5. NAVY, USLHS, USLSS & Military

5.33/13.11 WORLD WAR II DECK WATCH.  The famous navigational chronometer watch made for the U.S. Navy by the prestigious Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  This iconic timekeeper consists of Hamilton’s innovative Model 22 embodied in an oversized 35 size watch set in a very heavy solid brass case with weighted bottom.  Billed as a “chronometer watch” this marvel of precision timekeeping is technically not a “true chronometer.”  But what was done to elevate its timekeeping ability to that high status is remarkable.  Instead of having a spring détente chronometer escapement, it has a standard watch balance known as a “lever escapement.”  To maintain consistent power it contains an oversize main spring 60 inches in length!  The innovative biaxial thermal expansion balance is fitted with an Elinvar hairspring unaffected by temperature changes.  What’s more, this new innovation was non-magnetic!  The lovely damascened nickeled brass movement is signed “HAMILTON WATCH CO. MODEL 22 – 21 JEWELS ADJ. TO TEMP. & 6 POS.  MADE IN U.S.A.  U.S. NAVY BU. SHIPS – 1943.  It features a white enameled dial with bold Arabic numerals swept by blued steel spade hands and a minute chapter ring.  A subsidiary seconds bit records single seconds marked by 10’s over the “6.”  The intricate Up/Down winding indicator is below the “12.”  It shows the status of winding in hours from 56 DOWN to 0 UP.  This watch is stem wound and pin set.  The latter is a high grade cautionary feature which prevents the time from being accidentally set during winding.  Serial numbers on the bezel, on the side of the case and on the weighted brass bottom all match.  The entire assembly is slung in gimbals and is mounted in its original 3-tier mahogany box with 2 original nameplates.  The box measures 6 inches cubed.  The overall condition is outstanding throughout.  The watch itself is an excellent timekeeper.  Price Request

After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in late 1941 America entered World War II.  The  Hamilton Watch Company met the navigational challenge with its famous Hamilton Model 21 and 22 chronometers.  Amazingly, it produced more than 10,000 of each model to the highest standards demanded by the government.  This is one of those heroic survivors which has now lasted 80 years and is still going strong!

5.34/13.12  IMPRESSIVE WWII CLOCK.  One of the finest ship’s clocks ever made, this handsome example is by the prestigious Chelsea Clock Company of Boston Massachusetts as clearly signed on the dial “CHELSEA CLOCK CO. BOSTON” below the 12.  This high quality timepiece has a silvered brass dial with large Arabic numerals and a minute chapter ring swept by blackened spade hands.  In a rare departure from its standard models up to that time, and in keeping with Government specifications, it bears a center sweep second hand.  Under the center arbor it is boldly marked “U.S. MARITIME COMMISSION Ser. No. 1407.”  The clock retains its silvered dial reflector ring, protected by the screw-on bezel with original glass and rarely-found snap ring.  The all brass jeweled movement is a thing of beauty and is stamped on the backplate “CHELSEA CLOCK CO. BOSTON U.S.A. with the serial number “306XXX*” dating its production to April 1942, just 4 months after America’s entry into the War.  It is housed in its original heavy solid brass case of flared classical clock case design.  The screw on bezel assures an air tight fit.  That back of the clock is stamped with the matching movement number “306XXX*.”   Outstanding original condition in all respects.  The clock has just been professionally service by a certified watch maker and keeps perfect time.  It also comes with a one year warranty!  650

A nearly identical, but later clock sold in August 2023 for $819. https://www.eldreds.com/auction-lot/chelsea-ships-clock-20th-century-bezel-diameter-7_D604EBAA6B

In his landmark work “Military Timepieces” by Marvin Whitney, 1992, American Watchmakers Institute Press, the author indicates that the Chelsea “Radio Room” clock became a standard inventory item in the early months of 1941 when the Navy and Maritime Commission included it in their mechanical clock specifications.  This was Chelsea’s model 12E with an 11 jewel 8 day movement made in accordance with U.S. Navy Department Specifications dated September 1, 1938.

The United State Maritime Commission was an independent executive agency of the U.S. federal government created by the Merchant Marine Act of 1936.  It replaced the United States Shipping Board which had existed since World War I.  Its purpose was to establish a merchant shipbuilding program to design and build five hundred modern merchant cargo ships to replace the World War I vintage vessels which composed most of the United States Merchant Marine at the time.  Secondly, to subsidize the building of those ships in the U.S. and operate them under the American flag.

From 1939 through the end of World War II, the Maritime Commission funded and administered the largest and most successful merchant shipping in world history.  By the end of the war, U.S. shipyards working under U.S. Maritime Commission contracts had built a total of 5,777 oceangoing merchant and naval ships and many smaller vessels!  The U.S. Maritime Commission was disbanded on May 24, 1950. 

5.32/13.10  CELEBRATED PT BOAT  WATCH.  The iconic World War II U.S.  Navy deck watch made even more famous by JFK’s PT-109.  Incredibly, it was produced under the most demanding and trying times when America just entered the war.  Billed as a “chronometer watch” this marvel of precision timekeeping is technically not a “true” chronometer.  But what was done to elevate its timekeeping ability to that high status is remarkable.  Instead of having a spring détente, it has a standard watch balance known as a “lever escapement.”  Hamilton, already known for its production of top quality pocket and wrist watches, stepped up to the plate in the tumultuous months leading up the nation’s active involvement.  This fabulous example marks a high point in the company’s long history of producing quality timepieces.  It is embodied in a large 35 size pocket watch with white enameled dial.   The high grade 21 jewel movement contains an oversize main spring 60 inches in length!  The innovative biaxial thermal expansion balance is fitted with an Elinvar hairspring unaffected by temperature changes.  What’s more, this new innovation was non-magnetic!  The bold Arabic numerals are swept by blued steel spade hands within a minute chapter ring.  A subsidiary seconds bit recording single seconds marked by 10’s is over the “6.”  The quality Up/Down winding indicator is below the “12.”  It shows the status of winding in hours from 56 DOWN to 0 UP.  This watch is stem wound and pin set.  The latter cautionary feature prevents the watch from being accidentally set during winding.  The back of the watch has a screw-on cover.  Inside it is marked “KEYSTONE Base Metal” with the company’s trademark.  An inner snap-fit cover further protects the precious movement.  The highly damascened nickel plates are a thing of beauty.  With its state-of-the-art compensated balance it is literally an Horological work of art!  The top plate is marked “HAMILTON WATCH CO. MODEL 22 -21 JEWELS ADJ. TO TEMP. & 6 POS. MADE IN U.S.A. U.S. NAVY BU-SHIPS. 1942.”   The watch itself measures 2 3/4 inches in diameter and is 3 3/8 inches high inclusive of the winding stem (pendant).   It is housed in its inner padded mahogany box measuring 6 by 5 by 2 inches with viewing window.  The box is hinged at the back and closes securely with a button latch.  It is further protected within its outer carrying/mounting box constructed of rich cherrywood.  It bears the maker’s nameplate reading “HAMILTON WATCH CO. Lancaster, PA. U.S.A.”  The hinged box measures 8 ¼ by 9 inches at the widest and 5 1/8 inch thick.  It has another button latch for closure and a leather belt for carrying.  The entire presentation is in a truly remarkable state of original preservation after 81 years!  The perfect watch is an excellent timekeeper -- to the second!  Price Request

At the time of this posting a similar watch in much poorer condition is listed on eBay for $1,600.

