Newport, New York, and Connecticut.

Levey has been designated a Navy and Coast Guard artist and is listed in the "Dictionary of Sea Painters of Europe and America," the authoritative compilation of marine artist of the 15th through 20th centuries.

PUBLICATIONS WHERE REFERENCED:
"The Dictionary of Sea Painters of Europe and America" by E.H.H. Archibald.
"Contemporary Marine Art" by P. Egeli.

"Naval History Magazine," 'Gerald Levey, Steaming on the Gray Line' December 1999.

"Journal of the Steamboat Historical Society of America" by Robert J Russell, 'SS Normandy/USS Lafayette, Death and Dismantling,"'Spring 1995.

"The Log of Mystic Seaport" by Andrew German, 'On Board the Flying Clipper,' Autumn 1998.

Please contact us for more information, paintings available or to commission your maritime scenes. 

Procedure to order items:

1. I suggest that you call us or email to check on availability of any item that you would like other than recent books. As items go quite quickly, please call and leave a message to reserve items that you would like. I will return your call, hold the items and await your letter or credit card information. We will also weigh the items and advise postage. 

2. You may then call or email credit card information, or forward a check in the mail.

Most items are mailed US Priority Mail or UPS. Additional information on our "Ordering Page".

Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.

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This page last updated February 03, 2012 .

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