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    Documents, Charts, Architectural Plans, Maps, etc. 

     

    16181. [chart]. Atlantic Coast of the United States - Cape Hatteras to Cape Canaveral #903. United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. August 1885. 115th Edition Feb 1934, corrected through 1939 by Notice to Mariners. Scale 1:835,591. Original detailed 4-color chart measures 34” x 49” and includes all of the coastline from Chicamacomico and Cape Hatteras south to Jupiter Inlet, Florida. Chart includes all Coast Guard Lifeboat stations as well as all lighthouses, buoys, towns and features and more. The area has numerous shoals and bars, and the entire area is exceedingly treacherous. Included on the chart are bearings and soundings. Chart has been well used and includes navigator’s course markings with many notations. Chart is intact except for one 16” tear from bottom that has old tape repair on the back. Overall light to moderate soiling, a few small stains. Would make a very interesting wall decoration. Rolled but with some early folds as well. Notations indicate that this chart was used on some type of patrol vessel, likely during WWII. Chart is from the estate of Navy Rear Admiral Irwin Chase Jr.(1911-2001).  Admiral Chase served in the Pacific theater during WWII under Admiral Halsey and was awarded the Silver Star. During WWII he was assigned to the Fast Attack Carrier Ticonderoga as Navigator.  On January 21, 1945 the Ticonderoga was attacked by kamikaze planes near Formosa and with the Captain & Executive officer wounded, then commander Chase, took command and led the ship through fire fighting and damage control and brought the ship back to her base at Ulithi.  He was also present in Tokyo Bay on the USS Missouri when Japan formally surrendered to General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz.  In1957 he returned to command the Ticonderoga for a Far Eastern Cruise to Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Okinawa.  He retired from the Navy in 1959. (P+). $58.

     

     

    16151. (topographic maps)  Sheet. Atlas Of Massachusetts 1884-1890. Topographical Survey Commission ~ U.S. Geological Survey - Commissioners of the Commonwealth. Francis A. Walker, Henry L. Whiting, N.S. Shaler~ Commissioners. Size 18” x 24” each. From early Atlas of Massachusetts. Beautiful, early, multi-color topographic maps show the important contours and features of the area including the Lighthouses and Life-Saving Stations, light vessels, as well as roads and important town buildings, etc. Each map includes the town mentioned with surrounding towns or portions thereof. Also includes all roads, railway lines, shoals and bars, lakes, rivers and other topographic features, and much more. Maps are quite desirable for framing and are as original. Pick your hometown or favorite area. Unusually clean and crisp. These early coastal and area maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium, particularly on the Cape and the islands. (VG+). 

    The 54 Atlas Sheets available individually include: 1. Berlin Sheet.  $12; (2). Pittsfield Sheet. $12; (3). Sheffield Sheet. $12; (5). Becket Sheet. $12; (7). Hawley Sheet. $12; (8). Chesterfield Sheet. $12; (9). Granville Sheet. $12; (10). Greenfield Sheet. $12; (11). Northampton Sheet. $12; (13). Warwick Sheet. $12; (14). Belchertown Sheet. $12; (15). Palmer Sheet. $12; (16). Winchendon Sheet. $12; (17). Barre Sheet. $12; (18). Brookfield Sheet. $12; (19). Fitchburg Sheet. $12; (20). Worcester Sheet. $12; (21). Webster Sheet. $12; (22). Groton Sheet. $12; (24). Blackstone Sheet. $12; (25). Lowell Sheet. $12; (26). Framingham Sheet. $12; (27). Franklin Sheet. $12; (28). Providence Sheet. $12; (29). Haverhill Sheet. $12; (30). Lawrence Sheet. $12; (32). Dedham Sheet. $12; (33). Taunton Sheet. $12; (34). Fall River Sheet. $12; (35). Sakonnet Sheet. $12; (39). Abington Sheet. $12; (40). Middleborough Sheet. $12; (41). New Bedford Sheet.  $18; (49). Muskeget Sheet. $12; (53). Nantucket Sheet. $48; 

     

    16197a. (map) Anchorage Ground Port of New York Hudson and East Rivers. Coast and Geodetic Survey. c.1918-1926. Wash. 18” x 16” Three color. Good detail of the area including anchorages, towns, etc. Light original folds but will frame well. Includes written descriptions from Coast Pilot. (VG+). $14.

     

      

    12214. (lighthouse chart) "ATLANTIC COAST, CHESAPEAKE BAY TO STRAITS OF FLORIDA". Chart #1001. June 1904 Edition of the original 1900 chart. United States Coast And Geodetic Survey. Washington, DC. Stamp on the bottom left which notes that light houses have been corrected to 1911. Measures 36" wide by 44" high. Covers the coastline from Chesapeake Bay south to  and West Palm Beach. Also covers a few of the northern Bahama Islands including different tracts of the Gulf Stream. Coastal lighthouses are highlighted in yellow, approach buoys in red. Includes inlets, towns and cities along the coast, coastal sounding, currents and more. Quite a nice chart representing the light stations along this stretch of coastline and not to “busy” to overshadow them. Unusually clean, intact, no tears, perfect for framing. (VG+). $140.

      

    12100. (chart) General Chart of the Northern and Northwestern Lakes Including New York State Canals and Lake Champlain. War Department. Corps. Of Engineers. 1915-1916. Scale 1: 1,200,000. 15 ½” x 24”. Original printed paper, with original folds. Includes cities and towns, most lighthouses and other important locations. Clean, crisp, no tears. Although a lot of information, very small print, still would be a striking Great Lakes piece framed. (VG+). $114.

     

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

      

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

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

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

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

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

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

    An important lot relating to this noted lighthouse engineer. $585. Reduced $465.

    11469. (document) U.S. Lighthouse Service, Twelfth Lighthouse District c.1913. Original typed letter from the Office of the Twelfth Lighthouse District Inspector Lewis M. Stoddard dated July 2, 1913, titled “District Circular # 25 Fuel Supply to all keepers of Light Stations with fog signals operated by steam.” The letter was apparently given to three keepers who wrote the words “Read" and initialed it. However, we have no idea of the names of the keepers. The keeper’s initials are JPB for the Principal Keeper, EH for the 1st Assistant and JKF for the 2nd Assistant keeper. The inspector notes that it is the intention of the Lighthouse Service to deliver fog signal fuel by tender whenever possible, and directs the keepers to notify the District office when the fuel supply gets to pre-determined minimums. This is a fine opportunity to obtain nice examples of official documents at an affordable price. Quite frameable. 8” x 10½”, slight browning from age but overall good condition. (VG+). $58.

     

    11365. (cargo receipt) Portland Steamship Company. May 21, 1897. 8 ½” x 4 ¾”. This is a 8.5" by 4.75" May 21st, 1897, bill of way for 50 Cases of Canned Corn, transported by the "Portland Steamship Company," for the "Merrill Bros.," to R. N. Fitzgerald of Hartford, Connecticut. Note the great graphic showing a walking beam side paddle wheel steamer. The Portland Steamship Company started as the Portland Steam Packet Company in 1844, and was later consolidated into the Eastern Steamship Company. One of their vessels, the side-wheel steamship Portland,  was one of the largest and most palatial vessels afloat in New England during the 1890s. Built in 1889 by, the steamer ran between Portland, Maine and Boston until its loss with all hands in 1898. The Portland's loss was New England's greatest steamship disaster prior to the year 1900. This receipt may be for goods that were carried on the Portland the year prior to her loss. This document is in very good condition, with only 2 vertical creases, clean. (VG+). $34. (See also our original company framed photo of the Portland.) 

     

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

      

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

    U.S. LIGHTHOUSE ESTABLISHMENT. Original hand drawn architectural drawings for a: Screw Pile Light House for 4th, 5th, and 6th Order Lenses [octagonal style] . Engineer Secretary, U. S. Light House Board. 1880-1906. 

     

    We have been very fortunate to come across a large lot of original U. S. Light House Establishment architectural drawings for the construction of various lighthouses, keeper’s dwellings, oil houses, range beacons and more This lot originated from the Lighthouse Establishment Engineering Offices and includes many one of a kind items. This portion includes 11 drawings for a Screw Pile Light House for 4th, 5th, and 6th Order Lenses. Octagonal Screw Pile Type lighthouses represented in this lot include: Mathias Point, VA., Hooper’s Straits & James Island, MD. & Laurel Point, NC., Windmill Point, Shark Fin Shoal, Lower Cedar Point, MD., Wade Point, NC., Pages Rock, VA., and Maryland Point, MD. Light Houses. 

