New This Week:

3.68  EARLY MARINER’s QUADRANT.  Here is a very special example of a late 18th or turn-of-the-19th century navigational instrument by one of England’s foremost makers.  The ivory maker’s plaque is engraved “Spencer Browning & Rust London.”   This classic double reflecting instrument, later known as an “octant,” has an ebony wooden frame with brass furniture and ivory scales.  The large ivory arc is divided in single degrees from -2 to 99, marked by 5’s, subdivided in 20 minute increments.  The scale was calibrated on the firm’s famous 18th century dividing engine as indicated by “SBR” stamped at its mid-point.  The flat brass index arm is fitted with an ivory vernier scale reading from 0 to 20 arc minutes right to left.  This afforded the observer a reading with an accuracy of about 1 minute (one nautical mile).   Innovators that they were, SBR incorporated a positive stop on the back of the arm coupled with a fine adjust tangent screw.  This advancement was later incorporated in all such angle measuring devices well into the 20th century!  Of great significance to its value, this quadrant is engraved with the Captain’s name in script on the  index arm.  It reads “Jacob Drummond.” This instrument has both index and horizon mirrors and all 3 index filters.  The peep sight is of early form with two apertures and an unusual circular pivoting shutter.  Also attesting to its early age is the vestigial back sight with mirror.  That feature became obsolete and was no longer used by 1820.  But in keeping with its early style, the index filters are replaceable for either the foresight or backsight functions.  The back of the instrument is totally complete.  It has notable features:  The mirror box is adjustable with a knurled knob allowing for a much finer adjustment than earlier “ butterfly” hand adjustments (which it still has for its out-dated backsight)!  There are 3 brass “feet” for positioning in its box and an ivory note pad for recording readings.  To these ends, it retains its rarely-found ivory pencil within the cross brace.  This instrument is housed in its original stepped keystone case.  The case adds significantly to the value of this offering.  Firstly, it is made of very dense African mahogany of the finest quality.  Secondly, the construction is with fine, hand-fitted dovetails.  Thirdly, the box has a very unusual internal mount which securely holds the instrument in place.  Fourthly, the case has very decorative serpentine extensions reinforcing the box.  We have not encountered this exceptional detail in our 45+ years in the business.   The box is complete with both hook and eye closures.  Lastly, there is the very decorative later servicing label of “Thomas Hemesley11 Kings Street, Tower Hill, London” in the lid depicting early navigational instruments of the era.  The quadrant measures 14 inches long on the index and 11 ¼ inches wide.   The box is 15 ¼ inches long by 13 ¾ inches wide and is 4 inches thick.  Overall condition is outstanding all respects, considering this instrument is at least 225 years old!  1600

According to M.V. Brewington, curator of the Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts and author of the reference book “The Peabody Museum Collection of Navigating Instruments” 1963,  “There are more extant instruments by this firm than any other.  It would appear that the firm sold wholesale to dealers all over England and America.  The firm first appears in the London Directories in 1780 and High Street, Wapping , London.  In 1843 the name was changed to Spencer, Browning & Co.”

Thomas Hemsley II worked as an optician, mathematical instrument maker and nautical instrument maker at Sing Street, Tower Hill, London beginning in 1828.  (Gloria Clifton, “Directory of British Scientific Instrument Maker 1550 – 1851”, 1995, The National Maritime Museum, and Zwemmer, Philip Wilson Publishers.)

4. 51  EXTREMEELY RARE MECHANICAL BANK.  Absolutely charming, 19th century savings bank boldly marked “JONAH AND THE WHALE” on both sides of the base in raised letters.  In whimsical fashion it depicts God with long hair and white beard in a flowing red cape standing in a small boat.  In his arms he holds the hapless effigy of Jonah in front of the waiting jaws of a huge whale.  Above Jonah’s head is a platform on which a coin may be placed.  When depressed, a spring -loaded lever at the end of the bank swiftly delivers the coin into the whale’s mouth!  Cleverly-designed, the whale’s agape mouth pivots up and down adding an uncanny realism to the action.  The entire bank is made of heavy cast iron.  The end opposite the lever is marked “BANK” in relief.  On the bottom of the bank is a locking trap door which allows access to the interior locked “safe.”  Amazingly, the original skeleton key for the lock is still present!  Important to the value of such banks is the originality of the surfaces.  This bank is in pristine original condition with fully 80% or more of the original paint still present.  The bottom of the bank is impressed “PAT JULY 15 1890.”  10 inches long, by 3 3/4 inches wide and 5 inches high.  Excellent original condition throughout with no damage or modifications.  The action of the bank is just as it was over 135 years ago!  4300

After a thorough research of comparable prices for similar banks, we have not found any bank of this quality or originality.  Other prices are as high as $12,500.  If you find an example in similar or better condition, we will match or better the price.

