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An Early Sample From Our Upcoming March - April Catalogue.... For additional items please see our Rare Out of Print page as well. United States Lighthouse Service Bulletins 1912-1935
27172. (copy) Bureau
of Lighthouses. Lighthouse Service Bulletins.
28119. (architectural drawing) Cat Head. U.S. Light Vessels Nos. 51, 52, 53 and 54. December 8, 1891. F. W. Wheeler & Company ship-builders of West Bay City, Michigan. Original architectural drawing on linen measures 23 ½” x 36” and is hand drawn in two colors. Two views, one from top and one from side, show Cat Head as mounted on the deck of the lightship. The cat head is a beam projecting from each side of the bows of a ship, almost horizontally. It is designed for the purpose of raising the anchor from the surface of the water to the deck without touching the bows, and for carrying the anchor on its stock end when suspended outside the ship's side. It is furnished with sheaves at the outer end, and the inner end (which is called the cat’s tail) fits down on the cat-beam. This original architectural drawing represents a great view into the design and construction of a portion of this style of lightship. The drawing is quite beautiful and would be wonderful for research or to frame for display. Extremely scarce. Very good condition, clean crisp, no tears. (VG+). $185.
28119b. (architectural drawing) Awning
Stanchion, Full Size Sketch. U.S. Light Vessels Nos. 51, 52, 53 and 54. October
20, 1891. F. W. Wheeler & Company ship-builders of West Bay City,
Michigan. Original architectural drawing on linen measures 11 ¾” x 28 ¾”
and is hand drawn in two colors. Four views, one from top and one from
side as well as views of brackets, show stanchion that was mounted on the
railing to support the canvas awning on the stern and midships of the vessel.
This original architectural drawing represents a great view into the design and
construction of a portion of this style of lightship. The drawing is quite
beautiful and would be wonderful for research or to frame for display. Extremely
scarce. Very good condition, bright, clean crisp, no tears. (VG+). $135
7463bbb.
7463ccc.
27182b. (Architect’s view) Fourth Order Light House, Mobile Middle Bay, Alabama. c.1888. American Architect and Building News. April 14, 1888. A beautifully detailed, hand colored, original plan image from the American Architect and Building News. This image is extremely hard to find, as the American Architect and Building News not only had a very small circulation during that time, but very few were actually preserved or colored as this has been. It measures 5 ½” by 7 ½” and had been professionally matted. Overall mat size 11 ¾” by 9 ½”. Due to high labor costs in the post-Civil-War South, the lighthouse was prefabricated in the North and then shipped to Mobile Point, where it arrived in 1885. The screwpile lighthouse consisted of a wooden hexagonal dwelling with a roof that slopped upwards to the centrally located lantern room. The lighthouse was supported by seven legs extending from each corner of the superstructure. After the piles had been screwed into the bottom of the bay, the structure suddenly settled seven and a half feet on September 12, 1885. Wooden piles were hurriedly driven around the screwpiles and succeeded in stabilizing the lighthouse. On December 1, 1885, the light from a fourth-order Fresnel lens first cast its beam from atop the lighthouse. Today the structure still exists, topped by a red navigational beacon. Finely detailed and beautifully hand-colored, shrink wrapped. Plan is in fine condition, clean and crisp, perfect for framing. (F). $122.
6333y, z. Putnam, George R. SENTINEL OF THE COASTS - THE LOG OF A LIGHTHOUSE ENGINEER. NY. 1937. 1st. ed. 368pp. 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 soiling and fading to the spine. (VG). $88 net.
6366v.
Putnam, George R. LIGHTHOUSES AND LIGHTSHIPS OF THE
UNITED STATES. Cambridge, MA. 1933 2nd ed. 324pp. DJ. Contains 48
photos and maps. Historical and descriptive work by the Commissioner of
lighthouses. Good information from a most reliable source, nice overall view.
Includes chapters on the history and organization, Boston Light and the Colonial
Lights, US lighthouses around the country, lighthouse construction and
apparatus, lightships and lighthouse tenders, buoys and daymarks, fog signals,
the light-keepers, and much more. This most important work has become quite
scarce. Unusually good copy, overall clean, light age toning, edge wear to dj.
(VG-). $124.
6366u.
Putnam, George R. LIGHTHOUSES AND LIGHTSHIPS OF THE
UNITED STATES. 5285f.
Weiss, George. THE LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE - ITS HISTORY,
ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATION; Service Monographs of the 9198c. 21346. Grubb, Russell. Tag,
Phyllis L. The Lighthouse Keepers of the Great Lakes.