    There were two basic styles of screw-pile lighthouses – square and octagonal. Most lighthouses of each shape were from the same basic plan, in fact many plan sheets have multiple lighthouse names on them and they were reused over the years. Drawings are hand drawn or printed, ink on paper and are done in from one to four colors each. These original architectural drawings represent an unprecedented view into the design and construction of this style of lighthouse. The drawings are quite beautiful and would be wonderful for research or to frame for display. Condition varies but as you might expect being early paper, the edges on many have chipping and some small tears. Many have been tape reinforced both originally and recently.

    Eleven superb architectural views include:

    Sheet # Full elevation and sectional view labeled Mathias Point, VA. c.1883. hand drawn, 3-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Plans First Floor Framing, Lantern Deck, Lantern labeled Hooper’s Straits & James Island, MD. & Laurel Point, NC. c.1883. hand drawn, 4-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Details of Iron Work, Repair of Windmill Point Lighthouse, labeled Windmill Point. c.1883. hand drawn, 2-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Plans First and Second Story, labeled Shark Fin Shoal LH. c.1883. hand drawn, 3-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Soundings and Sectional Elevations, labeled Lower Cedar Point, MD. c.1906. hand drawn, 4-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet #5 Details of Iron Work. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Wade Point, NC

    Sheet #1 Half Plan Showing Framing First Floor I Beams. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #3 Details of Iron Work, ladders, etc. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #2 Details of Iron Work, etc. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #4 Details of Iron Work, smoke pipe, etc. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #5 Lantern Apparatus of the 4th, 5th & 6th Orders. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA [Maryland Point, MD.

    #23240 Set 11 drawings $3,295 net. Priced individually on request. Photos available.

    10345. [Light-House Service District Maps]. U. S. Light-House Service. c. June 30, 1891. A rare opportunity to obtain an official U. S. Light-House Service District charts of all district aids to navigation as bound in their Annual Reports. Normally these charts are included within the Annual Reports and we are unable to offer them separately but we have found a lot of disbound charts in good condition. These are fine for matting and framing for your wall. Charts detail the entire Light-House District in three colors, and show all lighthouses, beacons, light vessels, fog signals, lighted buoys, Light-House Depots, and more. Charts average 8 ½” x 10” in size and are overall clean, may have very light stain,  with only one light original fold, light age toning. A rare chance to obtain the chart of your District for framing. (VG).

    FIRST LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From the head of navigation on the St. Croix River , Maine to Hampton Harbor , New Hampshire . Includes all of Maine and New Hampshire .                                                    $44.

    SECOND LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Hampton Harbor , New Hampshire to Elisha Ledge off Warren , Rhode Island . Includes all of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard .                                           $44.

    THIRD LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Elisha Ledge off Warren , Rhode Island to and including a point on the coast of New Jersey opposite Shrewsbury Rocks.                                                                                  $44.

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

    FOURTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From a point on the coast of New Jersey opposite Shrewsbury Rocks to and including Metomkin Inlet, Virginia. Includes New Jersey , Delaware , Maryland and Virginia .                           $44.

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

    SIXTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From New River Inlet , North Carolina to and including Jupiter Inlet Light-Station, Florida . Includes part of North Carolina , all of South Carolina , Georgia , and Florida between the limits named. $44.

    SEVENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From a point south of Jupiter Inlet Light-Station to Perdido Entrance , Florida . Includes all of the sea and Gulf Coasts of Florida .                                                                                             $44.

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

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

    TENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends from the mouth of the St. Regis River , St. Lawrence River , New York to and including Grassy Island, Detroit River, Michigan. Includes the waters of Lakes Erie and Ontario , and the upper part of the St. Lawrence, the Niagara, and the lower part of the Detroit rivers.                                                                $44.

    ELEVENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends from the Grassy Island Light Station, Detroit River , Michigan to the head of Lake Superior including the waters of Lakes St. Clair, Huron, and Superior and the upper part of the Detroit River , the St. Clair and St. Mary’s Rivers, and part of the Straits of Mackinac.                                                              $44.

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

    THIRTEENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From the boundary between California and Oregon to the northern boundary of the United States and includes Alaska . Includes all of Oregon and Washington , and Alaskan waters.              $44.

    U. S. Light-House Service District Charts

    20178. [Light-House District Maps]. U. S. Light-House Service. c. 1900-1908. A rare opportunity to obtain an official U. S. Light-House Service District charts of all district aids to navigation as bound in their Annual Reports. Normally these charts are included within the Annual Reports and we are unable to offer them separately but we have found a lot of disbound charts in wonderful condition. These are perfect for matting and framing for your wall. Charts detail the entire Light-House District in three colors, and show all lighthouses, beacons, light vessels, fog signals, lighted buoys, Light-House Depots, and more. Charts average about 16" x 20" in size and are clean and crisp, with only light original folds. A rare chance to obtain the chart of your District, ideal for framing. (VG+).

    UNITED STATES. Outline Map shows all of the United States Light-House Districts with the more important lights noted. Includes all of continental United States and Alaska. $88.

    FIRST LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From the head of navigation on the St. Croix River, Maine to Hampton Harbor, New Hampshire. Includes all of Maine and New Hampshire. $88.

    SECOND LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Hampton Harbor, New Hampshire to Elisha Ledge off Warren, Rhode Island. Includes all of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. $88.

    THIRD LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Elisha Ledge off Warren, Rhode Island to and including a point on the coast of New Jersey opposite Shrewsbury Rocks. $88.

    PART OF THE THIRD LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Includes all of Lake Champlain. $44.

    FOURTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From a point on the coast of New Jersey opposite Shrewsbury Rocks to and including Metomkin Inlet, Virginia. Includes New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. $88.

    FIFTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Metomkin Inlet, Virginia to and including New River Inlet, North Carolina. $88.

    SIXTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From New River Inlet, North Carolina to and including Jupiter Inlet Light-Station, Florida. Includes part of North Carolina, all of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida between the limits named. $88.

    SEVENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From a point south of Jupiter Inlet Light-Station to Perdido Entrance, Florida. Includes all of the sea and Gulf Coasts of Florida. $88.

    EIGHTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Perdido Entrance, Florida to the southern boundary of Texas. Includes all of the Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi River. $88.

    NINTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Includes all of Lake Michigan, Green Bay and tributary waters. $88.

    TENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends from the mouth of the St. Regis River, St. Lawrence River, New York to the mouth of the River Rouge, Detroit River, Michigan. Includes the waters of Lakes Erie and Ontario, and the upper part of the St. Lawrence, the Niagara, and the lower part of the Detroit rivers. $78.

    ELEVENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends from the mouth of the River Rouge, Detroit River, Michigan to the westerly end of Lake Superior including the waters of Lake St, Clair, Huron, and Superior and the upper part of the Detroit River, the St. Clair and St. Mary’s Rivers, and part of the Straits of Mackinac. $78.

    TWELFTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From the boundary between California and Mexico to the boundary between California and Oregon. $88.

    THIRTEENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From the boundary between California and Oregon to the northern boundary of the United States and includes Alaska. Includes all of Oregon and Washington, and Alaskan waters. $88.

    FOURTEENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends on the Ohio River from Pittsburgh, Pa., to Cairo, Ill., on the Tennessee River 255 miles, and on the Great Kanawha 73 miles. $54.

    FIFTEENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends on the Mississippi River from the head of navigation to Cairo, Ill., and on the Missouri River to Kansas City, Mo., and on the Illinois River from LaSalle to its mouth. $54.

    SIXTEENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends on the Mississippi River from the head of navigation to Cairo, Ill., to New Orleans, La., and on the Red River. $54.

    LIGHT-HOUSE CHART. Includes West Indies between the Mona and Virgin Passages comprising Puerto Rico and dependencies, and all of the Hawaiian Islands. $38.

      

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

    Rare letter regarding replacement of the Light Keeper.:

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

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

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

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

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

    #715. $225.

    28420. (documents) U.S. Lighthouse Service, 11th District. Radiophone Tests and Equipment. February 20, 1929. 4 pieces. Lot includes typed letter on Lighthouse Service stationery acknowledging assistance in evaluating signal strength and quality during recent radiophone tests conducted by Lighthouse Service radio station WWR. Document is signed by the Superintendent of Lighthouses, 11th District. Included is a second sheet describing the 50 watt crystal controlled transmitter, along with another printed photo of the equipment, which was constructed by Lighthouse Service personnel at the 11th District shops. Included also is the original mailing envelope with printed Lighthouse Service return address. Nice Lighthouse Service lot, good information. Clean, some wear. (VG). $65.

