5. NAVY, USLHS, USLSS & Military

5.23 RARE PHOTOGRAPH GROUPING. Historically important group of 6 original black and white and sepia tone photographs of America’s first and arguably most famous aircraft carrier the USS LANGLEY (CV-1 and AV-3). These photographs show her in both capacities as an aircraft carrier and her later conversion into a seaplane tender. Two of the photographs are identified on the front as “USS Langley” and a third is signed “Browne.” The largest image measures 8 by 10 inches and the smallest 2 ¾ by 3 ¾ inches. All are in very good condition with only minor edge wear. Museum quality. Shipped FREE in the U.S. 249

USS LANGLEY (CV-1/AV-3) was the first aircraft carrier in the United States Navy. After notable service as the coal carrier USS JUPITER (AC-3) in the Atlantic during World War I, she was converted to an aircraft carrier in 1920. This was an epic shift in global naval strategy at the time. Not only did it usher in naval aviation, but it marked the transition from the outdated coal burning fleet to oil. LANGLEY was the namesake of Samuel Pierpont Langley, an American aviation pioneer. In a twist of fate, she would later be accompanied by two sister carriers. While she was being converted, the Washington Naval Treaty required two partially completed battle cruisers to be cancelled. But ironically these were then to become the legendary LEXINGTON and SARATOGA of World War II fame!

Immediately following World War I LANGLEY served in the Atlantic, with brief periods in the Pacific. In 1927 she was assigned full time to the Pacific Battle Fleet. By 1936 it was apparent that LANGLEY’s bi-planes were becoming obsolete. In October of that year she entered Mare Island Naval Yard for conversion into a seaplane tender.

It was in this capacity that LANGLEY entered World War II in the Pacific. On the Day of Infamy, she was anchored in the Philippines. LANGLEY was ordered to pick-up and transport Allied aircraft from Freemantle, Australia to embattled forces in Southeast Asia. While in pursuit of that mission on February 27, 1942 she was attacked by nine twin-engine Japanese “Betty” bombers. The attack so badly damaged her that the order to abandon ship was given. Later that day she was scuttled by her escorts using deck guns and 2 torpedoes. Her loss was the first major United States ship to be sunk since Pearl Harbor 2 months earlier. It was an event which would later be seen as America’s darkest hour of the war.

5.18 VERY IMPORTANT LIFESAVING PRESENTATION. Extremely rare, highly sought after official governmental award for conspicuous bravery in the saving of life. In this case, the efforts of an isolated lighthouse keeper in the remote area of Grindstone Island are documented in a sterling silver pocket watch. This pure silver hunter case English pocket watch is beautifully engraved on the inside back cover:

PRESENTED
By The
-> Government of Canada <-
to Mr. John R. Stiles
LIGHT KEEPER AT GRINDSTONE ISLAND
in recognition of his humane and gallant exertions
__> in the rescue of the crew <__
- OF THE BRIGANTINE ANNIE BOGART OF DIGBY. NS –
on the 22^nd December 1881

The watch with double sunk porcelain dial has Roman numerals and minute chapter swept by gold hands. The subsidiary seconds bit is over the VI. The dial is signed “SAML BUCKELY & C^o LONDON.” Opening the inner dust cover reveals the high quality, jeweled all brass movement with lever escapement and compensated bi-metallic balance with numerous timing screws. The balance cock is profusely decorated with engraved floral designs. The top plate is singed in fancy script “Sam.. Buckley & Co. LONDON.” Speaking to its quality, this watch is lever set – a feature which prevents inadvertent setting of the time when winding, which is done by the crown. The fine silver case is hallmarked with a lion, anchor and the Gothic letter “g” indicating a Birmingham case maker in 1881/1882. It is further marked with an “[RB]” which may refer to silversmith Robert Beale. The exterior of the case is beautifully engine turned and engraved with the conjoined letters “JRS.” The watch comes in a handsome hinged mahogany case with inlaid mother-of-pearl shield on the lid. The button latch opens to reveal the lavish green felt-lined interior. The watch measures 2 ¼ inches in diameter, 3 1/8 inches high inclusive of the stem wind and bow, by ½ inches thick. The custom case measures 5 ¾ inches wide by 4 1/8 inches deep and is 1 ¼ inches thick. This watch is in good running condition, having just been serviced by a certified watch maker. It is excellent cosmetic condition inside and out, with no significant flaws, just evidence of careful use. SOLD

