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Royal National Lifeboat Institution R.N.L.I.

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

8385. [lithograph] c.1871-73. Superb large 28”w x 15”h early full color lithograph of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s lifeboat pulling into the harbor with its’ load of shipwreck victims. The image is quite large and details clearly the boat and its crew, with the National Lifeboat Institution emblem on its bow. On the shore villagers can bee seen cheering for the crew as they bring in their cargo. This superb illustration was produced by Armstrong & Company Lithographers, Boston and given out by with the Citizen & Round Table, a publication of the time. Unfortunately, a fold at one time produced a slight crease across the image, but when dry mounted and framed this will be nearly invisible. This would be a wonderful addition to any museum display or to your living room. (G).   $144.

20121. [uniform button] Great Britain , Northern Lighthouse Board. Most interesting 2-piece uniform button of the Northern Lighthouse Board , Great Britain . Brass button depicts a large offshore masonry lighthouse, flanked by a bell buoy and a spar buoy, encircled by the words “In Salutem Omnium, Northern Lighthouses”. Backmarked “ Fast Shanks”. 23mm [15/16”]. Only lightly worn, in good condition. A most interesting collectors’ item. (VG). $36.

8385b. [framed lithograph on linen] Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Lifeboat c.1871-73. Superb large 28 ½” x 16” early full color lithograph on linen canvas of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s lifeboat pulling into the harbor with its’ load of shipwreck victims. The image is quite large and details clearly the boat and its crew, with the National Lifeboat Institution emblem on its bow. On the shore villagers can bee seen cheering for the crew as they bring in their cargo. This superb illustration was produced by Armstrong & Company Lithographers, Boston and given out by with the Citizen & Round Table, a publication of the time. In period 20” x 33” frame. Condition quite good, with only a few small chips. This would be a wonderful addition to any museum display or to your living room. (VG). $48.

14191. [photogravure print] WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST from painting by T.M. Henry 1887. Photogravure by C.P. Coggeshall. Superb large 23”h x 33”w framed b/w photogravure print shows the lifeboat crew as they rescue passengers from a foundering ship at sea. The image is quite large and details clearly the lifeboat and crew as they struggle in the towering seas. In later frame. With some dark staining to bottom areas from moisture. (G+). $48.

13451. (photo) Crew of R.N.L.I. Life Boat Mary Stanford Heads Out for Fatal Rescue Attempt c.1928. Rare early photo provides a rare view as the lifeboat crew pulls the R.N.L.I. lifeboat from the station. All of the men shown here would lose their lives while trying to save the crew of the vessel Alice of Riga. RNLB Mary Stanford (ON 661) was a Liverpool-class lifeboat. The Lifeboat was launched in a south-west gale with heavy rain squalls and heavy seas to the vessel Alice. News was received that the crew of the Alice had been rescued by another vessel and the recall signal was fired three times. Apparently the crew of the Lifeboat had not seen it. As the Lifeboat was coming into harbour she was seen to capsize and the whole of the 17-man crew perished. The Board of Trade Court of Enquiry later concluded: "As there were no survivors of the crew, the cause of the Lifeboat capsizing is a matter of conjecture, but from the evidence available we are of the opinion that whilst attempting to make the Harbour on a strong flood tide and in high and dangerous breaking sea, she was suddenly capsized and the crew were thrown into the water, two men being entangled under the boat. The broken water and heavy surf caused the loss of the crew". Every family in the little fishing village lost one or more members in the disaster, practically the whole male fishing population of the small town of Rye. Photo measures 8” x 10” and is clear and close. Some edge wear, has been retouched in places for publication. Dated for publication December 6, 1928. (VG). $38.

1418. Fry, Eric C. Life-Boat Design & Development. David & Charles. 1975. 128p.  DJ. A detailed record of life-boat development in Britain spanning nearly 200 years, from 1785 to the 1970s. Features of 33 different classes of lifeboats are shown in 151 scale drawings and photos with detailed descriptions of each of the types. Includes boats from the “Unimmergible” boats patented by Lionel Lukin in 1785 to the 70-foot long-range Chyde Class and the high-speed inshore rescue boats of the RNLI. Also includes sail plans, launching carriage details and a diagrammatic explanation of R.A. Oakley’s method of self-righting by transferrance of water ballast. Well done interesting reference. Overall clean, tight, only light foxing to page edges. (VG+) $56.

7109f. Ballantyne, R. M. THE LIFEBOAT - A Tale of Our Coast Heroes. NY. 1864. 392p. Superb brightly colored, embossed binding. In this scarce title, the author tells of the work of the lifeboat in wreck and rescue with the aid of fictional characters. Through the many chapters one learns of the extensive history of the lifeboat and the work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, as well as their equipment including surfboat and rocket apparatus. With five fine engraved illustrations. Light wear to binding, overall clean and bright though. Contents clean and tight, occasional light foxing, frontis plate torn, corner missing. (VG-).  $48.