    28398e. [proposal] Engineer Office, U.S. Army [ U. S. Light-House Service]. ADVERTISEMENT, SPECIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL FOR MATERIAL FOR RANGE TOWERS AT FORT MONROE, VA. January 21, 1902. 10p. (5 sheets). 8 ½” x 12”. Without wraps, unbound. Contains complete Advertisement, Guarantee, Proposal form, Specifications for furnishing all structural steel and iron necessary for construction of six range light towers, 5 of the low type and 1 tower of the high type. Good for research, interesting reading. Only light soiling,  intact save a bit brittle, some edge chipping. (VG-). $54.

    28398f. [proposal] U.S. Engineer Office. ADVERTISEMENT, SPECIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL FOR FORT WOOL, VA. January 27, 1902. 12p. (6 sheets). 8 ½” x 12”. Without wraps, unbound. Contains complete Advertisement, Guarantee, Proposal form, Specifications for furnishing various construction items to Fort Wool including Portland Cement, stone, sand, yellow pine lumber and ties, various steel and iron items, and more. Good for research, interesting reading. Only light soiling,  intact save a bit brittle, some edge chipping. (VG-). $24.

    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.

    26320. (reply card) U. S. Life Saving Service c.1912. Early reply card addressed to the General Superintendent was used to continue or decline further receipt of future Annual Reports of the Life Saving Service. This particular card is filled out by the Providence, RI Historical Society declining future reports. Postmarked 1912. Great collectible, address side is clean and unmarked, perfect for framing. (VG+). $48.

     

       10345. [Light-House Service District Maps]. U. S. Light-House Service. c. June 30, 1891. A rare opportunity to obtain an official U. S. Light-House Service District charts of all district aids to navigation as bound in their Annual Reports. Normally these charts are included within the Annual Reports and we are unable to offer them separately but we have found a lot of disbound charts in good condition. These are fine for matting and framing for your wall. Charts detail the entire Light-House District in three colors, and show all lighthouses, beacons, light vessels, fog signals, lighted buoys, Light-House Depots, and more. Charts average 8 ½” x 10” in size and are overall clean, may have very light stain,  with only one light original fold, light age toning. A rare chance to obtain the chart of your District for framing. (VG).

    FIRST LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From the head of navigation on the St. Croix River , Maine to Hampton Harbor , New Hampshire . Includes all of Maine and New Hampshire .                                                    $44.

    SECOND LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Hampton Harbor , New Hampshire to Elisha Ledge off Warren , Rhode Island . Includes all of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard .                                           $44.

    THIRD LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From Elisha Ledge off Warren , Rhode Island to and including a point on the coast of New Jersey opposite Shrewsbury Rocks.                                                                                  $44.

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

    FOURTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From a point on the coast of New Jersey opposite Shrewsbury Rocks to and including Metomkin Inlet, Virginia. Includes New Jersey , Delaware , Maryland and Virginia .                           $44.

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

    SIXTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From New River Inlet , North Carolina to and including Jupiter Inlet Light-Station, Florida . Includes part of North Carolina , all of South Carolina , Georgia , and Florida between the limits named. $44.

    SEVENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From a point south of Jupiter Inlet Light-Station to Perdido Entrance , Florida . Includes all of the sea and Gulf Coasts of Florida .                                                                                             $44.

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

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

    TENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends from the mouth of the St. Regis River , St. Lawrence River , New York to and including Grassy Island, Detroit River, Michigan. Includes the waters of Lakes Erie and Ontario , and the upper part of the St. Lawrence, the Niagara, and the lower part of the Detroit rivers.                                                                $44.

    ELEVENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. Extends from the Grassy Island Light Station, Detroit River , Michigan to the head of Lake Superior including the waters of Lakes St. Clair, Huron, and Superior and the upper part of the Detroit River , the St. Clair and St. Mary’s Rivers, and part of the Straits of Mackinac.                                                              $44.

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

    THIRTEENTH LIGHT-HOUSE DISTRICT. From the boundary between California and Oregon to the northern boundary of the United States and includes Alaska . Includes all of Oregon and Washington , and Alaskan waters.              $44.

     

    U.S. LIGHTHOUSE ESTABLISHMENT. Original hand drawn architectural drawings for a: Screw Pile Light House for 4th, 5th, and 6th Order Lenses [octagonal style] . Engineer Secretary, U. S. Light House Board. 1880-1906. 

     

    We have been very fortunate to come across a large lot of original U. S. Light House Establishment architectural drawings for the construction of various lighthouses, keeper’s dwellings, oil houses, range beacons and more This lot originated from the Lighthouse Establishment Engineering Offices and includes many one of a kind items. This portion includes 11 drawings for a Screw Pile Light House for 4th, 5th, and 6th Order Lenses. Octagonal Screw Pile Type lighthouses represented in this lot include: Mathias Point, VA., Hooper’s Straits & James Island, MD. & Laurel Point, NC., Windmill Point, Shark Fin Shoal, Lower Cedar Point, MD., Wade Point, NC., Pages Rock, VA., and Maryland Point, MD. Light Houses. 

    There were two basic styles of screw-pile lighthouses – square and octagonal. Most lighthouses of each shape were from the same basic plan, in fact many plan sheets have multiple lighthouse names on them and they were reused over the years. Drawings are hand drawn or printed, ink on paper and are done in from one to four colors each. These original architectural drawings represent an unprecedented view into the design and construction of this style of lighthouse. The drawings are quite beautiful and would be wonderful for research or to frame for display. Condition varies but as you might expect being early paper, the edges on many have chipping and some small tears. Many have been tape reinforced both originally and recently.

    Eleven superb architectural views include:

    Sheet # Full elevation and sectional view labeled Mathias Point, VA. c.1883. hand drawn, 3-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Plans First Floor Framing, Lantern Deck, Lantern labeled Hooper’s Straits & James Island, MD. & Laurel Point, NC. c.1883. hand drawn, 4-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Details of Iron Work, Repair of Windmill Point Lighthouse, labeled Windmill Point. c.1883. hand drawn, 2-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Plans First and Second Story, labeled Shark Fin Shoal LH. c.1883. hand drawn, 3-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Soundings and Sectional Elevations, labeled Lower Cedar Point, MD. c.1906. hand drawn, 4-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet #5 Details of Iron Work. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Wade Point, NC

    Sheet #1 Half Plan Showing Framing First Floor I Beams. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #3 Details of Iron Work, ladders, etc. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #2 Details of Iron Work, etc. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #4 Details of Iron Work, smoke pipe, etc. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #5 Lantern Apparatus of the 4th, 5th & 6th Orders. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA [Maryland Point, MD.

    #23240 Set 11 drawings $3,295 net. Priced individually on request. Photos available.

     

    1063. (envelope from) Arnold Burges Johnson, Chief Clerk, U.S. Light House Board, Washington, DC. c.1895. Intact envelope addressed to a Washington address bears a return address of “Arnold Johnson and Hattie [in pencil], Treasury Department, Office of Light House Board”. Envelope is postmarked November 6, 1895. Arnold Burges Johnson, was born in Rochester, Mass., June 17, 1834. He was married May 12, 1857, at Brooklyn, N. Y., to Harriet [“Haittie”] M, Barrows. Mr. Johnson was educated at the Rochester Academy in Putnam, Ohio, at Madison College in Pennsylvania, and the Columbian College Law School, from which last he was graduated in 1886. He served as Chief Clerk of the Light-House Board from 1869 to this date, except for a year, '73-74, when he was editing the Republican at Hackensack, N. J., and practicing law. He returned to the Light- House Board in March, '74, at the request of the Department, being allowed to finish up afterwards the cases he had pending in the U. S. Supreme Court. He was a member of several scientific societies and and has written somewhat on scientific subjects, much of which has been published in England, France, and Spain. He is the author of The Modem Light-House Service, a wonderful account of the work of the Lighthouse Service, and many Magazine articles. An interesting piece from this important Light House Board official. (VG). $34.