At the time, Grindstone was a small, isolated island in the mouth of Chigneto Bay on the Bay of Fundy, just north of the Saint John on the southern coast of New Brunswick, Canada. The light station was erected in 1859. Subsequently the original lighthouse was replaced in 1908. After a devastating fire, it was reconstructed. However the existing lighthouse has fallen into a state of disrepair. Further research on the lighthouse keeper’s name, John R. Stiles, and the Brig Annie Bogart will undoubtedly reveal much more fascinating information in addition to that which we have already provided here.

5.37 EARLY U.S. NAVY STERO CARDS. An amazing collection of turn-of-the-last-century photographic stereo viewer cards depicting a wide array of scenes pertaining to the U.S Navy. Such cards were immensely popular in the late 1800’s prior to motion pictures. Cutting edge for their time, they gave the viewer a sense of reality by producing a 3-D effect. These original cards are all hard mounted on standard 3 ½ by 7 1/8 stiff cardboard backing. Most are original albumen or silverplate photographs affixed to the card. At least 3 are images enhanced by hand-coloring. Topics include “Cruiser Brooklyn Loading Ammunition, A Pair of 13-Inch Guns, A gunner on Ohio, After Turrets of the Kentucky, Manning the Guns, Launching a Battleship, the Dynamite Cruiser Vesuvius, 13 Inch Guns and Huge Anchor Chain Forward Deck of the Battleship Connecticut,” etc. All of the cards are in remarkably well preserved, original condition. This is a great opportunity to acquire such a rare collection with a most desirable theme, dating from the Spanish-American War, at a nominal price. A total of 20 cards. 349

5.32 PERIOD WWII SHIP PHOTO. Original large format black and white image of the Buckley Class Destroyer Escort USS GEORGE (DE-697) as depicted steaming off of the Customs House in the Philippines in 1945. This clear image shows good detail of the man-o-war’s deck and armament along with crew members on the foc’sle. This valiant veteran of the Pacific campaign exhibits remarkable upkeep after all she has been through! The glossy 7 1/8 by 9 inch image is in perfect original condition. 15

The USS GEORGE (DE-697) saw intense action in World War II. Launched on August 14, 1943 by the Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, Michigan, she was commissioned on November 20, 1943 and wasted no time in heading for the Pacific theater, arriving in the Spring of 1944. During the period of May 19-31 GEORGE was credited with sinking Japanese submarines I-16, RO-104, R0-105., RO-106, RO-108 and RO-116. GEORGE continued her anti-submarine patrols in the areas in and around the New Hebrides, Solomons and Marshall Islands into the summer of 1945, operating out of the Philippines. It was then that this photograph was taken. When Japan surrendered in August of1945, GEORGE delivered the terms of the surrender to the Japanese garrisons still holding out on Truk and the Carolines. For her service, USS GEORGE received two battle stars.

5.29   WWII NAVY PISTOL.   Authentic World War II vintage flare pistol as carried by U.S. Navy pilots.  This handsome example is made of heavy chrome-plated brass with Bakelite grips.   Both grips are marked “INTERNATIONAL FLARE - SIGNAL CO., Made in U.S.A.” with patent number.  They bear the Navy air logo of a winged shield embossed “DRIGGS FABER SYSTEM” and stamped “H.M. Corp. Toone, Tenn.”   The bore is 1 ½ inches in diameter and the barrel is 4 3/8 inches long.  The massive grip is 5 ¾ inches long to the tip of the eye for attaching a lanyard.  The barrel contains a spring-loaded shell extractor on the left side.  Excellent functional, virtually mint condition.  349