Incredible set of five volumes is the culmination of years of research at the
national Archives, log books, payroll records and many other sources. Each book
lists lighthouse keepers both alphabetically and by station, including full
name, date of birth and death when known, rank, light stations, reason for
leaving, etc. Includes thousands of listings and is by far the most complete
such listing ever completed. These volumes are long out of print and nearly
impossible to find today. Only one set remains. Tag,
Phyllis L. The Lighthouse Keepers of Lake Michigan.
1998. Spiral bound. Approx 200 pages. $85. Tag,
Phyllis L. The Lighthouse Keepers of Lake Superior.
1998. Spiral bound. Approx 150 pages. $75 Tag,
Phyllis L. The Lighthouse Keepers of Lake Huron.
1998. Spiral bound. Approx 120 pages. $75
2891. [bid booklet]
27477. Putnam, George R.
(Commissioner of Lighthouses) RADIO FOG SIGNALS
AND THEIR USE IN NAVIGATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE RADIOCOMPASS.
United States Lighthouse Service. GPO. 2nd. 1924. 28p. Soft wraps.
Detailed work describes completely the theory and operation of the new
systems of radio-beacons installed on the coasts for guidance of marine
traffic. Includes locations, theory, principles of operation, equipment,
systems, history and station locations. Illustrated with maps and some
wonderful photographs. Clean, tight. Rare title by the Commissioner of
Lighthouses. (VG+). $245. 6332nx3.
Lighthouse Service. LIST OF BEACONS, BUOYS AND DAYMARKS
IN THE FIRST LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. 1898. 6332ox3.
Lighthouse Service. LIGHT LIST INCLUDING FOG SIGNALS
PACIFIC COAST OF THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, HAWAIIAN AND SAMOAN ISLANDS. 1931.
Wash. 275pp. Desirable listing includes detailed information on all lighthouses,
lightships, post lights and other aids to navigation including location,
characteristics, order of light, apparatus or illuminant, height, color and
peculiarities, fog signal information, and much more. Soft wraps unusually
intact, only light wear. Contents quite clean, tight save some staining on title
pages, wraps chipped, brittle, portion back wrap missing. Very difficult to find
these early Pacific Coast Lighthouse Service lists. (VG-) $74. 6332px3.
Lighthouse Service. BUOY (AND LIGHT) 6332-1.
2897a. Small, Isaac M., TRUE
STORIES OF CAPE COD. Buzzards Bay. 1934. 95pp. Soft wraps.
Isaac Small was for sixty years the marine reporting agent stationed at Highland
Light, whose duty it was to report incoming shipping. His experience and
knowledge of this area of 7119k.
Small, Isaac M., SHIPWRECKS ON 5416c,e.
Small, Isaac M., JUST A LITTLE ABOUT THE
2894. (advertising window card) Small,
Isaac M., CAPE COD STORIES c.1930’s. Isaac
Small was for sixty years the marine reporting agent stationed at Highland
Light, whose duty it was to report incoming shipping. His experience and
knowledge of this area of
5174g.
7441e. Foley, George F. Jr., SINBAD
OF THE COAST GUARD. 28109.
Leighton, Clare, WHERE LAND MEETS SEA – The Enduring
Cape Cod. Riverside. 2nd. 1973. Soft wraps. 202p. Illustrated with
many wood engravings by Clare Leighton. A classic volume summons up the delights
of this unique stretch of New England coastline, revealing the feel and spirit
of this historic area. Included are chapters on the hurricanes and storms,
lighthouses, shipwrecks, the outer beach and more. Fine reading. (tight, light
soiling. (VG). $12. 28110.
Kittredge, Henry C., CAPE COD – Its People and Their
History. Boston. 1968. 344p. DJ. First published in 1930, this book
is a detailed history of the peninsula. From the naming and settlement of every
Cape town, the author moves chronologically through time, with a few backtracks
to cover special topics like religion, wars, the canal, whaling and fisheries.
Of utmost importance, of course, is the continuing relationship of the residents
to the sea. Some of the most fascinating (and brutal and tragic) stories can be
found in the "Storms, Wrecks, and Wreckers" chapter. Truly sobering is
the reproduction of a map showing the location of every known shipwreck off Cape
Cod just from 1880 to 1903, when 540 wrecks were reported. On the lighter side
is the chapter regarding the construction of the Canal. Cutting a waterway
through the Buzzard's Bay area had been an occasional topic of conversation and
speculation since 1676. Thoroughly enjoyable, fiklled with information. Clean,
tight, in worn and chipped dj. (VG). $16.
5266k.
Cusack, Zugbee. COLLECTOR'S LUCK - A THOUSAND YEARS AT 5266m.