In his landmark reference book “The Ship’s Chronometer,” author Marvin Whitney remarks on page 201 “This 36 size, high-quality, 21 jeweled movement is an instrument of great beauty, precision and endurance.  Anyone owning one of these fine chronometers has every reason to be proud of this possession.”

2.81/5.14 WWII RECOGNITION SET.  Amazing, totally complete ship recognition model set commissioned by the U.S. Navy to train gunners, spotters and pilots in the all important task of recognizing ships as friend or foe.  This full set features a total of 29 individual cast metal model ships of the highest quality and detail.  Each is marked on the bottom of its wooden base with the ship’s name (class), Ship type, Country of origin (Britain), the Maker’s name H.A.Framburg, Chicago, and the Date 12-43.  They are: DRAGON, Light Cruiser; British Navy Tanker/Supply Ship; TYNE Destroyer Tender; SCYLLA, Light Cruiser; “H” Class Destroyer; BLACK SWAN, Modified Sloop;  NELSON, Battleship; QUEEN ELIZABETH, Battleship; WARSPITE, Battleship; KING GEORGE V, Battleship;  ROYAL SOVEREIGN, Battleship;  HAWKINS, Attack Cruiser; HUNT, Destroyer; RIVER, Frigate; ILLUSTRIOUS, Attack Carrier; FURIOUS, Attack Carrier; MALAYA, Battleship; EMERALD, Light Cruiser; CUMBERLAND, Light Cruiser;  EMERALD, Attack Carrier;  DEVONSHIRE, Attack Cruiser; DIDO, Light Cruiser; LEANDER, Light Cruiser; BITER, Attack Carrier; LEANDER, Modified Light Cruiser; SOUTHAMPTON,  Light Cruiser;  ADMIRALTY “VW”;  and TRIBAL, Destroyer.

5.28  EARLY BOS’N PIPE.  Late 19th century American boatswain’s whistle as used by sailors in the American Navy.  Also known as a Bosun Pipe or Call, this whistle was hand-made of sterling silver by a gifted silversmith.   To those ends the bottom of the keel is finely mortised together and is marked “STERLING.”  This pipe has a large fluted mouthpiece (“mouth”) connected to a gradually tapering reed (“gun”) which terminates with the bowl.  The keel retains its original lanyard attachment ring, known as the shackle.  Condition is well used.   The bowl was intentionally dented on both sides.  This was a common practice by sailors of yore  to “tune” the pipe for  a proper sound.   The keel is scratched with the owner’s initials, “J.M” on both sides.   The gun exhibits an old repair and still produces a loud shrill sound.  The entire whistle exhibits a dark age tarnish.  All of these factors actually contribute to its historical appeal.  59

This whistle weighs 1 1/2 ounces.  As of this writing the spot price of silver is $24 an ounce.  In scrap value alone it is worth  more than half our price!  And this is an antique!

The Call has its beginnings in the days of the English Crusades, 1248 A.D., as a method of alerting troops to arms. Documented in 1485 A.D., the call was used as an honored badge of rank, then being worn by the Lord High Admiral of England. Undoubtedly it was worn because it was used as a method of passing orders, and therefore signified authority. When the Lord High Admiral, Sir Edward Howard, was killed in action off Brest in 1513 while commanding French Galleys, a "Whistle of Honour" was presented to him posthumously by the Queen of France. From about that time onward the call was no longer used as a badge of rank, reverting to its original use as a method of passing orders only. About 1671 the name Call was well established, lasting to the present day.  In the U.S. Navy the call is often referred to as a Boatswain's Pipe.

5.11  WHITE FLEET STEREO CARDS.  Two original identified stereo cards displaying actual photographs of ships from the Great White Fleet era (circa 1907).   These photos are original silver plate prints, not copies.  The first is entitled "A view on the Deck, Off San Diego" taken from the foc'sle of a capital warship with at least 5 ships of the Great White Fleet in the background.  The second is entitled "An Officer of the Deck" showing an officer and sailor posed next to a massive early gun turret.  These cards are standard size 3 3/8 by 7 inches.  Excellent original condition.  69/pair

5.29  COMMISSIONING COMMEMORATIVE.  Very rare commissioning souvenir from the USS KEARSARGE (BB-5) embossed with the inscription *KEARSARGE * ALABAMA * PORTSMOUNT N!H! SEPT. 17-20*   This solid brass gold washed pin features an early style rectangular badge reading “SOUVENIR” which suspends a spread-winged American eagle flanked by colorful cloisonné American flags.  The eagle is perched on a wreath encircling a very detailed image of the battleship above the date “1900.”    The back bears the entire text of the Lord’s prayer encircled within a heart.  The bottom is signed “C.M.ROBBINS. MAKER. ATTLEBORO, MASS.”  2 ¼ inches tall and 1 3/8 inches wide.  Condition is “as new.”  Absolutely extraordinary after 120+ years!  149

The pre-dreadnaught American battleship USS KEARSARGE (BB-5) was launched on March 24, 1898 and commissioned on February 20, 1900.  She was the only American battleship not to be named after a state.  After commissioning she served as flagship of the Atlantic Fleet into 1905.  From 1907-1909  KEARSARGE sailed around the world as part of the Great White Fleet.  She served in the Atlantic between 1916 and 1919 as war raged in Europe.  Converted into a crane ship 1920, she was renamed Crane Ship No. 1 in 1941.  She continued her service, handling guns, turrets, armor, and other heavy lifts for vessels such as INDIANA, ALABAMA, SAVANNAH, CHICAGO and PENNSYLVANIA.   She was decommissioned in San Francisco at the end of World War II and sold for scrap in 1955.