6.61  PUMP FOG HORN.  Early 1900’s ocean-going ship’s auxiliary fog horn used in a seaway under conditions of limited visibility.  This all brass instrument is Swedish-made with the maker’s badge reading “Kockums MLK Verstad Trade TYFON Mark Malmo, Sweden” riveted to the side of the horn.  The dual action plunger has a wooden handle necessitated by the region’s cold climes.  Pushing OR pulling the plunger elicits a deep, clear, high decibel tone.  The top of the horn assembly has an open fret air inlet with the reticulated words “TYPHON PATENT” in brass.  The body of the horn rests on a wooden pedestal for straddling feet, much like a bicycle pump.  Attached to the pedestal is a property tag reading “MGM Studio Property Culver City CAL” indicating this horn was once a movie prop.  If only we knew which one!  The overall height is 23 ½ inches.  Extended it measures 30 inches tall.  The length of the horn is 16 inches and it is 5 ¼ inches in diameter at the bell.  The wooden base is 11 ½ inches wide with a breadth of 6 ½ inches.  Excellent original condition and still very functional. 749

9.41   COMPENDIUM.   Finest quality19th century gentleman’s pocket compendium comprising 4 functions in one instrument!  Barometer – altimeter – compass – thermometer.  The aneroid barometer function features a silvered brass dial indicating atmospheric pressure with a huge range spanning 21 to 31 inches calibrated in whole inches divided down to 5/100ths.  It is marked “RAIN, CHANGE and FAIR” below which it is marked “Compensated” indicating it is adjusted for temperature changes.  A delicate indicator needle points the reading.  The dial is signed “THOMAS ARMSTRONG & BROTHER, Ltd., MANCHESTER & LIVERPOOL”  The altimeter is embodied in the rotating rim surrounding the dial.  The elevation is marked from 0 through an impressive 10,000 feet subdivided in 50 foot increments!  The back of the instrument contains two more functions.  There is a circular mercury thermometer which indicates the range of degrees Fahrenheit from -7 to 140.  It is marked “FAHT” at the bottom of the dial next to the adjustment screw for setting the barometer.   The Centigrade designation is from -18 to 60.  In the center is the magnetic compass under beveled glass.  It indicates the standard 32 compass points on its mother-of-pearl card with the Cardinal and Intercardinal points identified.  North is designated by a star above a lyre.  The body of the instrument is gilt washed brass with a small pivoting suspension loop at the top.  The rim of the altimeter is knurled for ease of setting the reading.  The entire instrument measures 2 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick.  With the loop it measures 2 ¾ inches in length.   The unusual double hinged leather case is wood with a satin lining.  It measures 1 ½ inches thick and 3 inches long.   Outstanding original condition showing careful use.  The exterior of the case is perfect.  The gold finish is 97%,  ALL functions operate properly.  Without question, this is a very rare, highly sophisticated scientific instrument made for the nobility.  795

According to Kornelia Takacs in her comprehensive reference book ”Compass Chronicles,” 2010, Schiffer Books, Atglen, Pennsylvania, this compass was made in accordance with Samuel Barry Singer’s 1861 patent.  The dry card dial is distinctively marked in half-black, half-white, providing a sharp contrast which was much easier to see in low light.  A nearly identical compass dial is shown on page 42, dated at circa 1868.  Two similar examples are shown, dating 1870 and 1880 respectively (p. 44).

See item 9.33

8.22   TRIMMETER   Genuine early 1900’s ship’s instrument used to compute the loading of cargo on early merchant ships.  This complicated device of English manufacture is signed on the maker’s label, “The “UNIT “ Trim Indicator PATENT John Lillie & Gillie Ltd. North Shields. No. 1269.”  As the name implies, this unusual instrument showed the Chief Mate (Super Cargo) the fore and aft orientation of his vessel during the loading and unloading of freight.   As such it obviated the need for the officer to physically view the ship’s fore and aft draft readings known as “trim.”  This was cleverly accomplished by the internal glass tube filled with a combination of mercury and immiscible red alcohol backed by a sliding ivorene scale.  The scale is marked “FEET BY THE STERN” and “EVEN KEEL” divided by half foot increments from -13 to +2, and is further marked “SCALE FOR SHIP 640 FEET LONG.”  Because the tube contains mercury and alcohol, it is affected by temperature.  So to these ends a small mercury thermometer graces the presentation in the upper left, reading from 30 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and signed “John Lillie & Gillie, Ltd., North shields.”  Accordingly the sliding scale can be adjusted for temperature by means of the knurled Bakelite knob on the right.  A small indicator points to the varying temperature indications on the scale, 50 – 110 F, with the notation “Set Scale To Temperature.”  This handsome ship’s relic measures 18 inches wide by 9 ¼ inches high and 2 ½ inches deep.  It is made of thick, solid teak using high quality machine-dovetailed construction.  It has 3 solid brass hanging brackets and another brass tab for fine adjustment of its position on the bulkhead of the cargo office. 795