     

    2705. (document) U. S. Life Saving Service. Establishment of a Life Saving Station on Block Island. February 2, 1872. Original one page official manuscript document on Treasury Department stationary, dated February 2, 1872, whereby George S. Boutwell , Secretary of the Treasury, and Sumner Increase Kimball , the chief of the Treasury Department’s Revenue Marine Division, orders Captain John Faunce , United States Revenue Marine , to proceed to Block Island for the purpose of reporting upon the necessity for the establishment of a Life Saving Station at that point. Initialed in the upper left hand corner by Kimball, and signed in hand by Boutwell. Document reads: “S.I.K. Treasury Department February 2d, 1872. Sir: Previous to your return to New York from your tour of examination of the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., you will visit Block Island and ascertain and report to the Department as to the necessity for the establishment of a Life Saving Station at that point. I am, Very respectfully Geo. S. Boutwell, Secretary. [to] Capt John Faunce U.S.R.M.  Room 33, No 64 Broadway, New York City.” One page document; 7 7/8 x 9 3/4; previously folded in horizontal thirds; remnants of indistinguishable light pencil notations at upper left and upper right; One, 1/4" burn hole on line three; chipping to upper & lower right margins. One, 3/8" to 3/4" wide strip of discolored backing material on verso that extends the entire height at right margin from being bound in original letter book. Light foxing and expected age toning. Script is slightly blurred. (VG-). $325 net

    29224. Map of Property at Smith’s Point Coast Guard Station Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, N.Y. c. 1950. Scale 1” = 100’. 18” x 19 ½”. Map is well drafted on blue-print paper, blue on heavy yellow-tinted paper. Contains typical plot plan information including dimensions and directional information, location of Coast Guard station and boathouse, watch tower, as well as property boundary markers, abutters, telephone lines, flowing well, property owner names penciled in; mean high water line, base of the dunes and giving a specific ownership tally to the left of the map proper, eg. ".B. Land Occupied by the Smith's Point C.G. Station and Quit Claimed by Eugenie A. T. Smith, Heir of Egbert T. Smith to Curtis J. Davis and Wife Lillian M. & recorded on Nov. 17, 1949 & July 31, 1950." etc.. Overall clear, some closed edge-tears; occasional light soiling; otherwise in very good condition and interesting Long Island historical ephemera concerning the area. Good for reference of framing. (VG). $74.

     

    26159. (chart) U. S. Department of Commerce, Weather Bureau. COASTAL WARNING FACILITIES CHART. 1962. Great for framing, these charts show in good detail all of the U. S. Coast Guard light stations (lighthouses), lifeboat stations and light vessels that displayed  day and / or night weather warning signals. Also includes in color a diagram if the weather signals, as well as a complete listing of weather broadcast stations. Two color red-black maps have beautiful contrast and are perfect for framing. Pick the map of your area to locate those old Coast Guard lifeboat stations that no longer exist. Clean, crisp, with original folds but will mount nicely. All measure 12” x 19” unless otherwise noted.

    e.        Morgan City, LA to Apalachicola, FL. $24

    f.         Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. 12” x 12” $16

     

    2942. (document) U. S. Department of Commerce, Lighthouse Service, Office of Inspector, 6th District, Charleston, S.C. June 5, 1914. One page typed letter, signed by the Superintendent, notes the mailing of property deed and requests that receipt be acknowledged. One page on original Lighthouse Service letterhead, signed in hand. Clean, crisp, light age toning. (VG+). $38.

       6744 [Topographic Maps]. U.S. Geological Survey. 1940 – 1953 edition. Massachusetts Coastline. Sizes from 16 ½” x 21” to 22” x 27”. The scale of the maps are 1:31,680 to 1:24,000, with contour lines at 10-foot intervals. Beautiful, early, three color topographic maps show the important contours and features of the area including the Lighthouses and Life-Saving Stations, Lightships and more, as well as roads and important town buildings, etc. Also includes all roads, railway lines, shoals and bars, and much more. Maps are quite desirable for framing and are overall clean. Include stamp on field of “Library Dept of Geology”. Would be wonderful framed to show the area in great detail. These early coastal maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium, particularly on the Cape and the islands. (VG).

    qq-6. Sagamore Quadrangle. Includes most of Plymouth, Cape Cod Canal, part of Bourne, Sandwich, Cape Cod Bay. 1951. 22” x 27”. $24.

    qq-9. Hyannis Quadrangle. Includes most of Barnstable of Centerville, Yarmouth, part of Sandy Neck, Barnstable Harbor, Hyannis Barbor, Nantucket Sound, Cape Cod Bay. 1950. 22” x 27”. $24.

    qq-12. Plymouth Quadrangle. Includes most of Plymouth, part of Kingston, Plymouth Bay, Saquish Head. 1950. 22” x 27”. $24.

     

     

    6744r,v. [Topographic Plate]. COAST LINES: PART OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD MASS. US Geological Survey. c.1908. Size 10”h x 16”. Double page plate from early report. Beautiful, early, three color topographic map shows the important contours and features of the area including the Lighthouses and Life-Saving Stations, as well as roads, harbor and important features. This map includes most of the island, from Chilmark Pond and Lamberts Cove east to Oak Bluffs to the northeast and Cape Pogue to the east.  Lighthouses include Cape Pogue Light and  Edgartown Light. Also includes harbors, shoals and bars, and much more. Plate is quite desirable for framing. Unusually clean and crisp, a beautiful piece. These early coastal maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium, particularly on the Cape and the islands. (F).   $118 net.

    6744s,ii. [Topographic Plate]. COAST LINES: PARTS OF PROVINCETOWN AND WELLFLEET MASS. US Geological Survey. c.1908. Size 10”h x 16”. Double page plate from early report. Beautiful, early, three color topographic map shows the important contours and features of the area including the Lighthouses and Life-Saving Stations, as well as roads, harbor and important features. This map includes all of the outer Cape from Provincetown to Bound Brook Island and Gull Pond in Wellfleet. U. S. Life-Saving Stations include Race Point, Peaked Hill Bar, High Head, Highland and Pamet River . Lighthouses include Long Point, Wood End, Race Point, and Highland Light. Also includes harbors, shoals and bars, and much more. Plate is quite desirable for framing. Unusually clean and crisp, a beautiful piece. These early coastal maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium, particularly on the Cape and the islands. (F).  $88 net.

    Additional areas and locations available in same 1908 series including: Boothbay, Maine, Deer Isle, Maine, Morro Bay, Ca., Great South Bay, NY., Atlantic City, NJ., Sandy Hook, NJ., Presque Isle Bay, PA., San Francisco Bay, Ca., Bolinas Bay, Ca., Sodus Bay, NY., Cape Blanco, Or., Oceanside, Ca., Chesapeake Bay, Md., Buzzards Bay, Ma., Niagara Falls, NY., East Delta, La., Williamston, NC., St. Louis, Mo., Yosemite Valley, Ca., Yellowstone Canyon, and more. Pricing $44 - $78 each. 

     

    See below for additional coastal topographic maps.

    U.S. LIGHTHOUSE ESTABLISHMENT. Original hand drawn architectural drawings for a: Screw Pile Light House for 4th, 5th, and 6th Order Lenses [octagonal style] . Engineer Secretary, U. S. Light House Board. 1880-1906. 

    We have been very fortunate to come across a large lot of original U. S. Light House Establishment architectural drawings for the construction of various lighthouses, keeper’s dwellings, oil houses, range beacons and more This lot originated from the Lighthouse Establishment Engineering Offices and includes many one of a kind items. This portion includes 11 drawings for a Screw Pile Light House for 4th, 5th, and 6th Order Lenses. Octagonal Screw Pile Type lighthouses represented in this lot include: Mathias Point, VA., Hooper’s Straits & James Island, MD. & Laurel Point, NC., Windmill Point, Shark Fin Shoal, Lower Cedar Point, MD., Wade Point, NC., Pages Rock, VA., and Maryland Point, MD. Light Houses. 

    There were two basic styles of screw-pile lighthouses – square and octagonal. Most lighthouses of each shape were from the same basic plan, in fact many plan sheets have multiple lighthouse names on them and they were reused over the years. Drawings are hand drawn or printed, ink on paper and are done in from one to four colors each. These original architectural drawings represent an unprecedented view into the design and construction of this style of lighthouse. The drawings are quite beautiful and would be wonderful for research or to frame for display. Condition varies but as you might expect being early paper, the edges on many have chipping and some small tears. Many have been tape reinforced both originally and recently.

    Eleven superb architectural views include:

    Sheet # Full elevation and sectional view labeled Mathias Point, VA. c.1883. hand drawn, 3-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Plans First Floor Framing, Lantern Deck, Lantern labeled Hooper’s Straits & James Island, MD. & Laurel Point, NC. c.1883. hand drawn, 4-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Details of Iron Work, Repair of Windmill Point Lighthouse, labeled Windmill Point. c.1883. hand drawn, 2-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Plans First and Second Story, labeled Shark Fin Shoal LH. c.1883. hand drawn, 3-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet # Soundings and Sectional Elevations, labeled Lower Cedar Point, MD. c.1906. hand drawn, 4-color ink on paper. 24" x 37".