See item 5.11

5.22/13.09  U.S. LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE CLOCK.  Genuine, early 1900’s clock from an identified lighthouse!  This handsome little clock was made by the prestigious Chelsea Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts and is marked “CHELSEA BOSTON” at the bottom of the silvered brass dial.  The dial is encircled by a minute chapter ring and is marked with bold Roman numerals swept by blued steel spade hands.  The Fast/Slow adjustment and the subsidiary seconds bit are below the XII.  The bit shows single seconds marked in increments of 10.  The clock retains its original silvered reflector ring covering the periphery of the dial.  The high quality jeweled movement is marked “BOSTON CLOCK CO. BOSTON U.S.A. with the serial number 278XX B*.  This is Chelsea’s innovative Boston movement which featured a miniaturized 7 jewel timekeeper with non-corrosive nickel plates.  It is mounted in its very heavy nickel-plated brass case with classic flared screw-on bezel containing its original wavy crystal glass and retaining wire.  The back of the case is stamped with the matching movement number “278XX.”*  The clock measures 5 5/8 inches in diameter and is 2 ½  inches deep.  Outstanding original condition keeping excellent time after more than 90 years.  Complete with original old “bat wing” Chelsea winding key.  Price Request

* For the privacy of the ultimate owner the complete serial number is being withheld. 

According to Andy Demeter in his groundbreaking reference book “Chelsea Clock Company, The First Hundred Years,“ 2001, Demeter Publications, Chelsea, Massachusetts, the Chelsea Company produced Boston Clock movements from about 1914 through 1930 and dated this clock to circa May 10, 1922.  But in his 2nd Edition Demeter indicates this exact clock, serial “278XXB,” was delivered to the U.S. Lighthouse Service on July 29, 1932.  We cannot account for the discrepancy in dates, but the 10 year timeframe is certainly consistent with the date of the Lighthouse Service and the lighthouse in which it served.

According to the party from whom we acquired this clock, it came from an old Bellingham, Washington estate.

Ships heading from Bellingham Bay through the Straits of Juan de Fuca passed Burrows Island, where strong eddies and rip tides made passage unpredictable.  In 1897 the Lighthouse Board noted that vessel traffic through the Strait was increasing.  In response to the need it requested $15,000 to build a light and fog signal on the south west point of Burrows Island -- a point of departure for vessels plying the strait.  Congress approved construction of the Burrows Island Lighthouse in 1903.  The shoreline of Burrows Island is primarily sheer steep rock.  Steep hills covered with evergreens and grass cover much of its interior. The light station was built on one of the few level spots on the island’s shoreline.  Work began in May 1905 and the wooden frame lighthouse was first lighted on April 1, 1906.  It had a white light with a red sector shown from a 4th order Freznel lens  The station originally included the combination light tower and fog signal building, the keeper's quarters, oil house, a boathouse and a derrick. 

Burrows Island Lighthouse was automated in 1972 when the final Coast Guard personnel left the station.  The boathouse and keeper's dwelling were boarded up and a fence erected.  In the early 1990's a modern optic replaced the Freznel lens in the lantern room.  Today the complex is still standing as an historical site.

During its service as the Burrows Island Lighthouse the keepers were:   James B. Hermann (1906),  Eugene M. Walters (1907),  Edward Pfaff (1907),  William J. Thomas (1907 – 1913),  Thomas J. Stitt (1913 – 1920),  William Dahlgren (1920 – at least 1921),  Daniel W. Clark (1924 – 1931),  Robert R. Bay (1931 – 1932),  John T. O’Rourke (1932 – 1943),  Richard Johnson (1960 – 1963),  Frank Showers (at least 1966),  David J. Grotting (1969 – 1972).

In 1789 Congress passed an Act creating the United States Lighthouse Establishment (USLHE) which was operated by the Department of the Treasury.  The Act also transferred ownership of all existing private American lighthouses to the U.S. government.  In 1852, the United States Lighthouse Board was created.   The Act dissolved the prior administration of lighthouses under the Treasury Department's Lighthouse Establishment.  The board consisted of six senior Naval officers governing 12 lighthouse districts, each having a Naval inspector who was charged with building lighthouses and maintaining their good working order.  The Lighthouse Board immediately set to installing state-of-the-art Freznel lenses in all newly-built lighthouses. The Board also oversaw the construction of the first lighthouses on the West Coast.  By the Civil War, all U.S. lighthouses had Freznel lenses.  In 1886, electricity was tested to illuminate the Statue of Liberty.  Thereafter the lighting of the statue was the Lighthouse Board's responsibility.  It remained such until 1902, when the "modern age in lighthouse illumination" began.   In 1900, the Lighthouse Board started converting lighthouses to electric service. 

In 1910, the Board was changed in favor of a civilian run "Lighthouse Service."  It is uncertain as to exactly when the U.S. Lighthouse Establishment became the U.S. Lighthouse Service.  Both terms for the agency appear to have been used interchangeably in the second half of the 19th century. 

In 1939 the U.S. Lighthouse Service itself was disbanded and merged with the U.S. Coast Guard.

5.27  COMMEMORATIVE LIFERING.  Sailor folk art in a wooden lifering frame containing an original photograph of the USS SARATOGA (CV-3).  The clear, period photo is from an early silver negative.  It shows the ship underway at a high speed belching black coal smoke.  The old photos housed under its original old wavy glass and measures  3 ½  inches in diameter sight.  The lifering is hand-painted “U.S.S. 19  35  SARATOGA.”  It is encircled on the perimeter with a traditional woven cotton “grab line” held by 4 cotton swatches.  It measures 6 inches in diameter.  The condition is excellent, noting some discoloration on the back -- an indication of good age.  An historic relic from the earliest days of Naval aviation in America.  339

The USS SARATOGA was a LEXINGTON class aircraft carrier built for the United States Navy during the 1920s.  Originally designed as a battle cruiser, she was converted into the Navy's first fast aircraft carrier.  She was launched by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey on April 7, 1925 and commissioned on November 17, 1927.  The ship entered service in 1928 assigned to the Pacific Fleet.  SARATOGA and her sister ship LEXINGTON worked feverously in excercises to develop aircraft carrier tactics in anticipation of war.  When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941 SARATOGA was one of three prewar aircraft carriers, including ENTERPRIZE and RANGER, to be absent from the attack.

Shortly afterwards SARATOGA participated in the unsuccessful effort to relieve Wake Island from Japanese occupation.  In that effort she was torpedoed which led to extensive repairs.  She went on to participate in the Guadalcanal campaign in August 1942 when her aircraft sank the Japanese carrier RYUJO.  But in that campaign she was again torpedoed and required further repairs.  In 1943 SARATOGA participated in the invasion of Bougainville in the Solomon Islands and in November her aircraft twice attacked the Japanese base at Rabaul.  In early 1944 she provided air support for the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaigns.  Thereafter she was transferred to the Indian Ocean to support the British Eastern Fleet during its attacks on Java and Sumatra.  A necessary refit in mid-1944 carried the ship into early 1945.  In February SARATOGA participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima where she was badly damaged by Kamikaze hits, forcing her to return to the States for major repairs.  While in drydock it became obvious that the aging ship had become obsolete.  Accordingly, she was modified to become a training ship and much of her hangar deck was converted into classrooms.  SARATOGA  remained in that role until she was assigned to ferry troops back to the United States after Japan’s surrender in August 1945.  In mid-1946 the venerable old lady was made a target ship for nuclear weapons testing during Operation Crossroads.  She survived the first test with little damage, but was sunk by a second test on July 25, 1946. SARATOGA received 8 battle stars for her active roles in World War II combat.