Cusack, Zugbee. COLLECTOR'S LUCK - A THOUSAND YEARS AT
27436. (document)
5426e. Beston, Henry. THE
OUTERMOST HOUSE – A Year of Life on the 6332mx3. Coast Guard.
22156L.
[powder can label] DU PONT LIFE SAVING SERVICE POWDER
7159n. (magazine) THE
MENTOR. July 1925. Pub. 20146c. Life-Saving Service. REVISED
REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES
AND THE LAWS UPON WHICH THEY ARE BASED - 1884.
22355f. U. S.
Life-Saving Service prints by Fred S. Cozzens, 1890 as reproduced by
the Illustrated American Supplement, 1890. The original paintings were done in
1887 by renowned marine artist Fred S. Cozzens (1856-1928) who studied at
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in
2845. (Architect’s view) A Life-Saving Station for the Coast of New England by Albert B. Bibb, Architect c.1886. American Architect and Building News. January 23, 1886. A beautifully detailed, hand colored, original plan image from the American Architect and Building News shows Albert Bibb’s design for a life-saving station for the New England coast. Later known as the Bibb #2 Type. This image is extremely hard to find, as the American Architect and Building News not only had a very small circulation during that time, but very few were actually preserved or colored as this has been. Plan measures 8 ¾” x 6 ¼” inches and has been professionally matted. Overall mat size 9 by 11 inches. Plan includes elevation view and small plan view. Finely detailed and beautifully hand-colored, plan is shrink wrapped for protection. Plan is in near fine condition, clean and crisp, perfect for framing. (F-). $128. 27449.
(copy) Diary of Joshua Hardy, Light Keeper, 27450.
(copy) 27451.
(copy)
8325b. Douglass, J. W. [for Capt. Ottinger]. APPEAL OF CAPTAIN DOUGLASS OTTINGER AGAINST THE PASSAGE IN THE SENATE, OF HOUSE RESOLUTION, 125, 1ST SESSION, 49TH CONGRESS. January 1887. 20p. Soft wraps. Rare report on behalf of Captain Douglass Ottinger’s claim him as the sole inventor of the life or surf car and requests that Congress delay presenting an award for same to Mr. Joseph Francis. Includes detailed testimony by Captain Ottinger as to the details of his invention and its introduction into the Life-Saving Service, as well as testimony by members of the revenue Cutter Service, Representative William A. Newell, and many others. A most important original early account of the development of this important piece of equipment. Clean, crisp, little wear. (VG+). $134.
27485. [set 6 trade cards] Liebig Company Life Saving Set c.1880. Set of six turn of the century trade cards for Liebig Company’s Fleisch Extract. Published by Liebig’s Company in Antwerp. Superb set depicts the life saving crews rescuing sailors by breeches buoy and by surfboat. Meat extract had been conceived by German chemist Justus von Liebig, it was a method to preserve meat with all its nutrients while reducing its size. New marketing strategies were to be devised to publicize the new product which at the time was perceived as revolutionary (1850). Mr. Boucicaut, the owner of a department store in Paris, had a brilliant idea, that of giving as a present an illustrated card to every kid and mum in the shop. Every Thursday new cards were distributed so to keep the kids interested in going back regularly to the store. This kind of advertisement spread very quickly in Paris where lithographers were soon to become very fashionable. They used to prepare standard card designs to which it was later added a caption for the specific product they had to publicize. The Liebig Company started publication around 1870 and ended in 1975, after having published more than 11,000 different types of cards; every subject is nearly always in a set made up of six cards. Liebig Company is now renown for having published cards for more then a century. Liebig cards collection is still very appreciated today for their high quality of printing and design which was never really matched by any other company. Set is in fine condition, clean and bright, a lovely set that would grace any collection. (F-). $124.
21460c.
Lighthouse Service. THE UNITED STATES LIGHTHOUSE
SERVICE. 6364h.
Johnson, Shinnecock Bay Light Station, Long Island, New York.