5.24  EARLY U.S. NAVY CLINOMETER.  A museum piece!  A rare Naval relic which was produced immediately following the American Civil War.  It is embodied in a large functional mechanical inclinometer.  The scale is beautifully hand-engraved in the most handsome script “U.S. Navy Yard Washington 1871.”  This impressive device is made of thick solid brass mounted onto its original solid teak backboard.  The precisely calibrated scale indicates degrees of heel (or list) port and starboard from 0 – 35 in single degree increments, marked by 5’s.  The ingenious construction of this instrument allows the heavily weighted brass plumb bob to pass over the scale while being damped in its motion by the secondary articulated bob above.  This  clever arrangement allowed a real time read-out of the ship’s stance at the moment of observation, without deflection or vibration. The instrument itself measures 20 inches high by 11 ¼ inches wide.  Its backboard  is 23 ½ inches tall by 11 ¾ inches wide.  Excellent original condition in all respects.  There is no such relic better preserved! 2979

5.62   LIGHTHOUSE and LIFESAVING SERVICE STEREO CARDS. A pair of genuine antique stereo cards with desirable subject matter.  The first sepia-toned double image is identified as being that of the “Life-Saving Station, near Cliff House, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.” and is signed “Underwood & Underwood, Publishers.”  The second is a chromolithographed original stereoscopic photograph entitled, “The Lighthouse Station at Hong Kong China” and is signed “Copyright. 1903. Kawin . and. Co.”  Both cards are in standard format and size, measuring 7 by 3 ½ inches.  Condition of both is good, noting some surface soiling, but importantly, no damage or losses.  Very rare subject matter.  99 /both

5.05  U.S. COAST GUARD BAROMETER.  Very scarce, highly sought after World War II or earlier ship’s aneroid barometer made for the “United States Coast Guard” by “Taylor Rochester. NY” as marked on the bottom of the silvered brass dial.  It is calibrated in inches of mercury from 25.5 to 31.5 in 2/100th increments marked by tenths and showing the standard weather indications “RAIN, CHANGE, FAIR.”   It is further marked “Compensated” (for temperature).  The simple black indicator needle is overlaid by the brass set needle attached to a brass knurled knob running through the glass crystal.  The dial, with bright brass reflector ring, measures 4 ½ inches across.  The open face provides an interesting aspect of the high quality movement within.  A small aperture on the back is for adjusting the reading and a pivoting brass suspension ring is provided at the top of the case for hanging.  The solid brass case is in its highly polished bright bronze finish and measures 5 ¼ inches in diameter and is 2 3/8 inches thick.  Outstanding original condition in all respects and extremely accurate.  The quality of this instrument is superb, built to wartime standards, as necessitated by the rigors for which it was intended.  449

5.08  LIFESAVING SCENES.  1850 or earlier artistic depictions of various lifesaving scenes and apparatus contemporaneous to the period.  A total of 11 vignettes very precisely depict the various aspects, each captioned below the image.  It is entitled “APPARATUS FOR SAVING LIFE IN CASE OF SHIPWRECK.”  The end of the page is marked “LIFE SAVING PLATE CVI” and was produced by “Blackie & Son London. Glasgow & Edinburgh."   These engravings are of superb quality with the finest detail, bearing scrutiny under magnification printed on high quality stock.  6 ½ by 9 ¾ inches.  Outstanding original condition.  Very rare and highly desirable subject matter depicting the infancy of lifesaving techniques.   Perfect for framing.  59