1.91/5.24   ORIGINAL BATTLESHIP MAINE LITHOGRAPH.  Authentic, period stone chromolithograph of the immortal American Battleship U.S.S. MAINE, certainly one of the most famous battleships in American Naval history.  This vivid high quality color image depicts the ill-fated ship at anchor from a starboard quarter perspective in happier times.  The detail is exceptional and bears close scrutiny under magnification.  It reveals many ship details including several sailors on the main deck as produced from an original copyrighted photo dated 1896.  The bottom of the image contains extensive information on the ship’s characteristics and armament.  This is NOT a modern dot matrix reproduction, nor is it a page from a book.  It was printed in large format for singular display.  With full margins it measures 8 ½ by 12 ½ inches.  Outstanding original condition.  Very worthy of framing.  59

The explosion and sinking of the Battleship MAINE (ACR-1) in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898 with the loss of 260 American lives, led to America declaring war on Spain.  On April 23rd, after much Yellow Journalism and political wrangling, Congress declared that a state of war had existed between the U.S. and Spain since April 21, the day the U.S. began to blockade Cuba.  In the ensuing 10 weeks U.S. Naval and land forces thoroughly decimated Spanish forces. It was during this period that the vast majority of "Remember the Maine" articles of all types were offered to the American public in an effort to gain popular support for the war.  This image predates the sinking.

Subsequently, with resounding defeats in Cuba and the Philippines, Spain sued for peace.  Hostilities were halted on August 12, 1898, when a Protocol of Peace between the United States and Spain was signed in Washington.  The formal peace treaty was signed in Paris on December 10, 1898.  As a result of the war the United States gained all of Spain's colonies outside of Africa, including the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico, excepting Cuba which became a U.S. protectorate.  These gains prompted John Hay, America's Ambassador in Britain, to refer to it in a letter to his friend Theodore Roosevelt as "the splendid little war." Theodore Roosevelt and George Dewey benefited greatly from their participation in the war.  Both men gained immediate fame as national heroes.  Roosevelt's fame ultimately propelled him to the White House.
Years later it was determined the Battleship MAINE did not explode and sink due to hostile action, but as a result of its faulty boilers.

1.90/5.17   PERIOD NAVAL LITHOGRAPH.  A fine, stone lithograph taken from an original photograph of the “U.S. Protected Cruiser COLUMBIA” as entitled at the bottom.  This especially clear portside view of the late 1800’s state-of-the art fighting ship shows her at anchor with her boats alongside.  She flies the Jackstaff at the fore and the American ensign at the stern.  One of the 4 imposing smokestacks belches coal smoke.  The colorful image it is signed “From Copyrighted Photo by William H. Ran.”  Below this is detailed information about the ship’s characteristics and armament.  Full margins.  12 ¼ by 8 ¼ inches.  Outstanding state of original preservation after more than 120 years!  39

The USS COLUMBIA (C-12) was the 4th ship in the U.S. Navy to be named after the city in South Carolina.  She was built by the William Cramp Shipyard in Philadelphia and launched on July 26, 1892 and commissioned on April 23, 1894.  Her distinctive 4 smokestacks assured her place in history as a transitional steam warship from the 1800’s.  But at that time, even as a steamship, she was still classified at a sailing schooner with 2 masts!

COLUMBIA joined the North Atlantic Squadron in1894 and visited Europe in 1895 to represent the United States at the opening of the Kiel Canal in June.  Returning home, she was placed in reserve in May of 1897.

Recommissioned on March 15, 1898 for service in the Spanish–American War, COLUMBIA patrolled the Atlantic coast and West Indies until late August.  She carried American troops to Puerto Rico and participated in America’s occupation in July and August.   She was decommissioned and placed in reserve at Philadelphia Navy Yard in March 1899.

Recommissioned in August 1902, COLUMBIA, was the receiving ship for the Atlantic Training squadron.  In anticipation of World War I she was the assigned the stature of Submarine Flotilla flagship and was detached to patrol the Delaware Breakwater in April 1917.  In July she joined the Cruiser Force Atlantic and escorted troops of the American Expeditionary Force to France.

In July she joined the Cruiser Force as a convoy escort.  In that capacity, between January and November 1918, she made five Atlantic crossings.  In January 1919, she became flagship of Squadron 2 Destroyer Force Atlantic, operating on the East Coast and the Caribbean. She was relieved of that duty in May and was decommissioned at Philadelphia Navy Yard June on June 29, 1921

Reclassified as CA-16 on July17, 1920, she was renamed OLD COLUMBIA and was struck from the Naval records on June 21, 1922.

5.13 LIGHTHOUSE PLAQUE.   Very scarce, highly collectible identification plaque taken from the mechanism used to rotate the lens in a lighthouse.  This very scarce original lighthouse relic is from an American lighthouse reading “OLD BOARD + LIGHT.”  It is engraved solid brass measuring exactly 5 inches in length and 1 inch wide.   Excellent, original as taken condition.   A seldom seen U.S.L.H. Service relic. 99

Lighthouses of the 1800’s into the early 1900’s had complex mechanical apparatus which rotated their precious lenses at a published, pre-determined speed for extended durations.  A key requirement of a lighthouse light was its visibility and “period” which enabled mariners to locate it and positively identify their location.  In the early days before electricity this was accomplished using heavy machinery.  The largest lighthouse lenses weighed tons.  Movement was driven by clockwork mechanisms much like those found in tower clocks.  This label was part of such an apparatus.

5.36  BOATSWAIN’s WHISTLE.  Authentic World War II vintage bosun whistle as used by sailors in the American Navy.  Also known as a Bos’n Pipe or Call, this whistle was hand-made of sterling silver by a gifted silversmith.  It is marked on the keel “STERLING.”  This pipe has a large fluted mouthpiece (“mouth”) connected to a gradually tapering reed (“gun”) which terminates in the perfectly round bowl.  The keel retains its original lanyard attachment ring, which is also sterling.  5 3/8 inches long.  Condition is absolutely excellent. Was $239 NOW! 179

The Call has its beginnings in the days of the English Crusades, 1248 A.D., as a method of alerting troops to arms. Documented in 1485 A.D., the call was used as an honored badge of rank, then being worn by the Lord High Admiral of England. Undoubtedly it was worn because it was used as a method of passing orders, and therefore signified authority. When the Lord High Admiral, Sir Edward Howard, was killed in action off Brest in 1513 while commanding French Galleys, a "Whistle of Honour" was presented to him posthumously by the Queen of France. From about that time onward the call was no longer used as a badge of rank, reverting to its original use as a method of passing orders only. About 1671 the name Call was well established, lasting to the present day.  In the U.S. Navy the call is often referred to as a Boatswain's Pipe.