    Sheet #5 Details of Iron Work. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Wade Point, NC

    Sheet #1 Half Plan Showing Framing First Floor I Beams. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #3 Details of Iron Work, ladders, etc. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #2 Details of Iron Work, etc. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #4 Details of Iron Work, smoke pipe, etc. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA

    Sheet #5 Lantern Apparatus of the 4th, 5th & 6th Orders. 16" x 24" printed on paper. b/w. Pages Rock, VA [Maryland Point, MD.

    #23240 Set 11 drawings $3,295 net. Priced individually on request. Photos available.

    25322b. (Circular No. 83) REDUCTION OF SALARIES OF LIGHT-KEEPERS. Light-House Board. Circular No. 83 of 1889. August 5, 1889. One page 8” x 10” printed Circular as issued, refers to Circular No. 38 necessitating the reduction in salaries, indicating that Congress was ill-advised as to the nature and amount of the deficit by the Light-House Board, and that Congress did make an appropriation to meet the anticipated deficit based on the facts presented to it, but said appropriation was insufficient, hence the necessity for the reduction in salaries for the fiscal year 1889. A most interesting piece that smacks of politics of the time. It appears that Congress was unwilling to accept the blame for the deficit and subsequent reduction in keeper’s salaries, and I suspect that they “suggested” to the Light-House Board that they retract earlier statements and accept responsibility for the errors.  In excellent condition, near fine. (F-) (similar to above) $385 net.

    27383. [document] U. S. Revenue Marine [Cutter Service], Form #8, RECEIPT FOR RATIONS DELIVERED ON BOARD UNITED STATES REVENUE STEAMER MOCCASIN . c.1875. Full 8 ½” x 14” form sheet, printed both sides is filled out for rations for the US Revenue Steamer Moccasin for the month ending March 31st, 1875. Form lists the various rations and amounts delivered for 13 persons for 31 days. Form is signed by  Lieutenant A. Beemer when the supplies were received. Form is printed, and then filled out in ink. Form is clean, light overall browning and to original folds. Rare early Revenue Cutter document. (VG-).  $78.

     

    Pecks Ledge Light Sta., US Coast Guard photo

    25320a,b,c. (lot three disciplinary letters) Keeper Conrad Hawk, Pecks Ledge Light Station c.1913. A lighthouse was proposed in 1896 to mark Pecks Ledge at the east end of the Norwalk Islands in Norwalk, Connecticut but it wasn't until 1906 that the light was operational. The lighthouse was of a common caisson “sparkplug” type, made of cast iron plates and fitted to accommodate two keepers. The lantern was initially fitted with a fourth order Fresnel lens and exhibiting a flashing white light. The interior had three stories of living space, topped by a watchroom and lantern. There was also a basement containing cisterns for the storage of rainwater. In February 1913, Keeper Conrad Hawk was working on his lobster traps and left a receptacle of tar near the firebox side of the kitchen stove. Jeremy D’Entremont notes in his’ history of the station that ”…Keeper Hawk then noticed that the nearby lantern at Grassy Hummock was out and rowed over to relight the navigational aid. On his way back to Pecks Ledge he saw smoke pouring from the windows in his light tower. Thinking quickly, Keeper Hawk climbed to the tower roof and managed to get inside the lighthouse. He blocked a kitchen window with a quilt, stopping the draft that was feeding the fire. He then repeatedly drew seawater with a bucket and managed to put out the flames”. Although his carelessness caused the fire, the keeper's fast thinking may have saved the lighthouse from destruction. However, considerable damage was suffered by the station. Offered here are the three official specification of charges and disciplinary letters issued by the Bureau of Lighthouses with one signed in the hand of Commissioner George Putnam

    The first letter, dated February 25, 1913 details two charges against the keeper and details the fire incident. It further directs Keeper Hawk to reply with any statement that he wished to make. Signed by J. Y.  Yates, Office of Lighthouse Inspector, 3rd District, Tompkinsville, N.Y.

    The second letter, (not shown) dated February 26, 1913 notes that “…while it is considered that the fire was a result of carelessness on your part, this office is gratified to know that upon discovering the fire, you without assistance, used all available means at your command to extinguish the fire until it was out.” Signed by J. Y.  Yates, Office of Lighthouse Inspector, 3rd District, Tompkinsville, N.Y. 

    The third letter, dated March 15, 1913 is from the Bureau of Lighthouses, Washington and is signed in the curse hand of Commissioner George Putnam. Putnam notes that although the keeper used all available means to extinguish the fire, in view of the seriousness of the incident he was cautioned to avoid a reoccurrence, and notes that copies of the letter have been filed in the keeper’s personnel file.

    In view of the seriousness of the incident, it is extremely rare in my view for the Lighthouse Service to have retained the keeper whereas in prior years, far smaller infractions had resulted in more serious consequences including dismissal. This three letter lot on such a subject, including one letter from the Commissioner himself,  in original and in such good condition, is an unprecedented find.

    Documents measure 8” x 10 ½” and are on original printed stationery of the Lighthouse Service (two different styles). Documents are overall bright and clean, only light foxing or soiling and one stain. Each with two original folds. (VG+).             Lot three (3) documents $785 net.

    25330. (document) U. S. Lighthouse Service, Superintendent of Lighthouses, 3rd District, Thompkinsville Lighthouse Depot, New York. May 11, 1921. 4p. Original proposal / order signed by F. W. Ockenfels, 1st Assistant Superintendent, requests 144 fishing lines, 150 feet in length , from the Hall Rod Works in Highland Mills, New York. Typed LHS form No. 110 includes complete specifications for same. Nice example of early Lighthouse Service documentation. Only light use. (VG). $64.  

    Decorate Your Wall With An Original Vintage Nautical Chart Of Your Favorite New England Coastal Area:

    We have discovered a wonderful selection of vintage c. 1919-1943 U.S.G.S. coastal navigation charts covering Maine , New Hampshire , Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island . These charts are quite large and are generally unused, most with only two original folds. They are clean and bright and would be a perfect choice for framing to mount on your wall. As expected, each includes excellent detail of Coast Guard stations, coastal navigational aids including lighthouses, lightships, and much more. All in VG or better condition, no marks unless noted. We have 32 charts available, half of which are shown here. Please email for complete listing. A-139

     

    A-139

    1.        Quoddy Roads to Petit Manan Is. 1941 (42 ½ X 32 ½). Grand Manan Island , etc. $24.

    5.        Cross Is. To Nash Is. 1943 (41 x 29) Nash Is. Lt., Moose Peak Lt., Libby Is., Avery Rock Lt. Shows many islands and details of shoreline, etc. $24.

    6.        Nash to Schoodic Is. 1939 (27 ½ x 41) Shows Columbia Falls, Addison, Harrington, Cherryfield, Millbridge, including Prospect
    Harbor light, Nash Is., Petit Manan Is., etc. $24.

    8.        Blue Hill Bay 1943 (27 1/2X 42 ½). Mt. Desert Island , western part, etc. $28.

    10.     Moose Cove to Englishman Bay 1919 (41 X 29 ½)./ Machias Bay , Cross Island , etc. $24.

    13.     Deer Is. Thoroughfare & Casco Passage 1938 (35 x 22) Mark Is., Stonington , Parts of Swans Is., etc. $24.

     

    All districts available, please inquire.........

    6744a,k. [Topographic Map]. CAPE COD FROM PROVINCETOWN TO EASTHAM INCLUDING TRURO, WELLFLEET AND EASTHAM. Walker Lithographers & Publishers, Boston. c.1900. Size 20"h x 28 ½".From early Atlas of Massachusetts. Beautiful, early, three color topographic maps show the important contours and features of the area including the Lighthouses and Life-Saving Stations, light vessels, as well as roads and important town buildings, etc. This map includes the complete towns of Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet and MUCH OF Eastham. U. S. Life-Saving Stations include Race Point, Peaked Hill Bar, High Head, Highland, Pamet River, Cahoon Hollow and Nauset. Lighthouses include Long Point, Wood End, Race Point, Highland, Nauset Beach Lights, Mayo’s Beach Light and Billingsgate. Also includes Marconi Wireless Station, all roads, railway lines, shoals and bars, and much more. Map is quite desirable for framing and is new old stock. Unusually clean and crisp save, never used. These early coastal maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium, particularly on the Cape and the islands. (VG+). $118 net.

    Other Cape areas available - please inquire.

     Wig-Wam Point Light-House , Gloucester, Mass.