5.27 U.S. LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE FLASK MEASURE.  Extremely rare, highly sought after, 19th century example of a lighthouse keeper’s equipment used in the course of duties maintaining his sentinel.  This authentic veteran of that noble service is made entirely of brass and bears the stamped mark on the front of the spout “U.S. LIGHTHOUSE ESTABLISHMENT.”  It is further marked on the bottom “U.S. LIGHTHOUSE (ESTABLISHMENT)” the latter being faintly impressed.  The circular spun brass body has a rolled, reinforced handle riveted to it for pouring.  The body of the measure is scribed with lines starting at the bottom, marked “1 PTS.” upward to “3 QRTS” for a total of 6 graduations.  The interior is tinned to resist corrosion and exhibits a dark gray patina.  This large flask measures 10 3/4 inches high by 6 ¾ inches in diameter at the base and 8 ¼ inches wide overall.  Condition is excellent and original with a nice age patina, noting just a few very minor dents of no consequence.  A lovely, genuine lighthouse object from the 1800’s. PRICE REQUEST 

5.03  U.S. LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE BAROMETER.  Genuine late 19th century aneroid barometer made for the United States Lighthouse Service by the respected early French firm of Paul Naudet, Paris as marked on the lower center of the dial “PNHB” and again stamped on the back of the case.  This precision instrument contains the highest quality barometer mechanism available at that time.  It registers atmospheric pressure on the enameled paper dial with a the wide range spanning 25 inches of mercury to 32 inches, marked in tenths and sub-divided to 2/100ths.  The reading is indicated by a thin blued steel needle which is overlaid by a brass “set needle” connected to a knurled knob to record a prior reading.  The dial is marked “MADE IN FRANCE” at the top and “U.S.L.H.S.” at the bottom along with the notation “HOLOSTERIC BAROMETER (PNHB).”  The beveled glass crystal is housed in its rolled brass bezel with silvered reflector ring.  The solid brass case is remarkable in that it is wall-mounted with 3 attachments versus the more typical ship application using a pivoting suspension loop – an obvious indication of its terrestrial use in a lighthouse.  There is an aperture on the back for adjusting the reading.  5 ¼ inches wide overall and 2 1/8 inches thick.  Outstanding original condition, very accurate, showing just enough good age.   A real rarity amongst barometers!   SOLD

Provenance.   From the holdings of Jack Low, New York City, son of Max Low, famed nautical chandler and clock maker to the U.S. Navy during World War II.  The Low Company purchased the existing inventory and business rights of T.S. & J.D. Negus in 1962.

U.S.L.H.S.  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 U.S. lighthouses to the government.  In 1852 the United States Lighthouse Board was created, which 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 began its duties by installing 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 dissolved in favor of a civilian run “Lighthouse Service.”   It is uncertain as to when the exact time line was drawn between the existence of the U.S. Lighthouse Establishment and the U.S. Lighthouse Service.  Both terms for the agency seemed to have been used interchangeably in the second half of the 19th century.

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

5.06  CIVIL WAR SHIP CAPTAIN’s  WASH BASIN.   Here is an incredibly rare Civil War relic from the Union Navy.  This bowl should rightfully be in a museum. But we have been fortunate enough to find it and offer it for sale.  This wash basin is not porcelain or ceramic, but actually turned out of a solid piece of alabaster!  On the front it bears the very early conjoined U.S. Navy mark from that era.  The fact that it is natural stone and not porcelain or china is of great significance to its value.  It measures 15 1/8 inches in diameter and stands 5 inches deep.  It is very study and only exhibits a couple very minor hairline cracks near the center of the bowl. 975 Back to Top