5.35/8.89  EARLY U.S. NAVY INCLINOMETER.  Very rare surviving example of a large ship’s pilot house clinometer which saw service aboard a World War I U.S. Navy warship.  This handsome all brass instrument is absolutely premium quality.  It has a fine silvered brass dial which boldly displays the ship’s roll ((heel) in single degrees up to 70 port and starboard marked by 10’s.  The dial is signed by the maker “Graff, Washbourne & Dunn, New York.”  The complicated internal mechanism consists of a heavy pendulum bob connected to its outer indicator needle which sweeps over the appropriate degree scale.  On either side are 2 brass arms which mark the extent of travel of the needle – the maximum roll encountered.  To reset the  arms a knurled brass knob rove though the glass moves them back to center.  At the bottom of the instrument is another large knob which can be turned to lock the bob in place when not in use.  To its right is a second smaller spring-loaded knob.  Pressing it dampens (stops) the movement of the pendulum.  This ingenious device has an 8 inch dial protected by a lovely thick beveled glass crystal.  The entire instrument is 9 ¼ inches wide and 2 ¼ inches thick.  The back is distinctively engraved “U.S. NAVY [N] 899.”  Remarkable original condition.  A real rarity over 100 years old!  This is the first such identified U.S. Navy inclinometer we have ever encountered in our 40+ years.  785 

Graff Washbourne & Dunn were preeminent silversmiths in America at the turn-of-the-century.  A distance reading “stadiometer” dating to World War I, manufactured by Gaff, Washbourne & Dunn, circa 1917 is held in the collection of the NMAH (Smithsonian).

Leading up to its involvement in the Great War America’s armed forces were woefully ill equipped to fight a global war.  This fact was particularly acute in the U.S. Navy.  As the Navy Department, under direction of the Secretary of the Navy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, scrambled to outfit its warships, the call went out to the civilian sector to provide (purchase or loan) all manner of equipment to enhance readiness at sea.  The patriotic response was overwhelming.  One such example is this inclinometer which bears the engraved Navy serial number “U.S. NAVY [N] 899.”  A goodly number of loaned items were returned to their owners after the War together with a letter of thanks personally signed by FDR.

5.31  WWII NAVIGATOR’s SET.  Scarce, genuine cased navigational tools used by the Navigation Officer of a U.S. Navy warship in the early 1940’s.  This high quality set is mounted in its original black leather case with dark blue velvet liner.  The top of the case in embossed in gold ”NAVIGATOR’S CASE U.S. NAVY.”  It contains two very high quality drafting instruments: one a divider and the other a pencil lead compass.  These precision instruments are made of solid brass in a chrome finish and are stamped “DIETZGEN - MADE IN U.S.A.”  The case also contains a knurled screwdriver for adjusting the instruments.  And it has the clever dual function of also being a container for spare needle points and pencil leads for the instruments!  The case measures 7 ¾ inches long by 2 ¼ inches wide and is 1 inches think.  Virtually perfect, mint condition scarcely evidencing its 75+ years of service.  The first of its type we have ever seen in such superb condition.  189

3.14/5.46  U.S. NAVY CLINOMETER.  Authentic World War II fighting ship's pilot house inclinometer made for the Navy by the John L. Chaney Instrument Company.  The face of the Bakelite body is engraved:

This precision device is calibrated in single degrees of heel port and starboard up to 70 marked by 10's.  The reading is made by a small black ball within a curved glass tube containing fluid.  The fluid acts to dampen (slow) the ball as the ship rolls.  This is exactly the same principle used in an aircraft's turn and bank indicator.  The instrument measures 12 ½ inches wide by 6 ¼ inches high.  It is in excellent original condition. The action of the ball is perfect.  395

5.30  FAMOUS WWII SHIP’s PLAQUE.  Authentic World War II Royal Navy Ship’s plaque commemorating the HMS NUBIAN (F-36).  This very unusual ship’s commemorative features a cast aluminum shield bearing the likeness of a black African surrounded by a gold  painted “rope” border surmounted by the Admiralty’s distinctive crown and the banner “NUBIAN.”  The hand-painted plaque is mounted to a lovely solid mahogany shield backboard backed by “baize” cloth.  The plaque is 4 2/4 inches in diameter.  The backboard measures 5 ¾ inches wide by 6 ¾ inches tall.  Outstanding original condition in all respects.  Very rare!  195

HMS NUBIAN (F-36) was a Tribal Class destroyer of the Royal Navy launched on December 21, 1937.  She had a length of 377 feet and displaced 1891 tons.  This war hardened ship had an illustrious career in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean during World War II.  Only two other ships, the ORION and JERVIS, also serving in the Mediterranean with NUBIAN, matched her battle record.  In British Naval history these records were exceeded only by the Battleship WARSPITE in World War I!

5.21/13.01  IMPORTANT CLOCK from U.S. NAVY MONITOR.  Extremely rare, identified engineroom clock from the American Naval monitor the U.S.S. TERROR.  This imposing timekeeper is made of heavy solid bronze.  The early form pressed copper dial is silvered with bold Roman numerals and a minute chapter ring.  The ship's name USS TERROR is prominently engraved just below the center arbor.  The case maker's name "ASHCROFT MFG CO. New York" is just below.  At the top, below XII is the Fast/Slow adjustment and below it is the subsidiary seconds bit indicating single seconds marked by 15's.  The dial is swept by large blued steel Breguet style "moon" hands.   The silvered dial shows some authentic wear.  The word "ENGINE ROOM" is stenciled on the dial -- faint but still visible.  Importantly the dial is original and has not been retouched or modified.  The classic flared ship's clock case is hinged on the left, opening to the right, closing on a skeleton key lock which retains its original key.  The mechanism is the best ship's clock ever made in America by the Howard Clock Company of Boston.  It features a bi-metallic balance, 11 jewels, 8-day spring barrel and lovely damascened nickel plates.  It is signed "E. Howard & Co. Boston" and is serial numbered "17."  The very low number indicates it was one of the first ship's clocks ever produced by Howard, soon after the Civil War.  The massive solid bronze case, produced by the Ashcroft Steam Gauge & Valve Co. has an 8 1/4 inch dial and a case flange of 10 ¾ inches,  It measures 4 inches deep and weighs an impressive 15 pounds!  It is in excellent original condition and is a strong runner after 150 years! SOLD