    Rare, Early, Letterpress Copies of Hand-Written Letters from the Secretary of the Treasury regarding Keeper Appointments, Dismissals, and other Business of the Day. 1840’s

    Letterpress copy was a method in use fairly early in the neneteemth century for producing one file copy of a hand-written ink document; Thomas Jefferson made extensive use of it. The process involved dampening the surface of a freshly written original letter of document, placing over it a thin sheet of paper, and pressing this sandwich in a special press. Enough ink from the original would be absorbed by the thin paper for a copy of the letter to be made. It was possible to produce an excellent reference copy using this method. Signatures as well as the text are transferred in this method, producing one copy that is difficult to distinguish from the original. Since only one copy can be produced from an original using this method, one can be fairly certain that no other copies and possibly not even some of the originals exist today.

     Wig-Wam Point Light-House , Gloucester, Mass. November 11, 1841.

     Rare letter regarding appointment of the Light Keeper: [document - letterpress copy. 8” x 11”. 1 page.]. “[to] Hon. L. Saltonstall, Salem, Mass. November 11, 1841. Sir:             I have to acknowledge the receipt this day, of  your letter of the 8th inst with enclosures of papers favorable to the appointment of Mr. Lane as Keeper of Wig – Wam Point Light House, Mass.; all of which shall receive my most respectful consideration when a change is deemed expedient. Very respectfully, Your Obt Servent,  [signed] W [Walter J] Forward. Secy of the Trea.” #6385.   $185.

     Also:

     

    24323a. (Lot: document & photo)  Keeper C. L. Knight, Goose Rocks Light Station, Maine c.1930. Charles.L. Knight was a lighthouse keeper on the Maine coast for over 30 years. His assignments included Goose Rocks LH, Hendricks Head LH and others. Included here is an original Form 76 filled out by Keeper Knight, Department of Commerce Lighthouse Service,  Shore Liberty or Leave of Absence of Keepers  dated October 30, 1930. The form is a request for a four day shore leave from Goose Rocks light station, to visit his family. Form is typed and signed in the hand of Keeper Knight, as well as initialed in approval by the Superintendent, First Lighthouse District.  8” x 10 ½”. A fine lot, perfect for your collection of framing. (VG).   $248.

  •  

  • 24130. [document] United States General Light-House Depot. By John Millis, 1st. Lieut of Engineers. To Major D. P. Heap, Engineer, 3rd. Light House District, U.S. General Light House Depot, Thompkinsville, NY. Dated June 18, 1888 on stationery of the U.S. General Light House Depot, Thompkinsville , NY . Twenty two page manuscript on original stationery from John Millis, 1st. Lieut of Engineers to his superior Major D. P. Heap, Engineer, 3rd. Light House District concerns a proposed system of 16 navigational lights for the Connecticut River below Hartford and is based upon Millis’ personal observation of river traffic and topographical considerations. Report is in response to a request by the Light House Board and includes his recommendations. Lights considered and discussed include: Essex Reef, Joshua Rocks, Deep River, Chester Rock, Eddy Rock, Rock Landing, Scovil’s Rock, Radsrn Rock, Bodkin Rock, Lower Mousr Island , Upper Mousr Island , Pistol Point, Dividend Pier, Two Piers Channel, Nauboc Range , and Colts Pier. In various cases lighthouses were proposed and later constructed, or other aids were added. Superb manuscript, all on rare original General Light House letter sheets, intact, clean save a few edge stains. (VG-).  $395 net.

    U.S. LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE - Original Architectural Drawings c. 1909 - 1939.

    I have been very fortunate to come across this lot of thirteen original architectural drawings for light stations and depots in the Sixth and Seventh LH Districts. It is exceptionally rare to find a lot of such fine material and with so many pieces relating to individual light stations. These one of a kind, original hand drawn ink on linen architectural drawings are excellent for research or display and provide a rare opportunity to obtain such marked Lighthouse Service pieces at an affordable price. One or multi-colored and quite nice for framing for display.

      24194a. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Sixth District, Charleston , SC. Ward’s Bank Rear Range Light Station Substructure. March 14, 1932. 11” x 16” Ink on Linen. $85.

    24194b. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Sixth District, Charleston , SC. Balance Wheel for 1st Order Clockwork. Approved February  25, 1919. ” Ink on Linen.  $75.

    24194c. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Sixth District, Charleston , SC. Accumulator Rack.  Ink on Linen. $75.

    24194d. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Sixth District, Charleston , SC. Cast Iron Hub for Driven Wheel for 8 Inch Screw Pile. Scale 3” – 1’ 0”. February 10, 1939.  Ink on Linen. $65.

    24194e. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Sixth District, Charleston , SC. Pedestal for Light Station 55 mm [mantle diameter] [IOV] Lamp – Type A – Type B. Scale 3” = 1’ March 7, 1918. 21” x 24”.  Ink on Linen.  $225.

    24194f. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Sixth District, Charleston , SC. 14” Square Reinforced Concrete Pile. Scale 1” = 1’. May 22, 1913. 17” x 11”. Ink on Linen. $55.

    24194g. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Sixth District, Charleston , SC.   10-Foot Skeleton Pipe Tower for Front Range Light. March 26, 1919. Ink on Linen.   $165.

    24194h. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Sixth District, Charleston , SC. St. John River Light House. Stand for 3 I.E. [Incandescent Electric ] Lamps. Scale 1 ½” = 1”. July 28, 1928. 10 ½” x 15 ½”. Ink on Linen.  $85.

    24194i. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Sixth District, Charleston , SC. Reservations St. Simon Light Station , Georgia . Scale 1” = 100’. May 22, 1909. 11” x 18”. Ink on Linen.  $85.

    24194k. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Seventh District, Key West, FL. Working Platform for Triangular Iron Pile Structure with Wooden Superstructure. Scale 3/8” = 1’. March 16, 1925. 11” x 16”. Ink on Linen.  $65.

    24194L. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Sixth District, Charleston , SC. Site of Arlington Cut Range Rear Light. Scale 1” = 100’. December 15, 1922. 10” x 16”. Ink on Linen.  $45.

    24194m. Office of Superintendent of Lighthouses, Sixth District, Charleston , SC. Charleston Light House Depot Concrete Pile Encasement. Scale 1/2”  = 1’. May 24, 1932. 10” x 15”. Ink on Linen.  $35.

    Official US Lighthouse Service Forms and Documents

    Here is a wonderful selection of official Department of Commerce, US Lighthouse Service, forms and documents. Forms are printed originals, unused and remain clean and crisp, perfect for framing.

     D-09-2. US Lighthouse Service, Department of Commerce, Form 95 for a "Requisition For Articles". The form was to be filled out and sent in for lighthouse keepers, masters of vessels such as lightship and lighthouse tender's to requisition supplies of any kind. 8" X 10.5". $44.

     D-09-3. US Lighthouse Service, Department of Commerce, Form 4 for a "Abstract of Obligations"…"To be paid direct by the Bureau of Lighthouses" [Basically an expense report for Lighthouse Service personnel]. 8" X 10.5". Used with the Airways Division of the Lighthouse Service. $32.

     D-09-4. US Lighthouse Service, Department of Commerce, Form 45 for a "Construction Weekly Progress Report". This form was used with the Lighthouse Service Airways Division. It was to be filled out and sent to the Inspector of Airways Construction. 8" X 10.5".  $44.

     D-09-5. US Lighthouse Service, official business envelope. This envelope is pre-addressed to the Superintendent of Lighthouses in Portland , Oregon . This is a typical #10 size envelope which measures approximately 4.25" X 9.5". $26.

     D-09-6. US Lighthouse Service, Department of Commerce, Form 33 for a "Standard Government Short Form Contract". The form was to be filled out and sent out for companies bidding on government work with the Lighthouse Service. 8" X 10.5". $12.

     D-09-7. US Lighthouse Service, Department of Commerce, Form 105a for a "Field License". The form was to be filled out and sent in for emergency landing fields, beacon lights and other lighting equipment for guiding and landing aircraft. 8" X 14". This form was probably used with the Airways Division of the Lighthouse Service. $24

     D-09-8. US Lighthouse Service, Department of Commerce, Form 1012 for a " Public Voucher for Reimbursement of Travel and Other Expenses Including Per Diem ". $12

    Note. 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.

  • 6744i. [Topographic Map]. CAPE COD FROM TRURO TO BREWSTER INCLUDING ORLEANS, EASTHAM AND WELLFLEET. U.S. Geological Survey. September 1893 edition, reprinted 1923, from surveys done in 1887. Size 16 ½"w x 20"h. The scale of the map is 1:62,500, with contour lines at 20-foot intervals. Beautiful, early, three color topographic maps show the important contours and features of the area including the Lighthouses and Life-Saving Stations, as well as roads and important town buildings, etc. This map includes the complete towns of Orleans, Wellfleet, Eastham, part of Brewster and Truro. U. S. Life-Saving Stations include Pamet River, Cahoon’s Hollow, Nauset, and Orleans. Lighthouses include Billingsgate, Mayo’s Beach, Nauset Beach Beacons. Also includes all roads, railway lines, shoals and bars, and much more. Map is quite desirable for framing and is clean and crisp as original. Unusually clean and crisp, would be wonderful framed. These early coastal maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium, particularly on the Cape and the islands. (VG+). $138 net. 