5288c. Daunt, Achilles. OUR SEA-COAST HEROES or Stories of Wreck and of Rescue by the Lifeboat and Rocket. London. Nd. c.1900. First published 1880’s. 185pp. Describes the origin and history, as well as the principles of construction of the lifeboat and rocket apparatus with accounts of rescues by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Nicely embossed covers, clean, front hinge worn but otherwise clean, crisp. (VG-) $34.

28193. (photo) Hannah Fawcett Bennett Lifeboat, Hoylake Lifeboat Station c.1908. Hoylake Lifeboat station is one of the oldest on the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland, and was founded by the Mersey docks and Harbour Board in 1803 and taken over by the RNLI in 1894. Hoylake has always had a "carriage launched" lifeboat. At first the boat was pulled to the water by a team of horses, frames for storing the harnesses can still be seen on the wall in the current boathouse which was built in1899. Today the lifeboat and carriage are towed by a caterpillar tracked Talus tractor which has been specifically designed to launch carriage lifeboats. Since the RNLI took over the station, two silver and five bronze medals have been awarded to the crewmen of Hoylake. This clear close image is of the last Hoylake lifeboat to use oars and sails - the Hannah Fawcett Bennett. The boat was manned by fifteen lifeboat-men who, depending on weather conditions, rowed or sailed the boat. The boat was pulled down to the water on a carriage drawn by horses belonging to Jesse Baird. The horses were stabled next door to the Ship Inn in Market Street. On hearing the explosion of the maroon, the horses would make their way down to the lifeboat station even though, at times, they happened to be out working in the district. The first call for the Hannah Fawcett Bennett came in August 1908, and the vessel was withdrawn from service in March 1931. This original image on postcard paper was inscribed on the back with a detailed description of the “new” boat, noting “This Is Our Life Boat Crew Standing By The New Life Boat…". When this photo was taken, the crew was still training on the new boat and it had not seen service yet. Measuring 3 ½” x 5 ½”, photo is close and clear. (VG+). $44.

379. Methley, Noel T., THE LIFE-BOAT AND ITS STORY. London . 1912. 318p. Embossed cloth. A sought after early source tracing the origins and development of the life-boat. Includes great detail on the origins of the life-boat, the birth of a system of rescue, evolution of the self-righter, steam and motor life-boats, stations and equipment, life-saving services throughout the world, rockets and wreck guns and much more. Illustrated with 67 superb b/w photographs. An important source on the subject. Clean and tight, light wear to wraps. (VG). $88.

8472. [glass magic lantern slides] OUR LIFE-BOAT MEN. c.1900. Complete set of 8 early coloured magic lantern slides commemorating the British life-saving services. This rare life-saving series consists of eight coloured glass slides, each measuring 3 ¼" square, which were intended to be projected in "magic lantern" projectors of the day. The slides tell of the work of the life-savers in effecting rescues in marvelous images and include (1) Title Slide picturing a typical lifeboat man in regulation lifebelt [shown], )2) Launching the Lifeboat, (3) The Lifeboat on its Way to the Wreck, (4) Throwing the Lifeline, (5) Joseph Cox Coxwain of the "Hope", (6) The Wreck of the Norham Castle, (7) To The Rescue – the Lifebuoy, (8) Saved! Set included original box cover with paper label, and original descriptive sheet with historical script. This is a superb early life-saving collectors item and would be quite lovely in a lit display. One slide cracked but tightly intact, box cover only with label well worn but complete and intact. Quite nice. (G+). $198 net.

1187. Leach, Nicholas. The Waveney Lifeboats. Portishead. 2001. 88p. Soft wraps. Signed by the author. A detailed history by a renown authority on the subject, of the 44ft Waveney class lifeboats, the first fast lifeboat to see service with the RNLI. Thoroughly researched, containing many original and unusual illustrations, the author traces the history of the Waveney lifeboat from development by the United States Coast Guard to acquisition by the RNLI and subsequent service in British waters. The 44ft lifeboat has operated in extreme sea conditions on both sides of the Atlantic and the book contains descriptions of some of the outstanding rescues in which Waveneys have been involved. The design met, and often exceeded, the demands placed on it by the courageous men and women of the lifeboat service. Detailed histories of every one of the Waveneys operated by the RNLI are included, as well as several photographs of each lifeboat. Profusely illustrated throughout, with many colour photographs, diagrams and lists, this book is the definitive history of the Waveney lifeboats and a must for the enthusiast. (M). $14.50.

1161. Working the Breeches Buoy. The Sketch Magazine. April 10, 1901. 1p. Disbound. Half-page article details the use and workings of the breeches buoy with the rocket apparatus of the Royal Coast Guards. Includes nice large illustration. Clean, crisp. $34.