5.19 USS CONSTITUTION CANNON.  Charming near-scale model of a 32 pounder  gun as carried on the famous USS CONSITITUTION, affectionately known as OLD IRONSIDES.  This beautifully fashioned Naval gun features a turned solid brass barrel mounted on a realistic cast iron carriage.  On the port side is affixed the embossed brass tag finely embossed "USS CONSTITUTION."  The entire presentation measures a mere 3 inches long and 1 ¼ inches wide.  Excellent original condition. The 3/15 inch bore goes through to the touch hole, indicating that the cannon was originally intended to fire.  95

1.84/5.15 SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR GROUPING. Three genuine historically important items directly pertaining to the war fought between the United States and Spain in 1898. They are:

• A studio-produced photograph of Admiral Dewey, hero of the Battle of Manila Bay ,who famously ordered the command "You may fire when ready Gridley." This sepia toned image is signed lower right "Nilsen's Studio Cincinnati O." It measure 6 3/8 by 4 ¼ inches. There is a noticeable crease in the upper right hand quadrant which is now stable. The image is bright and crisp.


• Brilliant chromolithograph boldly entitled "THE BATTLE OF MANILA." At the bottom center is the notation "Fought May 1st By Rear Admiral Dewey. Spanish Loss 11 Ships. 150 Killed. 250 Wounded. American Loss None." At the lower left is the portrait entitled "Rear Admiral Dewey." The same image as the photo offered above. The lower left is signed, "No. 1209 Copyright 1898 By Muller, Luchsinger & Co. New York." The colorful scene depicts 3 American ships and 4 Spanish vessels in the heat of battle. The image is perfect. It measures 11 ¼ by 15 ¾ inches sight. 16 by 20 inches overall. There are two tiny, inconsequential tears on the periphery and a very minor loss to the lower right corner. Condition must be rated excellent for this print over 120 years old!


• Gentleman's pocket watch fob with a copper pendant the size of a penny bearing the same profile, embossed "HERO OF MANILA ADMIRAL GEO. DEWEY." The reverse bears the broadside of a battleship reading "DEWEY'S FLAG-SHIP OLYMPIA." It is attached to an ornate chain consisting of 11 sections, each with embossed recurring designs. The end is fitted with a typical spring-loaded necklace clasp. 13 ½ inches long overall. Excellent original condition. ALL THREE FOR 295

The explosion and sinking of the Battleship MAINE (ACR-1) in Havana Harbor on February 15th, with the loss of 260 American lives, led to America declaring war on Spain.  On April 23rd, after much Yellow Journalism and political wrangling, Congress declared that a state of war had existed between the U.S. and Spain since April 21, the day the U.S. began to blockade Cuba.  In the ensuing 10 weeks U.S. Naval and land forces thoroughly decimated the Spanish.

With resounding defeats in Cuba and the Philippines, Spain sued for peace.  Hostilities were halted on August 12, 1898, when a Protocol of Peace between the United States and Spain was signed in Washington.  The formal peace treaty was signed in Paris on December 10, 1898.  As a result of the war the United States gained all of Spain's colonies outside of Africa, including the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico, excepting Cuba, which became a U.S. protectorate.  These gains prompted John Hay, America's Ambassador in Britain, to refer to it as "the splendid little war," in a letter to his friend Theodore Roosevelt.  Theodore Roosevelt and George Dewey benefited greatly from their participation in the war.  Both men gained immediate fame as national heroes.  Roosevelt's fame ultimately propelled him to the White House. Years later it was determined the Battleship MAINE did not explode and sink due to hostile action, but as a result of its faulty boilers.

5.20   NAVY COLLAR DEVICES.  Matched pair of collar insignias for a 1st Class Midshipman in the United States Navy.  They consist of right and left facing eagles perched on a fouled kedge anchor.  The back of each is marked "HP 1/20 10KT GF."  ¾ inch tall by ¾ inch wide.  Perfect original condition.  Approximately 50 years old.  19.95/pr

In the United States Navy a midshipmen is classified as an officer of the line being a special grad of officer that ranks between a Warrant Officer, W-1, and the lowest grade of Warrant Officer, W-2.

5.16/13.02   RARE AMERICAN CHRONOMETER.  A scarce surviving example from a very limited production of full-sized ships' chronometers produced for the U.S Navy by the most prestigious American clock & watch company during World War II.  This amazing relic is Elgin's Model 600.  The silvered enameled dial is serial numbered (N) 610 dated 1943 within the seconds bit over the "6."  It has bold Arabic numerals swept by blackened spade hands over a minute chapter ring.  The 56 hour Up/Down is below "12" marked in 8 hour increments.  The dial is signed "ELGIN U.S.A." just above the center arbor.  It is surrounded by the silvered reflector ring under a beveled glass crystal set in its knurled brass bezel.  Built to exacting Navy specifications the brass bowl with gimbal lock is mounted in its gimbals slung in a rich brass-bound mahogany box of classic 3-tier construction.  The magnificent nickeled brass movement has 14 jewels with a large bi-metallic balance wheel, 6 timing weights and the state-of-the-art Guillimane hairspring.  The unusual two-part balance bridge has a diamond end stone.  The top plate is beautifully engine turned and is engraved "ELGIN 600 U.S. 14 JEWELS U.S. NAVY BU-SHIPS (N) 610, 1943."  This machine is fitted with Elgin's fusee drive and innovative detachable escapement – a first in chronometer manufacturing.  The handsome fully brass-bound mahogany box is equipped with 2 sliding button latches and bears the unique Elgin corking instructions on the brass plaque in the middle tier.  The bottom section has folding brass drop handles for carrying.  The chronometer itself measures almost 5 inches in diameter.  The box measures 7 ½ inches square by 8 inches high.  Condition is nothing short of remarkable in ALL respects.  This chronometer shows no signs of being used since it was manufactured 79 years ago!  Perfectly preserved, factory MINT original condition!  ATTENTION COLLECTORS!  You will not see this type of offering again!  Elgin's number 1 chronometer is in the Smithsonian Institution.Price Request

Marvin Whitney in his monumental reference book, "Military Time Pieces." 1992, American Watch Makers Institute, devotes an entire chapter to "Ship's Chronometer Elgin."  In it he writes, "Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Elgin National Watch Company devoted their entire production facilities to the war effort.  When the United States entered into World War II, our source of marine chronometers from Switzerland was immediately cut off.  Up until that time, the world navies depended upon Swiss and English manufacturers.  The Hamilton watch Company was the first to produce a ship's chronometer that met Navy specifications.

In order to prevent a recurrence of the critical shortage, Elgin was awarded a contract in 1943 for 3,000 chronometers.  On February 15, 1944 Elgin delivered their prototype chronometer to the Naval Observatory.  The last shipment of chronometers was received on May 31, 1945.  Shortly thereafter the war ended.  None of the Elgins were ever issued."