     

    U.S. LIGHTHOUSE ESTABLISHMENT. Original hand drawn architectural drawings for a: Screw Pile Light House for 4th, 5th, and 6th Order Lenses [square style]. Engineer Secretary, U. S. Light House Board. 1880-1896 

    We have been very fortunate to come across a large lot of original U. S. Light House Establishment architectural drawings for the construction of various lighthouses, keeper’s dwellings, oil houses, range beacons and more This lot originated from the Lighthouse Establishment Engineering Offices and includes many one of a kind items. This portion includes 15 drawings for a Screw Pile Light House for 4th, 5th, and 6th Order Lenses. Screw Pile Type lighthouses represented in this lot include: Neuse River Light House, Long Shoal Light House, Croatan Light House, Lower Cedar Point, MD., Holland’s Island Bay, MD., & Great Wicomico River, VA. Light Houses. There were two basic styles of screw-pile lighthouses – square and octagonal. Most lighthouses of each shape were from the same basic plan, in fact many plan sheets have multiple lighthouse names on them and they were reused over the years. All drawings are hand drawn, ink on paper and are done in from one to three colors each. These original hand drawn in ink architectural drawings represent an unprecedented view into the design and construction of this style of lighthouse. The drawings are quite beautiful and would be wonderful for research or to frame for display. Condition varies but as you might expect being early paper, the edges on many have chipping and some small tears. Many have been tape reinforced.  Fifteen superb architectural views include: Elevation Views: Full elevation view labeled Lower Cedar Point, MD. c.1896. 3-color. 25" x 38". Screw Pile Section and Soundings, Corner Steel Castings, Repair of Substructure… Lower Cedar Point Light House, MD. c.1906. Half Sectional Elevation of First Floor & Part of Second Floor, Roof & Drum. Holland’s Island Bay, MD., & Great Wicomico River, VA. Light Houses. c.1889. [following labeled] "Screw Pile Light House for 4th, 5th, and 6th Order Lenses": Sheet #4 Plan for 2nd Floor. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. Sheet #5 Details of House Frame. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. Sheet #6 Lantern Deck, Watch Room Deck, Roof Frame. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. Sheet #7 Details of Wood Work. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. Sheet #8 Details of Wood Work. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. Sheet #9 Details of Wood Work. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. Sheet #10 Details of Gable End. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. Sheet #11 Details of Iron Work. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. Sheet #12Details of Iron Work. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. Sheet #13 Details of Iron Work. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. Sheet #14 Details of Iron Work. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. Sheet #17 Details of Metal Work. 22" x 32" hand drawn, ink on paper. b/w. 

    #S-01. Set 15 original drawings $3,995 net

    22523. [Parliamentary Paper] REPORT OF THE TRINITY BOARD CORPORATION ON ALL EXPERIMENTS MADE WITH A VIEW OF TESTING THE DIFFERENT PLANS FOR FOG SIGNALS….. House of Commons. March 14, 1864. 10 p. A consideration of the merits of various types of fog signals with testimony and results of experiments presented. Includes comparisons of various trumpets, guns, and of particular interest is Daboll’s horn. Comparison tables of results of the various fog signal devices are included. Excellent for research on the subject. Disbound folio 8" x 13". (VG). $22.

    [map copy]. United States Life Saving Service. SECOND LIFE SAVING DISTRICT. COAST OF MASSACHUSETTS. 1876. Large 14 ¾" x 26" map shows the 14 life-saving stations that existed at the time along the mainland coast and on Nantucket. Stations are nicely marked with a silhouette of an early station style with the appropriate station number noted. Map details the coastline nicely as well as the major railroad lines at the time. Scale 1" = 5 nautical miles. Map is from the original, issued by the U.S. Life Saving Service in 1876 and would be quite desirable for reference or for framing.

    Available in two forms:

    C95111A. 20 lb. Black on white bond paper 14 ¾" x 26". Ideal for reference. $18.

    C95111B. 24 lb. White semi gloss paper, in color showing brown background as original. Ideal for framing or reference. $24.95.

    LIGHTHOUSE ARCHITECTURAL PLANS

    We have been very fortunate to come across a lot of ten original c.1858 architectural drawings and contract document for the construction of the screw-pile type lighthouses at the Cherrystone Inlet, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia and at Stingray Point, Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. This lot originated from the family archives of Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves (1811-1888), of the United States Topographical Engineers, who was closely involved in the design and construction of many lighthouses throughout the country. This lot includes one-of-a-kind items including the original contract documents and nine original full color hand drawn in ink on linen architectural drawings. These represent an unprecedented view into the design and construction of these early lighthouses. The drawings are quite beautiful and would be wonderful for research or to frame for display.

    Please inquire for more details.

    21377. [document copy] U. S. Department of Commerce, Lighthouse Service, Keeper’s Annual Property Return, Requisition, and Receipt Form No. 30. 24 pages. 8" x 10". Lengthy form contains spaces for all items needed by the Keeper and is would be filled out in his hand indicating the quantity of each item on hand, received, and used during the year. Each and every possible item is noted, from all sizes of brushes, to boats, burners, lamps, wicks, tools, deflectors, furniture, dinnerware, lamp fittings, paint, books and forms, and much more. Listing covers 24 pages and is a must for researchers working to properly furnish your lighthouse or museum exhibit. Quality photocopy, spiral bound. $8.

    20511-20. [document] This is a 1-page voucher from the files of Light-House Inspector L. Sitgreaves, for the Eleventh Light-House District. Dated 9 November 1854. Payment voucher lists repairs performed on the Waukegan [Harbor, Racine, Wisconsin] Lighthouse during the period March until August 24, 1854 and authorizes payment of $120.45. Some of the work on the lighthouse detailed includes; stovepipe for lighthouse tower, padlock, cordwood, chimneys for lamps, masonry work, materials for staging and repairs detailed, labor for fitting zinc on deck, and more. Document is filled out on official Light-House Establishment form in the hand of Capt. Sitgreaves and is signed by him. Capt. Sitgreaves was Light-House Inspector in the Eleventh District, and designed and built a number of light stations in his long career. This document is part of an important lot of early documents of the period just after the complete reorganization of the Light-House Establishment and institution of the new Light-House Board. During this point many lighthouses were repaired and many new stations established. Document measures 8" x 12", two sides, with 3 original light folds, extremely clean, crisp. A most interesting and scarce early Great Lakes.

    20511-99. [document] This is a 1--page hand written document from the files of Light-House Inspector L. Sitgreaves, for the Eleventh Light-House District. Dated December 7, 1854. Hand written receipt acknowledges payment to J. E. Southerland for repair of lighthouses in the Eleventh Light-House District [ Great Lakes ]. Work included supplying lights with hickory firewood, 2 pair scissors, padlock for beacon, whitewashing the light, and more. Document is hand written and signed by the recipient on blue lined paper and originated in files of Capt. Sitgreaves. Capt. Sitgreaves was Light-House Inspector in the Eleventh District, and designed and built a number of light stations in his long career. This document is part of an important lot of early documents of the period just after the complete reorganization of the Light-House Establishment and institution of the new Light-House Board. During this point many lighthouses were repaired and many new stations established. Document measures 8” x 10, one side, with original light folds, overall clean, crisp. A most interesting and scarce early Great Lakes lighthouse document. (VG). $42

    20511-35. [document] This is a ½--page hand written document from the files of Light-House Inspector L. Sitgreaves, for the Eleventh Light-House District. Dated May 12, 1854. Hand written receipt acknowledges payment to John O’Connor for repair of the light keeper’s boat at the Tail Point Light-House in Wisconsin [now known as Long Tail Point]. Document is hand written and signed by the recipient on blue lined paper and originated in files of Capt. Sitgreaves. Capt. Sitgreaves was Light-House Inspector in the Eleventh District, and designed and built a number of light stations in his long career. This document is part of an important lot of early documents of the period just after the complete reorganization of the Light-House Establishment and institution of the new Light-House Board. During this point many lighthouses were repaired and many new stations established. Document measures 6 ½” x 5”, one side, with original light folds, overall clean, crisp. A most interesting and scarce early Great Lakes lighthouse document. (VG).  $42

     

    Other similar documents available for the following locations… Pricing  $35 - $110. Please inquire.