27285a,b,c,d,e,f,g. (Light-House Keeper’s Receipt) Shinnecock Bay Light Station, Long Island, New York. c.1910. Original Light House Keeper’s receipt for items received from the Engineer, Third Light-House District for use at the light station. Form is No. 11-1950 and is filled out and signed in the hand of Keeper Charles Redfern and dated 1910. Form measures 5 ¼” x 8” and is clean and crisp, may have one fold. (VG+). $44 each (7 available, varying dates)
27424. U. S. Light-House Establishment. Form No. 316. JOURNAL OF LIGHT STATION. Shinnecock Bay Light Station, Long Island, New York. c.1913. Journal lists date, time of watch, condition of light, condition of fog signal and signature of keeper and would be filled out by the keeper for each watch, from midnight to sunrise, and sunrise to midnight. This journal was filled out by keepers J. Orton, H. H. Lake, Thomas J. Conklin, and J. D. McMillan and dates from March 17, 1913 to December 31st, 1918. Includes many notes about difficulties with the lamp or vaporizer, repairs and changes to apparatus, changing mantles, and more. Also includes the Assistant Superintendent’s signatures after having examined the keeper’s log. September 3, 1916 notes that keeper found asleep on watch. Journal covers 159 pages and is a must for researchers working to properly furnish your lighthouse or museum exhibit. Consists of pages #39 through 198, having been disbound from the original wraps. Some wear, moderate chipping, a bit brittle from age. (G+). $124.
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 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). $1,495 net.
27427. U. S. Coast Guard. QUARTERMASTERS’ BRIDGE BOOK- U. S. Coast Guard Air Station, Brooklyn, New York. c.1947. 82 p. Official post World War II vintage logbook is filled out by the Quartermaster of the watch. It has pages sufficient for a one month period and includes space for morning orders, events of the day, course, speed, weather, sea conditions, crew on board, positions, magazine temperature, commanding officer and more. Book is as original, completely filled out for this station, in original cardboard wraps. Includes changes of watch, training, alerts, new personnel and much more. 9 ½” x 11 ½”. Moderate expected wear and toning. A great collector’s item. (VG). $68. 23380a,b.
6332jx3.
Light-House Board. LIST OF [LIGHT] TOWERS, BEACONS,
BUOYS, STAKES AND OTHER DAY-MARKS IN THE FOURTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT….
27438. (marine supplies catalogues c.1930’s) We recently acquired a great lot of early illustrated marine supplies catalogues. Catalogues detail thousands of early ship and yacht chandlery items including rope and chain, fittings, flags, ensigns and jacks, binnacles, marine engines, blocks and pulleys, Coston distress signals, lamps and lanterns, boats and canoes, sails, life vests, tools, clocks, barometers and much more. Great reading and reference. Catalogues available include: The Durkee Company c.1936. 191p.; Armstrong & Galbraith, Inc. c.1940. 96p.; W & J Tiebout Marine Supplies c.1939. 208p.; E. J. Willis Company c.1935. 256p.; E. J. Willis Company c.1937. 264p. $34 each.
27310. (trade card) U. S. Lighthouse Service Pennant. Pennant Chewing Gun c.1900. Rare trade card in the Flag Series that were included in every pack of Pennant chewing gum. Rare card measures 1 ½” x 2 ½” and is full color, showing the triangular pennant of the U.S. Lighthouse Service. On the obverse is a complete listing of flags in the series, including the Life saving Service pennant. One corner a bit torn, some soiling. (VG-). $44.
6106g.
Cox, William Van Zandt, and Northrup, Milton Harlow, LIFE
OF SAMUEL SULLIVAN COX.
27407. United States Stars and Stripes Flown over the Capitol (50 Star American Flag) c.1970. As new American Stars and Stripes includes letter from the Architect of the Capitol, Washington, D.C. dated July 30, 1970 indicating that this flag was flown over the United States Capitol and was intended for presentation to an individual (named). Flag is probably manufactured by Dettra Flag Company under their trademark "Bulldog Bunting". Hem stamped A. B. Crome, Inc., New York. Flag is a heavy weight, wool/nylon bunting with sewn on stripes and stars, and will give years of service. Flag measures 3’ 6” x 6’ 9”. Complete with certificate, pamphlet "Our Flag , Display It! Respect It!", and box (which may not be the proper size). A collector’s piece. (F-). $118.
8522c.
Bibs, A. B., THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE ON THE
7159m.
(magazine) THE MENTOR. July 1925. Pub. 27128.
H. R. ex. Doc. No. 58. REPORT OF THE LIFE SAVING
SERVICE IN REFERENCE TO THE LOSS OF THE STEAMER METROPOLIS. March 1, 1878.
19p. Disbound. Peering through a thick blanket of fog on the morning of January
31, 1878, local fishermen were the first to spot the grounded vessel. Acting
quickly, they pulled half a dozen survivors from the sea and dispatched a rider
to notify the lifesavers. When the rider, a Mr. Brock, arrived at the lifesaving
station about 10 a.m., Keeper John G. Chappell and his men readied themselves
for action. Brock informed him that a vessel was fast breaking up, too fast to
get the 750-pound surfboat down the beach to be serviceable. Instead, the keeper
strapped the medicine chest to his back and headed for the wreck immediately.