In November 1956 Elgin reported it had sold approximately 250 of their model 600 marine chronometers to the public.  In consideration of the fact that Hamilton made more than 12,152 Navy-type chronometers (as affirmed by serial numbers of recent sales) or a ratio of more than 50:1, this Elgin example is definitely a rarity in the realm of Navy chronometers!

5.23/15.42  PHOTOGRAPH U.S.S. CALIFORNIA.  Historic original photograph entitled "Boat Deck U.S.S. California" showing a sailor posed on a crane next to a lifering marked USS CALIFORNIA.  Below are 2 early binnacles and 2 pelorus stands along with two wheeled ammunition limbers.  The ship appears to be nested next to another capital warship with towering smokestack, huge funnels and a sailor leaning on the rail.   3 ½ by 5 ½ inches.  This is an interesting identified professional photograph with very unusual subject matter.  Pre-1910. 59

 The second USS CALIFORNIA (ACR-6) was launched on April 28, 1904 by the Union Iron Works of San Francisco, builders of the famed Battleship OREGON 15 years earlier.  CALIFORNIA was renamed USS SAN DIEGO on September 1, 1914, in order to free up her name for  the Tennessee-class battleship CALIFORNIA (BB-44).

5.06 /13.98   U.S. NAVY CHRONOMETER.  Genuine state-of-the-art full size World War II marine chronometer developed for the U.S. Navy by the "Hamilton Watch Co. of Lancaster, PA., U.S.A." as marked on the dial and on the box nameplate.  This 85 size timepiece has a silvered brass dial with bold Arabic numerals and minute chapter swept by black enameled spade hands.  The subsidiary seconds bit is over the "6" showing individual seconds marked by 10's.  The 56 hour Up/Down indicator is below the "12." The serial number "(N)1356" and date "1941" are within the seconds bit. The heavy knurled brass bezel with thick beveled glass has a silvered reflector ring.  It screws onto the solid brass bowl slung in gimbals.  A spring loaded rotating dust cover protects the winding arbor.  The pristine nickel movement is beautifully damascened bearing the signature "MODEL 21 14 JEWELS HAMILTON WATCH CO. LANCASTER, PNNA. MADE IN U.S.A. (N) 1356-1941."  It features an oversize balance with 12 timing weights and innovative helical Elinvar hairspring.  It has a spring détente escapement and a chain-drive fusee.  The box is Hamilton's standard 3 tier type made of rich mahogany, fully brass-bound with inland corners in its original finish.  The sides are equipped with folding brass handles and the top 2 tiers have brass button latches for secure closure.  The entire unit is in untouched original condition.  All brass surfaces are original showing good expected exposure to their marine environment.  The surfaces of the wood are in excellent, unmarred finish.  The chronometer measures 5 inches in diameter.  The box is 7 5/8 inches cubed.  Complete with original ratcheted winding key.  An excellent time keeper. SOLD

Check out eBay prices.  This chronometer is nicer than anything currently offered.  Not only that, it is guaranteed to be as described.  Be wary of amateur sellers offering "No Returns."

As war clouds gathered around the world in 1940, it became more and more apparent that the United States would soon be drawn into a world-wide conflict.  Involvement would require a massive fleet of Navy and merchant vessels plying the vast oceans. Such deployment required accurate navigation, which up to that time was only feasible using a chronometer for accurate timekeeping at sea. The U.S. Government, acutely aware of the impending need, sent out an urgent request to clock and watchmakers of the era to produce an adequate time keeper. The Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which had never produced a full size chronometer before, stepped up to the call with its famous Model 21.  This splendid precision instrument was inspired by the Swiss chronometer made by Ulysee Nardin.  But Hamilton took the basic design of the Nardin much further.  Perhaps the most innovative feature of the Model 21 was its use of interchangeable parts.  This made manufacturing and maintenance much more efficient.  Another was its use of Elinvar in the balance and hairspring.  Elinvar is not affected by changes in temperature, a fact that had plagued chronometer makers for more than two centuries.  In the end Hamilton effectively manufactured over 12,000 of these marvelous machines for Navy and civilian use, prompting the boast, "The chronometer that won the war."

5.07   BOOK, AMERICA's LIGHTHOUSES.  John Murray, "America's Lighthouses," 2000, Publications International, Ltd. Lincolnwood, Illinois, Hard cover, 126 pages.  Profusely illustrated with full color photographs and line drawings on glossy paper.  A graphic catalog covering the 50 most important and picturesque lighthouses in the United States.  Chapters include Colonial lights, East Coast lights, Lights of the Great Lakes, Gulf Coast Lights, West Coast Lights and those of Alaska and Hawaii.  Beautifully done with in depth history and description of each light.  Large format, 12 ½ by 12 ¼ inches.  New condition.  14.95

5.09  WWII NAVY LIEUTENANT's EPAULETS.  Matched pair of authentic shoulder boards for a commissioned officer of O-3 rank in the U.S. Navy.  They consist of stiff leather backings with felt covers and gold brocade.  The back of the gold buttons are signed "Rau Fastener Co."  Good original condition.  The gold has tarnished with age.  69

3.88/ 5.04  PATENT NAVY PARALLEL RULES.  Rare 4th quarter of the 19th century navigator's parallel rulers made by John Bliss and Co., in accordance with LCDR Sigsbee's patent.  This beautifully preserved set is made of ebony with brass fittings.  It is uniquely constructed in such a manner so as to allow the limbs of the instrument to fold over the chart and align at a distance from the indicated course.  This allowed the navigator to "hop scotch" across the chart without sliding the rules over the map's surface.  The upper rule is stamped "PAT. FEB.24' 80."  Remarkably, it is preserved within its original cardboard box with label reading "PATENT PARALLEL RULE U.S. NAVY PATTERN JOHN BLISS & CO., Under Patent granted Feb. 24  to Liuet-Comdr, C. D. Sigsbee U.S. NAVY."  The rules are in absolutely perfect original condition measuring 15 inches long by 2 5/8 inches wide.  The original box is 15 ¼ inches long by 3 inches wide and ½ inches thick.  As expected the box shows considerable wear after 140 years.  But the label with minor losses  is still legible.  595

Charles Dwight Sigsbee is best remembered as the Captain of the ill-fated Battleship Maine which exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba on February 14, 1898, sparking the Spanish-American War.  Following his service as a junior officer in the Civil War Sigsbee was assigned to the Hydrographic Office in 1871, then the Coast Survey in 1874 where he commanded the Coast Survey steamer BLAKE from 1875 to 1878.  He returned to the Navy Hydrographic Office from 1878 to 1882 at which time he invented this unique parallel rule.  He then served as chief hydrographer in the Bureau of Navigation from 1893 to 1897.  During his service on BLAKE he developed the Sigsbee sounding machine, which became a standard item of deep-water oceanographic equipment for the next 50 years.