5.61  EARLY NAVY GUN CREW LITHOGRAPH and GENUINE BUCKET.  Authentic late 19th century color print of a U.S. Navy gun crew live firing a deck gun.  This genuine stone lithograph is signed lower right by J. O. Davidson, the noted marine artist from Nyack, New York.  It depicts a gun crew on an early Navy battle cruiser firing a breech loaded deck gun.  Four crewmen and an officer attend the gun as a gunner’s mate cautiously pulls the firing lanyard.  Smoke from an earlier salvo surrounds the scene and a swab, bucket and ramrod lay on the wooden deck.  This action packed scene is in lovely original condition with the colors crisp and vivid.  It is additionally signed upper center Copyrighted 1892.  It measures 9 by 11 inches and is matted under glass in its original gilt-lined wooden frame measuring 17 ½ b7 21 ¾ inches.  A genuine 120 year old color lithograph at a bargain priced. What is awesome is that it comes with a period relic depicted in the scene.  It is a leather and wood dowsing bucket, otherwise known as a “swabbing bucket,” which was used to swab the barrel of such a gun after firing, before charging it with a subsequent powder round.  This early relic of Naval gunnery is of heavy leather construction with a brass reinforced rim impressed “ORD. DEPT. W. N. Y. 1889 (then the Navy inspector’s mark of an anchor) W. M. F.”  The bluish green bucket with red interior has a circular-sewn leather bottom reinforced with wood.  A leather handle with brass attachments is provided for carrying.   15 inches in diameter on the bottom tapering to 13 inches on the top.  The bucket stands 12 inches tall exclusive of the bail handle.  Original condition showing actual use.  The bucket is no longer water tight, but it would make a “dynamite” waste basket!  1495/both

5.99  IDENTIFIED SAILOR HAT.  Most scarce early 1900’s seaman's hat from the famous World War I British battleship, HMS BARHAM as indicated on the silk hat ribbon in bold gold letters.  This bowler style straw hat was professionally made with the rim exhibiting a finely sewn tan cloth edge.  The top bears a beautifully hand-embroidered compass rose in gold thread.  The interior liner is also hand-sewn.  12 inches long by 11 inches wide.  Amazing original condition for such a delicate item, considering it about 100 years old!  449

The Queen Elizabeth class British battleship HMS BARHAM (pennant number 04) was laid down in February 1913, launched October 31, 1914 and commissioned October 19, 1915.   She had a length of 643 feet and displaced 33,000 tons.  Her main armament was eight 15 inch guns.  Her crew numbered 1,150.

On May 31st and June 1st, BARHAM participated in the famous Battle of Jutland off the coast of Denmark.  The ensuing battle between the heavily armored and heavily gunned vessels of the Royal Navy and the Imperial German Navy is widely regarded by Naval historians as the final classic battle between surface combatants.  BARHAM fired 337 shells and received 5 hits during that action.  This hat is from that era.

In the intervening period between world wars BARNHAM was extensively modernized.  At the outset of World War II she operated in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, sustaining damage from a German submarine torpedo attack in December 1939 while operating in the North Sea. The ship again saw action on September 25, 1940 when she engaged the French Battleship RICHELIEU, which struck her with a 380mm shell off the coast of Senegal. Returning to the Mediterranean, the ill-fated ship took part in the Battle of Cape Mattapan in March, and incurred bomb damage off Crete in May.

On April 21, 1941 BARHAM attacked Tripoli harbor in company of battleships WARSPRITE and VALIANT and the cruiser GLOUCESTER.

On November 25, 1941, while screening an Allied offensive on Italian convoys, BARHAM was struck by 3 torpedoes fired in rapid succession from German submarine U-331.  The brutal attack caused the ships magazines to explode, whereupon she quickly capsized to port and sank taking two thirds crew of her crew with her.

News of the sinking was not made public in Britain until January of 1942. Incredibly, the instant of BARHAM’s sinking was captured by an overlying British aircraft.  Subsequently the film was used in several movies and war documentaries.