His crew of six followed along dragging the beach-cart. After reaching the shore
nearest the Metropolis, Keeper Chappell set about the effective application of
restoratives to a number of survivors who had already swum ashore. His crew and
apparatus arrived about noon. The steamer lay head-in one hundred yards offshore
and, thus, presented a small target for the mortar. Nevertheless, the second
shot was true and landed across the port fore-topsail yardarm. But the man who
took the line "was no seaman," according to Surfman Piggott Gillikin,
and the line was not dropped under the stays and therefore chafed in two before
the whip-line could be drawn out to the vessel. Having run out of his own
powder, Chappell improvised with some quick-burning black powder. But two
additional shots failed when each time the shot-line parted from the ball upon
firing. Keeper Chappell then donned the Merriman life-saving dress and made two
valiant attempts to carry a line out to the vessel. When he was unable to get
past the breakers, those on board the vessel who had looked on in horror began
to jump overboard and take their chances at swimming ashore. For three hours
keeper and crew struggled to save them in the surf while battling a treacherous
undertow; all were badly bruised by the mass of bobbing timbers about them. All
worked as hard at it as possible . . . until it was all over. One hundred and
sixty lives were drawn out of the water on that dismal morning. Detailed account
includes reports by: Captain J. H. Merryman, U. S. Revenue Cutter Service; John
G. Chappell, Keeper of Station No. 4 Jones Hill; Surfman Piggott Gillikin; N. G.
Burris, Keeper Currituck Light House, and more. Excellent account. (VG). $65
27347.
(photo) SKY PILOT TO LIGHTHOUSE MEN – W. H.
“Grandpa” Law. Keystone View Company. 6” x 8”. b/w.
c.1930-1940. Press release attached notes: “After practically a lifetime on
the high seas, W. H. “Grandpa” Law, who has preached the gospel to
lighthouse keepers and Coast Guardsmen of the U. S. has retired from active
service. His going will be mourned by every lighthouse keeper in the United
States.” There is not much information really known about Mr. Law - We
are aware of a story that he wrote entitled, “Deeds of Valor by Heroes and
Heroines of the Great Water World” but know little else. Clean, clear, light
wear. (VG). $38.
(lightship postcards) c.1910. We just purchased a few early color lithograph lightship postcards. Covering the period between 1900 and 1930, these early cards provide a great basis to begin your collection or to fill in some blanks. Lightship cards are ectremely difficult to find. Cards are both used and unused and in good + or better condition, some near fine. A few are postmarked from 1907 to 1910, some expected wear. Vessels include: Lightship No. 54 Boston (2 views), Lightship No. 51 Sandy Hook, Lightship No 38 Brenton Reef, Lightship No. 23 Ram Island Reef, Lightship No. 20 Relief. (VG – F). $14 each. 20533b.
Parsons, Eleanor C., THATCHERS –
27272a,b,c,d,e,f.
U. S. Lighthouse Service. AIDS TO NAVIGATION ON THE
COASTS AND WATERWAYS OF THE UNITED STATES – Statistics. GPO. 13 –
17 ppg. Soft wraps. Complete statistics on the work of the Lighthouse Service.
Includes listing of districts, superintendents, listing of types od aids to
navigation by district, lightships in commission with details, fog signals,
tenders in commission with details, construction and appropriations, emergency
construction and more. Good early reference. Clean, tight. Four years available:
June 30, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937. (VG+). $48 each.
27321.
Form No. 30.
27299.
(a paper read before the Philosophical Society of Washington) Johnson, Arnold
Burges, Clerk, U. S. Light House Board. THE HISTORY
OF THE LIGHT HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. April 2, 1881. 7p.
Inscribed by the author. Without wraps. Account of a paper prepared by Mr.
Johnson to be read elsewhere, traces the rise and progress from the first beacon
on Point Allerton raised in 1673 to the present (1881). Includes information on
sound propagation and the work of Professor Joseph Henry, expensed and annual
budgets for lighting and a number of other points. Inscribed by Mr. Johnson
to “Hon. Lorenzo Johnson with the compliments of his bro[ther] Arnold”, with
some additional notes in his hand. Light soiling, early folds. Rare piece by
the Clerk of the U. S. Light House Board. (VG). $112.
27159.