    Lighthouse repair/construction/moving:

    2- Round Island [ Lake Superior ]

    3 - Ottawa Point [name changed to Tawas Point , MI ]

    Bailey’s Harbor, WI.

    2 - Twin Rivers , Wisc. [now known as Two Rivers , WI .

    2 - Waukegan Lighthouse [also Waukegan Harbor ]

    Waukegan Little Fort Light [now known as Waukegan Harbor ]

    2 - Tail Point , WI [now known as Long Tail Point

    Sheboygan [WI ?]

    Gale Point LH , …Bay [?]

    2 - Milwaukewe LH & Move to North Point , WI .

    4 - LH at mouth of Clinton River [Port Clinton, OH ?]

    Belvidere LH {?]

    Beacon @ Milwaukee WI

    2 – Port Washington , WI

    2 – Michigan City LH, IN

    Saginaw, St Mary’s, Eagle River & more

    Thunder Bay LH

    Muskegan LH

    2 – White Fish Point, Lake Superior

    LH @ Mouth of Milwaukee Bay , WI

    Little Fort LH & Waukegan , IL .

    Ontonajou LH [ Ontonagon , MI ?]

    LH @ Grand Haven & Muskegon

    Manatouac

    Michigan City

    Grand Haven Lt

    Buoys repair, etc: St Clair Flats, Point Huron, 4 - Fox River [ Neenak River ], 2 - Saginaw Bay

     

     

    U. S. Lighthouse Establishment

    Office Light House Inspector, 4th Dist., Philadelphia.

    Official Correspondence - 1889

    Correspondence is on official Treasury Department, Office of the Light-House Board letterhead, signed, and bears official District Office of the Light-House Inspector stamp.

    657. From James Gregory, Engineer Secretary to Comdr. J.J. Reed, Inspector 4th. L. H. District, acknowledging receipt of communication showing the amount of hours fog-signals were in use during the year ending 30 June, ‘89. Dated August 20, 1889. $20.

    6184. [example shown] From James Gregory, Major of Engineers to Comdr J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District enclosing vouchers for repairs to the L. H. Tender Geranium. Dated June 25, 1889. $18

    659. From James Gregory, Engineer Secretary to Comdr. J.J. Reed, Inspector 4th. L. H. District. Acknowledging receipt of Report of Operations for July. Dated August 26, 1889. $18.

    674. From Commander George Coffin to Comdr. J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District regarding damages to Light-House property. Dated September 13, 1889. $18.

    671. From James Gregory, Major of Engineers to Comdr J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District forwarding contracts with Messrs. Darrah & Elwell for furnishing provisions for 1889-90. Dated June 26, 1889. $16.

    6183. From James Gregory, Major of Engineers to Comdr J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District returning proposals for paint for buoyage purposes. Dated August 15, 1889. $14.

    6186. From Commander George Coffin to Comdr. J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District acknowledging receipt of inventory for light-vessels and tenders. Dated October 19, 1889. $16.

    6188. From Commander George Coffin to Comdr. J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District transmitting Report of Operations for September 1889. Dated October 17, 1889. $18.

    6189. From James Gregory, Major of Engineers to Comdr J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District requesting information regarding fog signal operations, equipment in use, hours of operation and amount of coal used. Dated August 16, 1889. $18.

     

    U. S. Lighthouse Establishment

    Original Reply Letters

    Official Treasury Department, Office of the Light-House Board, Form No. 126 acknowledging the receipt of various monthly supply and equipment forms, reports, statements and returns. These originated from the correspondence file, District Inspector, Fourth Light-House District. All bear official letterhead, are stamped with official Light House Inspector’s stamp and dated and many are signed (*) by George W. Coffin, Naval secretary. Many contain reference to L. H. Tenders or other items of interest.

    This is a fine opportunity to obtain nice examples of an official document at an affordable price.

    Quite frameable, 8" x 10½", slight browning from age but overall good condition, tape remnants one edge.

    6190. From George W. Coffin, Naval Secretary to Comdr. J.J. Reed, Inspector 4th. L. H. District, acknowledging receipt of reports of statements and balances. Dated October 14, 1889. $17.

    6207. From George W. Coffin, Naval Secretary to Comdr. J.J. Reed, Inspector 4th. L. H. District, acknowledging receipt of reports of inspection of light-houses. Dated October 25, 1889. $17.

    6210. From George W. Coffin, Naval Secretary to Comdr. J.J. Reed, Inspector 4th. L. H. District, acknowledging receipt of reports of inspection of light-houses. Dated October 29, 1889. $17.

    6225. From George W. Coffin, Naval Secretary to Comdr. J.J. Reed, Inspector 4th. L. H. District, acknowledging receipt of reports of inventory of the Light Vessel No. 37. Dated October 31, 1889. $19.

    U. S. Lighthouse Establishment

    Original Letters of Receipt

    Official Treasury Department, Office of the Light-House Board, handwritten communications on Official Stationary Form No. 127. These originated from the correspondence file, District Inspector, Fourth Light-House District. All bear official letterhead, are stamped with official Light House Inspector’s stamp and dated and many are signed by George W. Coffin, Naval secretary. Quite interesting, containing various items regarding Light-Vessels, L. H. Tenders, construction projects, keepers, supplies, budgets or other items of interest.

    This is a fine opportunity to obtain nice examples of official documents at an affordible price. Quite framable. 8" x 10½", slight browning from age but overall good condition.

    6221. From Commander George Coffin to Comdr. J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District advising of receipt of Report of Operations for October. Dated November 5, 1889. $16.

    6217. From Commander George Coffin to Comdr. J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District advising of receipt of communication relating to Signal Service, or Life Saving Stations near Light-House Reservations. Dated November 6, 1889. $18.

    6216. From Commander George Coffin to Comdr. J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District advising of receipt of communication relating to the characteristic of the fog signal at Fort Mifflin, Pa. Dated October 4, 1889. $18.

    6215. From Commander George Coffin to Comdr. J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District advising of receipt of communication and copy of letter from the U. S. Attorney relative to claim of ‘Viola’. Dated October 22, 1889. $18.

    6177. From Commander George Coffin to Comdr. J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District advising of receipt of communication requesting copies of the International Code. Dated September 19, 1889. $18.

    6194. From Commander George Coffin to Comdr. J. J. Reed, Inspector 4th Light-House District advising of receipt of communication transmitting a record of ocean temperature as observed at Absecon, N.J. Light-Station. Dated October 5, 1889. $16.

    More Documents....

    7239. NOTICE TO MARINERS. Light Discontinued. "Treasury Department, Office Light-House Board,...October 5, 1859."…The Light-House Board, at its meeting…recommended that the following light be discontinued, viz: The light at New Haven long wharf, (Conn.)….on November next….By order of the Secretary of the Treasury: R. Semmes, Secretary." Slight moisture stain, folded but most presentable. 8"w x 10"h. Matted for framing. (VG-) $195.

    Rare, Early, Original Hand-Written Letters from the Secretary of the Treasury regarding Keeper Appointments, Dismissals, and other Business of the Day.

    1840’s

     

    Light-House at Eagle Island (Maine). January 31, 1848.

    Rare letter regarding the appointment of the Keeper:

    [document - original. 7 ½" x 8". 1 page.].

    "[to Hon. E. K. Smart, House. of Reps.

    Treasury Department.

    31 Jany. 1848

    Sir:

    I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date transmitting the recommendation of James Wyman (sp) and others in favor of the appointment of William W. Laughlin as Keeper of the Eagle Island Light and to inform you that it shall have respectful consideration.

    I am respy.

    [initialed] W.C.Y. [McClintock Young]

    Actg. Secy Tr[easury]."

    #6379. $158. net.

    Rare, Early, Letterpress Copies of Hand-Written Letters

    Rare letter regarding the appointment of the Keeper:

    [document - letterpress copy. 8" x 11". 1 page.].

    "[to Hon.... Francis Granger...

    House of Rep’s.

    June 30, 1842.

    Sir:

    Your letter without date enclosing a petition in favor of Capt. Eadur(sp) for keeper of Big Sodus Light House was received this morning and shall be placed upon the files of the Department. The appointment for Sodus Bay Light was made on the 22nd inst.

    I am respectfully

    your Obd. Servent.

    [signed] McClintock Young

    Secry. of Treasury

    #6395. $84.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    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.

     

    Can't find what you are looking for?
    We can help you find that needed book or item.
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    How to reach us:
    Kenrick A. Claflin & Son Nautical Antiques
    1227 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602 

    Phone (508) 792-6627

    All text and illustrations on web site Ó James W. Claflin . 03/17/2022 All rights reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.

    Page last updated 03/17/2022 .

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