5.25 EXTREMELY IMPORTANT HISTORICAL COLLECTION "USS BEAR." This is an incredible find, consisting of the original signed, dated and identified telescope used on board the USS BEAR during the Greeley Polar Relief Expedition in 1885, 2 large framed period photographs of the Brigantine BEAR and a period scratch-built model of the vessel! Also included are a number of charming original deck views with personal photographs of her last commander, Captain C. S. Cochran. Contained in the offering are several original copies of official correspondence from the BEAR dated 1921 through 1923, including a letter with Admiral Richard Byrd's name pencil signed at the top and an envelope printed "Byrd Antarctic Expedition II, S.S. Bear of Oakland" postmarked "Little America Antarctica Jan 30, 1934." There are a number of personal letters and other memorabilia from Captain Cochran including a lovely hand-engraved copper printing plate depicting the BEAR in an ice floe and reading, "Seasons Greetings, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter 'BEAR'." There is a an extensive collection of period newspaper articles from the 1920's and 30's pertaining to the BEAR. All of these genuine items have come down through the Cochran family via the late daughter of Captain Cochran, Frances Cochran Hartray.  The large hand-held telescope is a high quality 4-draw instrument with leather covered main barrel and built-in sun shade measuring 44 inches fully extended and collapsing to 12 1/2 inches long closed.  It has a pivoting eye-piece dust cover with sun filter and a perfect 2 1/4 inch diameter objective lens.  Two brass bands encircle the main tube.  The first is engraved "U.S.N. THE BEAR 1885."  The second is engraved "WILKINSON & BAXTER, BOSTON MASS."  This telescope is in outstanding working condition producing a large, highly magnified, clear image with its all original optics.  Excellent cosmetic condition noting some abrasion to the original leather coverings and evidence of use expected from a working instrument over 130 years old.   It comes complete with a custom-made shadow box display with engraved brass plaque reading "USS BEAR ARCTIC EXPEDITION 1885."

    There are two original photographs of the BEAR. The first is an albumen type showing BEAR anchored in pack ice and is signed and dated lower left, "J.M. Justice `95." The second photo shows BEAR in San Francisco Bay with Oakland in the background and two of its boats in the water, circa 1930.

    The cased model of the BEAR is of scale, museum-quality construction with even the finest details depicted.  All aspects of the ship are hand-made.  This is not a kit model!  The hull is of solid wood construction with all other components being of wood and metal.  Attesting to its quality, all of the numerous dead eyes on this model are made of ivory!  Seeing is believing. This model is truly worthy of being displayed in the finest public collection!  The ship itself measures 28 inches long, 17 inches high and 6 inches wide.  It is housed in its original glazed oak case measuring 32 1/2 inches long by 9 inches wide and 21 1/2 inches high.  A truly exceptional presentation of original items of very significant historical importance!  Sold as a group. SOLD

Built in Greenock, Scotland in 1874, the steam/sail whaler BEAR was engaged in the whaling and sealing trade out of Dundee, Scotland for eleven years.  In 1885 this proven, staunch Arctic vessel was purchased by the U.S. Navy to aid in rescuing the famous Greeley Polar Expedition. When relief efforts were successfully completed BEAR was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard and stationed at San Francisco.  There, for over forty years she made regular annual cruises to Alaskan waters and acted as flagship for the famous explorer, Admiral Richard E. Byrd.  BEAR also acted to protect the seal fisheries and extended aid to merchant ships in distress.  BEAR was looked upon as "mother" by thousands of Eskimos in the Territorial Alaskan frontier who looked to her for protection from foreign exploitation.

5.87  FAMOUS EARLY BATTLESHIP GROUPING.  Rare compilation of 3 items relating to
the Great White Fleet battle cruiser USS SOUTH DAKOTA.  This grouping consists of 2 period post cards.  The first is an original chromolithograph depicting the vessel from a port bow aspect entitled, “1292 – U.S. ARMORED CRUISER “SOUTH DAKOTA.” 800 OFFICERS AND MEN.  LENGTH 502 FEET.  MAIN BATTERY 18 GUNS.”  The reverse of the card is signed “Edward M. Mitchell. Publisher.  San Francisco.”  The second card is a genuine photograph entitled lower center “SOUTH DAKOTA” & “PUEBELO” C-203.”  These cards are the standard 3 ½ x 5 ½ format  in excellent condition.  The third item is a scarce original sailor’s silk hat ribbon embroidered “U.S.S. SOUTH DAKOTA” in gold thread on a black field.  It measures
36 inches long by 1 5/8 inches wide.  The gold thread has toned with age, but the entire presentation is in outstanding original condition.  95