Heffernan, John Paul. TWICE A HERO. 3p. Down
East Magazine (?). Disbound. Excellent article describes the life of noted
Lighthouse Keeper Marcus A. Hanna of Bristol Maine. Hanna was born in Bristol,
Maine, the son of the keeper of the Franklin Island Light. He spent his early
years at the station before going off to sea at the age of ten. By 18 he had
risen to the position of ship's steward. Hanna was appointed keeper of the
Pemaquid Point Light in 1869. In 1873 he was transferred to Cape Elizabeth
Light, where he served as head keeper. It was here, on January 28, 1885, that he
saved two sailors from the schooner Australia which had wrecked on the rocks
below the station. Hanna was awarded the Gold Life Saving Medal in 1885 for
saving the two sailors. He also received the Medal of Honor in 1895, in
recognition of his bravery at Port Hudson. Nicely illustrated with photos of
Marcus Hanna, his wife, and their dwelling at Cape Elizabeth Lights. (VG). $44.
27375a,b.
(signal flag training cards) U. S. Navy [and Coast
Guard] And International Code Signal Flag Training Cards c.1944. Set
of 70 flash cards were used to train signalmen in both services in the
International Code and Special Pennant recognition. Cards are playing card size
and are in original box. Front has color image of the flag or pennant, obverse
with explanation and meaning. Excellent condition, some wear to box. By US
Playing Card Company. Stock No. T93-C-700670. A rare set. (VG). $22. (2
available)
27139. (Flying Santa) LIFE GOES ON A Trip – In an Airplane with Santa Claus Along the New England Coast. Life Magazine. December 1928. 3p. Disbound. Short article filled with photographs chronicles the Bill Wincapaws (father and son) as they set out by airplane to drop gift bundles to lighthouses and Coast Guard stations along the New England coast. In 1926, Captain William Wincapaw began the tradition of dropping Christmas gift packages from his plane to remote lighthouse families. Later, author and historian Edward Rowe Snow would continue the “Flying Santa” tradition, which continues to this day by local groups. Photos include the Wincapaws, and from the air Straitsmouth Light Station, Annisquam LS, Ipswich LS, Boston LS, and Plum Island Coast Guard station. Clean, crisp. (VG+). $34.
27402.
(poster) International Alphabet Flags, Phonetic
Alphabet, Morse and Semaphore Alphabet. c.1956. Full color poster
prepared by All Hands Magazine for the Bureau of Naval Personnel shows the
complete international flag and Morse alphabet in full color. Large poster
measures 15” x 23” and shows each flag in full color. Just a bit of light
foxing to one side, light edge wear. Would flatten and frame nicely. (VG-). $24. 27364.
U. S. Coast Guard. ORDNANCE INSTRUCTIONS 1938.
GPO. Unbound. 146p. Complete instructions for guidance of Coast Guard personnel
relating to ordnance, gunnery and small-arms training. In addition to Lyle gun
powder and operation, instructions include broadside mounts, guns and
attachments, fire control, small arms and equipment, powder explosive,
ammunition, handling and storage, gunnery and training and more. Includes
various amendments for 1939, 1941, 1942, 1943. Without binding (punched for WWII
vintage post binder. (VG). $38.
558e. O’Connor, William D. HEROES
OF THE STORM. [With an introduction by Sumner I. Kimball,
Superintendent of the United States Life-Saving Service.]
8109ix5 (3) [flag] 25306.
L-132. Sweetser, M. F. KING’S
HANDBOOK OF
23510. Lanman, Charles. Block Island. Harper’s New Monthly Magazine. July 1876. 11p. Lovely early article includes eight fine engraved illustrations including a beautiful view of the “new lighthouse on Mohegan Bluff”. Interesting article describes life on the island, its history, landmarks and more. Great reading. Disbound, a bit of foxing to edges. (VG-). $22.
4342k,n. Otis, James. THE
LIFE SAVERS. A Story of the 4342L. Otis, James. THE
LIFE SAVERS. A Story of the 5419v. Treasury Department. INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNITED STATES COAST GUARD STATIONS. 1922. 257 pp. Includes general instructions, patrols and lookouts, equipment lists, boat drills and operation and complete beach apparatus drill. In addition, interesting instruction book for the use of Coast Guard Stations covers law enforcement duties of the Officer in charge, action at wrecks, patrols and lookouts, swimming qualifications, classification and descriptions of types of boats used at Coast Guard, boat equipment, various drills and commands, capsizing and righting drill, management of boats in a surf, boarding a vessel stranded or afloat in a heavy sea, signals for use at wrecks, US Storm Signals (with color plates showing day and night signals), ship and aircraft distress signals; resuscitation drill, Beach apparatus drill with great illustration of "Man the beach cart" . This is followed by more illustrations showing halt and relative positions of men while placing apparatus, Hawser Cutter, muster at a station, piloting etc. The final section of the book is a question and answer section which is for the purpose of assisting the officers in charge in the instruction of the crews of US Coast Guard Stations. Besides the previously described illustrations there are also illustrations showing positions when shot line is bent to whip, hauling off whip, hauling off hawser, Man lee whip haul off, Man weather whip haul ashore, Hawser cutter arranged for hauling off etc. Blue cloth covers, size is 4 3/8” by 6” inches. Condition is good, flat, tight, complete, some wear and rubbing to cover. Contents overall clean, becoming loose, spine and front wrap detached but can be repaired, one corner missing from title page. A great inexpensive alternative. Very difficult to find. (VG-). $58 net. IRON LIGHT
22387b.