MF-01. (engraving) British Heroine Grace Darling Rowing to a Rescue c.1890. “Grace Darling and Her Father – Rescuing the Nine Survivors of survivors of the Forfarshire Steam Ship trading between Hull and Dundee wrecked off the Fern Islands Sept 7 1838. An historic record of female heroism inspired by humanity painted from life and from sketches made upon the spot.” At about four o'clock in the morning of 7th September 1838, the steamer 'Forfarshire' bound for Dundee struck the rocks near the Fern lighthouse and broke in two. She sank immediately and only nine people escaped the wreck. Grace Darling and her father rowed the lifeboat to the rocks in heavy seas and saved the survivors in a remarkable and famous rescue. The daughter of a lighthouse keeper, Darling grew up on Longstone in the Farne Islands. Grace become the focus of national attention after the steamship Forfarshire sank during a severe storm in September 1838. Nine people managed to find refuge on nearby rocks, and Darling and her father battled rough water to row to their rescue. The incident inspired numerous poems, paintings, and songs and made Darling a virtual cult figure. This rare item features a detailed early engraved image of the lovely heroine as she rows through rough seas, with the lighthouse in the background. Good condition, needs some cleaning, I n original wood frame. Measures 37” x 29” overall. $285.

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

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

8518. Cox, Barry. LIFEBOAT GALLANTRY – R. N. L. I. MEDALS AND HOW THEY WERE WON. London. 1998. 454p. DJ. Just released, imported from England. Since the foundation of the Royal national Lifeboat Institution on 4 March 1824, just over 2,400 medals – gold, silver, and since 1917 bronze – have been awarded for gallantry in saving life from shipwreck. This is the first complete list of all such awards to be published, together of details of the services involved; from acts of individual heroism to the combined efforts of lifeboat crews: hours spent at sea to effect rescues in raging storms: incredible feats of endurance of men rowing and sailing lifeboats before the advent of motor: the dangers of mines and aerial attacks in wartime, and much more. This is not only a book of reference but is also a record of valiant deeds and selfless efforts of those who have risked their own lives to rescue others from the sea. Illustrated with some wonderful photographs, on quality paper. A must for reading and reference. (M). $68.

826b. Warner, Oliver. THE LIFE-BOAT SERVICE – A History of the Royal National Life-Boat Institution 1824-1974. London. 1974. 321p. DJ. To commemorate the first 150 years of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, distinguished naval historian Oliver Warner was commissioned to write this history. The R.N.L.I. has been responsible for saving nearly 100,000 lives and the author covers all of this and more. In the well illustrated pages, Mr. Warner covers the courage and matchless seamanship, the progress from pulling and sailing boats to the diesel powered boats of today, the daily routine at the more than 200 life-boat stations on the British Isles, and much more. A proud and moving chronicle, with great detail. (VG). $48.

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

24266. [chromo lithograph print] LIFEBOAT PULLING UP TO A VESSEL IN DISTRESS. c.1908. Superb large 19”h x 25”w early full color chromo lithograph print of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s lifeboat pulling up to a vessel in distress. The image is quite large and details clearly the boat and its crew, pulling up to the side of the stricken vessel as passengers climb down the sides on ropes. This superb full color illustration was produced early in the last century and is nicely mated and framed in a gilded frame. Print is quite distinctive and bright and has the look and feel of an oil painting.  This is in excellent condition and would be a wonderful addition to any museum display or to your living room. (VG+). $278 net.

9228. (2). Walthew, Kenneth. FROM ROCK AND TEMPEST. London. 1971. 175p. George William Manby was most famous for his development of an early line mortars and cannon for firing a life line to a ship in distress, which bears his name. Born in 1765, Manby devoted himself to the development of life-saving apparatus after experiencing a shipwreck while in his forties. In addition, he developed the breeches buoy apparatus and was a founder of the Royal national Lifeboat Institution. The life of this important inventor and his efforts in the development of this early life-saving equipment is detailed in this scarce work. Illustrated with 21 photographs including early mortars, canvass sling, the forerunner to the breeches buoy, and more. (VG). $32. Now $16.

2307. na. ANASTATIC DRAWINGS OF GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS, PRESENTED BY SOVEREIGNS AND PUBLIC BODIES TO CAPT. GEORGE WILLIAM MANBY, F.R.S. FOR SERVICES RENDERED IN THE SAVING OF LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM SHIPWRECK: TO WHICH ARE ATTACHED A FEW OBSERVATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEPOSITING OF THESE MEMORIALS. 1852. Yarmouth . Printed for private circulation, 8vo. Inscribed by Captain Manby: “Presented to Lieut. Col. Mason, East Norfolk Regt. By his much respected friend George Will. Manby, Capt. R.N. May ’53.” George William Manby was most famous for his development of an early line mortars and cannon for firing a life line to a ship in distress, which bears his name. Born in 1765, Manby devoted himself to the development of life-saving apparatus after experiencing a shipwreck while in his forties. In addition, he developed the breeches buoy apparatus and was a founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The early life-saving equipment developed by this important inventor included early mortars, shot, heaving lines, faking boxes, weatherproof pistol, life-car, buoys, signals, lifeboats, and much more. Includes engraved portrait and twelve sepia lithographic plates. In red blind- stamped cloth, lettered gilt on cover, re-backed with new spine and endpapers. An important work by this noted life-saver, extremely rare. (VG). $332 / Reduced to $148.

Page updated March 21, 2022

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