An identical Patent Rule sold for $850.00 from Tesseract catalog 94, item 40 spring of 2012.

5.02/13.90   U.S. NAVY DECK CLOCK.  World War I era ship's clock made for the United States Navy by the prestigious Chelsea Clock Company of Boston.  The handsome brushed brass dial is flawless.  It has bold Arabic numerals and a minute chapter swept by blackened Breguet moon hands.  The dial is marked "U.S. NAVY Deck Clock No. 2" with the Naval Observatory's serial number (N) 2420.  It is also marked at the bottom "Made In U.S.A." underneath the blackened brass reflector ring.  The subsidiary seconds bit is below "12" indicating single seconds marked by 10's.  The all brass 11 jewel 8-day movement is marked "CHELSEA CLOCK CO. BOSTON. U.S.A." and is serial numbered 122XXX* dating it to July 6, 1918.  It is housed in its original classic ship's clock case of heavy solid brass with matching serial number and flared screw-on bezel.  The bezel retains its original old wavy glass held in with plaster.  5 3/8 inches in diameter by 2 ½ inches thick.  Outstanding condition in all respects.  The clock is a good timekeeper and the case is in a lovely high luster finish.  From America's dreadnaught Navy over 100 years ago!   Complete with period winding key.  849

* For the privacy and protection of the ultimate buyer this serial number is being withheld.

5.01   LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER's HAT.  SCARCE!   Genuine late 19th century uniform hat of an official keeper in the United States Lighthouse Service.  This extremely scarce Lighthouse Service relic is made of wool with an inner body of leather and a silk liner.  The classic U.S.L.H. Service emblem of a stately lighthouse on the front of the hat is hand-embroidered in gold brocade.  The gold chin strap above the leather bill is attached with gilt hat buttons depicting the identical lighthouse motif.  The cap is about a size 7.  The top measures 8 ¾ inches in diameter.  Front to back with the embossed leather bill it is 9 ½ inches.  Excellent, original condition exhibiting wear with real time use expected of an authentic item worn in the pursuit of daily lighthouse chores.  Over 120 years old!  No damage.  Very presentable original condition.  Truly museum quality.  SOLD

In 1789 Congress passed an Act creating the United States Lighthouse Establishment (USLHE) which was operated by the Department of the Treasury.  The Act also transferred ownership of all existing private American lighthouses to the U.S. government.  In 1852, the United States Lighthouse Board was created.   The Act dissolved the prior administration of lighthouses under the Treasury Department's Lighthouse Establishment.  The board consisted of six senior Naval officers governing 12 lighthouse districts, each having a Naval inspector who was charged with building lighthouses and maintaining their good working order.  The Lighthouse Board immediately set to installing state-of-the-art Freznel lenses in all newly-built lighthouses. The Board also oversaw the construction of the first lighthouses on the West Coast.  By the Civil War, all U.S. lighthouses had Freznel lenses.  In 1886, electricity was tested to illuminate the Statue of Liberty.  Thereafter the lighting of the statue was the Lighthouse Board's responsibility.  It remained such until 1902, when the "modern age in lighthouse illumination" began.   In 1900, the Lighthouse Board started converting lighthouses to electric service. 

In 1910, the Board was changed in favor of a civilian run "Lighthouse Service."  It is uncertain as to exactly when the U.S. Lighthouse Establishment became the U.S. Lighthouse Service.  Both terms for the agency appear to have been used interchangeably in the second half of the 19th century. 

In 1939 the U.S. Lighthouse Service itself was disbanded and merged with the U.S. Coast Guard.

5.26  U.S.L.H. SERVICE POURER.  Genuine, 19th century oiling can used in maintenance of lighthouse equipment in the work of the United States Lighthouse Service.  This oil can is hand-made of solid brass.  It has a spun brass body attached to the delicate braced spout and rolled contoured handle.  A wire bail handle is affixed to the top for carrying and the filler hole at the top is complete with its original brass press-on cap with retention chain.  Of great importance to its desirability and authenticity is the authentic (guaranteed) stamped marking on the bottom reading "U.S. LIGHT HOUSE SERVICE."  This very rare relic is in excellent original condition having acquired a very nice statuary bronze age patina.  11 ¼ inches long overall.  7 inches in diameter on the base and 6 ½ inches tall exclusive of the bail handle.  1369

In 1789 Congress passed an Act creating the United States Lighthouse Establishment (USLHE) which was operated by the Department of the Treasury.  The Act also transferred ownership of all existing private American lighthouses to the U.S. government.  In 1852, the United States Lighthouse Board was created.   The Act dissolved the prior administration of lighthouses under the Treasury Department's Lighthouse Establishment.  The board consisted of six senior Naval officers governing 12 lighthouse districts, each having a Naval inspector who was charged with building lighthouses and maintaining their good working order.  The Lighthouse Board immediately set to installing state-of-the-art Freznel lenses in all newly-built lighthouses. The Board also oversaw the construction of the first lighthouses on the West Coast.  By the Civil War, all U.S. lighthouses had Freznel lenses.  In 1886, electricity was tested to illuminate the Statue of Liberty.  Thereafter the lighting of the statue was the Lighthouse Board's responsibility.  It remained such until 1902, when the "modern age in lighthouse illumination" began.   In 1900, the Lighthouse Board started converting lighthouses to electric service. 

In 1910, the Board was changed in favor of a civilian run "Lighthouse Service."  It is uncertain as to exactly when the U.S. Lighthouse Establishment became the U.S. Lighthouse Service.  Both terms for the agency appear to have been used interchangeably in the second half of the 19th century. 

In 1939 the U.S. Lighthouse Service itself was disbanded and merged with the U.S. Coast Guard.

5.96  U.S. LIGHTHOUSE ESTABLISHMENT BUTTONS.   Very scarce, matched pair of 19th century uniform buttons for an American Lighthouse Keeper.  These gilded solid brass buttons are boldly embossed "U.S.L.H.E." on the front and signed "Wanamaker & Brown Phila. PA" on the back.  1 inch diameter.  Outstanding original condition.  69/pr

The firm of John Wanamker and Nathan Brown was established in 1861 at the corner of 6th and Market Streets. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The clothing firm did extensive business including military uniforms.  It is recorded they contracted to provide 5.000 rubber ponchos, 50,000 blouses and 30,000 trousers to the U.S. Government during the Spanish American War in 1898.  (Bruce Bazelon and William McGuinn "Directory of Military Goods dealers and Makers 1785-1915," Manassas, Virginia, page 283).