[original lithograph] IRON LIGHT Built
under the direction of Capt. W. H. Swift, late of This
large three color image is quite detailed, even to the many parabolic reflectors
in the lantern room, station boat, the tower’s iron cross braces and much
more. This is the first of two such images that were done of this important
structure, the second being done after the loss the following year showing the
tower falling in the storm. This lithograph was done prior to most photography
and is thus the only view ever made of the completed tower. It is truly a museum
quality piece and would grace any wall. This original print is clean and bright,
in unusually good condition. A wonderful find! (VG+). $1685 net.
27142b.
U. S. Lighthouse Service. THE UNITED STATES LIGHTHOUSE
SERVICE 1923. GPO. 1923. 111p. Stiff wraps. Provides a complete and
detailed overview of the U. S. Light-House Service, its history, duties and
organization as well as descriptions of various lighthouses, light-vessels,
river-lights, fog signals, duties of personnel, etc. Well illustrated with
photos and diagrams of many light-stations, vessels and equipment. In original
gilt embossed maroon govt. stiff wraps. Extremely rare. Overall clean, tight,
light wear to wraps. (VG). $225.
27173a-k.
United States Light-House Board. BULLETIN. RECENT
CHANGES IN AIDS TO NAVIGATION – Coasts of the United States. Keeper George W. Purdy, Gay Head Light Station, Sankaty Head LS, East Chop LS Keeper Purdy was well known for his hard work despite his daunting disability - Purdy had lost an arm in an accident in the engine room of the lighthouse tender Azalea some years earlier. The Vineyard Gazette editions of May, 1928 noted an incident that tells of Purdy’s determination: “George W. Purdy, one-armed keeper of East Chop lighthouse, has previously astonished his acquaintances with his engineering feat, but his latest one is the more remarkable of any yet performed. Supplies for the light are landed on the beach at the foot of the high bluff on which the lighthouse is situated. All along the shore of the government reservation is a heavy wall of loose boulders, weighing from one to several hundred pounds each. Placed in an unbroken line to prevent the sea from wearing away the bank, they lie at the water's edge and prevent boats from landing. Because of this, it has been necessary for the lighthouse tender's boat to land on a privately-owned beach, from which the supplies had to be carried over to the government beach and thence up the bank by a flight of stairs. As this made much extra work for Mr. Purdy, he has been engaged in building a boat landing during the past winter, and the completed job is a thing to marvel at. Several boulders, weighing hundreds of pounds, were moved by Mr. Purdy, who worked with his spade and a huge wooden pry to accomplish it. Nearly anyone who considers the prodigious amount of labor necessary in such construction will agree that Mr. Purdy's one arm is worth more than two as used by the average man.”
4410g. Light-House Board, INSTRUCTIONS TO LIGHT-KEEPERS AND MASTERS OF LIGHT-HOUSE VESSELS. GPO. 1902. 55 pages of instructions plus 37 photo and large fold-out plates. Once property of Keeper George Purdy, East Chop Lighthouse, Martha’s Vineyard. Contains a wealth of information, particularly in the plates for use in identifying lamps. Includes complete Instructions for Light-Keepers in Stations with Two or More Keepers, Light Stations With One Keeper, Keepers of Light-Vessels, Management of Lens Lights and Disposition of Lamps and Illuminating Apparatus, Management of Mechanical Lamps, Revolving Machinery, trimming of wicks, morning duties, and much more. Includes all aspects of station and apparatus maintenance. Excellent plates detail all types of lamps and lighting apparatus, lanterns, revolving apparatus, fog signal equipment, bell striking apparatus, and more. Also laid in is a pamphlet “Illustrated List of Parts of the Hornsby-Akroyd Patent Safety Oil Engine”. This engine was used for pumping air to supply fog signals. A very complete and important document. Contents generally clean and tight. Light soiling and foxing to endpapers, covers gilt embossed, moderate wear and soiling, hinges weakening. (VG-). $565 net. 27186. Secretary of the
Treasury. SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL LIST OF MERCHANT
VESSELS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH OFFICIAL NUMBERS AND SIGNAL LETTERS….
FOR THE FISCAL TEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1885. 6332ggg.
Coast Guard. LIGHT LIST Volume III PACIFIC COAST AND
PACIFIC ISLANDS, 8TH, 12TH, 13TH, 14TH, and 17TH COAST GUARD DISTRICTS. 1984. CG-162.
Wash. 303 pp. Desirable listing includes detailed information on all
lighthouses, lightships, post lights and other aids to navigation including
location, characteristics, range, height, color and peculiarities, fog signal
information, and much more. Soft wraps unusually intact, only light wear.
Contents quite clean, tight. Difficult to find lists of this area. (VG)
$22.
27152. [lighthouse logbook] Canadian Department of Transportation, Light Station Engine Room Diary c.1950-70’s. 30p. Soft wraps. Interesting printed log book / engine room diary for use at light station to record running times and and other pertinent information for engines and generators, hoist engines, pumps, etc. Logbook is pristine, never used, clean, tight, complete with original carbon papers tipped in. (VG+). $74 net. 9128f.
na. WINTER ON THE ATLANTIC COAST. Life
Magazine. January 27, 1947. Wonderful 11-page article describes in photographs
and text the Atlantic coast in winter and the new importance that it’s 208
lighthouses take on each season. Included is a full front cover view of
Nantucket’s Sankaty Head Light and keeper’s dwelling. Also included are the
lighthouses at Cape Henry, Portland, Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, Tybee Island,
Cape Lookout, Jupiter Inlet, and a full 2-page view of the iron lighthouse on
Hog Island, Virginia including the broken dwellings that once housed the keepers
there. Full issue, only light wear. (VG). $34. 412b.
H.R. Doc No. 811. LIGHT-HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT.
May 25, 1842.
27198.
Kerber, Stephen H. THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING
SERVICE AND THE FLORIDA HOUSES OF REFUGE. Florida Atlantic
University. 1971. 144p. Facsimile copy, spiral bound. The Houses of Refuge in
Florida were a series of stations operated by the United States Life Saving
Service along the coast of Florida to rescue and shelter ship-wrecked sailors.
Five houses were built on the east coast in 1876, with five more added in 1885.
There was also two Life Saving Stations built, one just south of the Jupiter
Inlet, the other on the Gulf coast on Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola. The
houses were manned by civilian keepers, contractors who lived in the houses with
their families. Most of these houses remained in service as life-saving stations
until 1915 or later. Some of the locations became Coast Guard stations after the
Life Saving Service was merged into the Coast Guard in 1915. The houses were
built of Florida pine, using 8x8 heartwood timbers for the foundation and frame,
intended to withstand the area’s many hurricanes. The station keeper's family
occupied the main floor, and the attic was a dormitory for ship-wrecked sailors.
This author’s thesis presents a great deal of information on these
little-known stations, their keepers and the work that that they performed. (M).
$34. 6581v.
4718dd, ee, gg, gg, gg. CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LIGHT-HOUSE. Harper’s Weekly. December 30, 1876. 1pp. Beautiful, 11”x15”, full front page b/w (hand-colored shown) detailed woodcut illustration showing the undaunted light-keeper scraping ice from the lantern amidst a raging storm. Seen many times as a re-print, this original would be beautiful matted and framed. Also included in this 1876 Christmas issue, is a large full page illustration “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by famed illustrator Thomas Nast. Thomas Nast is famed as the creator of the bearded image of Uncle Sam that we know today, as well as the image of the plump, jolly Santa Clause and this first of his Santa Clause illustrations demand a premium in historic circles. b/w. Full issue, clean and crisp. (VG+) $88. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
OPERATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE
We
have just acquired two large collections 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. $164 net
each. Years available include: 1883, 1884, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1892, 1895, 1896, 1899, 1901, 1902, 1904, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1912, 1914, (CG) 1915, 1916, 1920. 21506.
20146.
Life-Saving Service. REVISED REGULATIONS FOR THE
GOVERNMENT OF THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE LAWS UPON
WHICH THEY ARE BASED - 1884.
7459i,j,k. Kerrigan, Evans E., THE
SEA SHALL NOT HAVE THEM – A Complete Illustrated Record of the
Life-Saving Medals of the
8462c.
Kimball, Sumner I., ORGANIZATION AND METHODS OF THE
UNITED STATES LIFE-SAVING SERVICE.
27154c.
Lighthouse Service. 27154d.
Lighthouse Service. 27154e.
Lighthouse Service. 27154f.
Lighthouse Service. |