3.50/5.69  NAVY LANDING  CRAFT BINNACLE.  Authentic World War II vintage U.S. Navy small craft binnacle compass as used on the larger American amphibious assault craft of the era such as the LCU and LCM.  This handsome example is made of heavy solid cast bronze containing a liquid compass.  It bears the maker’s plaque reading “Naval Ship’s Systems Command Compensating Binnacle Mark VII Mod 5” and is signed “John Hand & Sons, Cherry Hill, N.J.”  The black compass card with luminescent markings is calibrated in 5 degree increments of the compass rose, marked by 30’s with the Cardinal points “N, S, E, W.” identified.  The helmsman’s side of the binnacle is marked “AFT” and bears correction markings for adjusting the compass.  To these ends, the original compass correction card in 4 columns is displayed.  Two are marked “Magnetic Course” and the 2 others “Compass Course.”  Within the binnacle body is a complex series of magnets and gears for making magnetic adjustments.  Interestingly the inside of the folding brass cover is insulated with an early style cork liner.  What is remarkable is it comes complete with its rarely found protective all bass cover which contains “CORRECTION INSTRUCTION” in the underside of the lid. This very substantial precision navigational instrument weighs a hefty 8+ pounds!  It measures 5 inches tall and is 4 ½ inches in diameter.  The compass is lively and accurate.  The cosmetic condition of the entire presentation is exceptional.  495

AUTHENTIC LIGHTHOUSE. The ultimate! This was an exceptional opportunity to own a very historic relic of America’s rich maritime heritage embodied in the original lamp room from the famous Ballast Point Lighthouse, which served its sentinel duties in the channel of San Diego Bay from 1890 until 1960. This incredibly well-preserved piece of history was built according to specifications laid out by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1885. A copy of the original specifications are included as are much printed references and photographs. Erected in 1890, the 5th Order lighthouse was a significant aid to navigation in conjunction with the Point Loma Lighthouse (1850) poised at the entrance to San Diego Bay. Ballast Point Light was situated further inside the massive bay on a point which jutted into the seaway which posed a hazard to shipping. 135 years old! SOLD

HISTORY

On October 2, 1888, recognizing the need for a harbor light in the increasingly congested channel of San Diego Bay, Congress authorized $25,000 for the construction of a lighthouse to be built on Ballast Point. Fashioned in the late Victorian style, the entire structure took 3 months to build beginning in March 1890. The light was first lit on August 1st. It was a sister of the lights at San Luis Obispo and Table Bluff, south of Humboldt Bay. All were wood framed structures with attached living quarters. The ironwork for the lantern was forged in San Francisco and carried south to San Diego by ship. The French firm of Sautter, Lemmonier, & Cie. manufactured the Freznel lens for the Ballast Point Light in 1886. The fixed 5th Order lens was visible for a distance of at least 11 miles.

When California was still part of Mexico the peninsula jutting into San Diego Bay was known as Punta del los Guijarros or “Pebble Point.” For centuries cobblestones washed down by the San Diego River had been deposited on the point. When California gained statehood in 1850 the point was renamed Middle Ground Shoal. As time went on and merchant traffic in the harbor increased, many sailing ships found it convenient to load or discharge the stones as ballast. The practice continued and eventually the name “Ballast Point” stuck.

Accompanying the Ballast Point lighthouse was a huge 2,000 pound fog bell in a wooden tower. In 1928 it was supplanted by a single tone electric diaphone horn.

The first keeper of the light was John M. Nilsson, assigned duty on July 15, 1890. The second was Henry Hall, who took the job on December 1, 1892. Perhaps the most famous keeper was Irish born David R. Splaine, a Civil War veteran and veteran lighthouse keeper, who assumed the post in 1894, having served at Point Conception, the Farallons and San Diego’s own Point Loma light from 1886-1889.

In 1913 the original old kerosene lamp was replaced with an acetylene burner. Acetylene gave way to electricity in 1928. In 1938 a filter was fitted inside the 5th Order Freznel lens giving the light a distinctive green hue for recognition. One of the last keepers of the light was Radford Franke who recalled receiving the order to “douse the light” upon the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

By early 1960 the light was deemed to be of no further service, so in June of that year the lantern room was removed to a salvage yard. The wooden tower and its brick and mortar foundation remained a couple of years later until they too were declared structurally unsafe and demolished. The bell tower continued to survive, mounted with a 375 mm high intensity lamp on its roof. However the value of maintaining any light on Ballast Point diminished with the installation of harbor entrance range lights. In the late 1960’s the bell and its tower were dismantled. The tower found its way to a private residence in Lakeside, California. The bell had a more circuitous later life. It was purchased from a San Diego area junk yard in 1969 for its scrap value of 5 cents per pound! The one ton bell remained on local private property until 1991, when it was put on loan to the San Diego Maritime Museum. In 1999 the bell was transported to the son of the original buyer, living in Colorado. Then in 2002, the bell finally found its way to the home of the owner’s granddaughter living in Vermont, where it rests to this day.

The story of the lantern’s later life is even more fascinating. The nation was just recovering from the Cuban Missile Crisis between JFK and Khrushchev, when in 1964 the Cuban government cut off the fresh water supply to the U.S. Naval base at Guantanamo Bay. By that time, an experimental desalinization plant had been in operation at Point Loma for 2 years. The Navy hastily ordered it to be disassembled and shipped through the Panama Canal to Cuba. A gentleman working as a crane operator during the process noted the shabby lantern room in a trash heap nearby. He inquired as to the fate of the relic and was told it was salvage. Asking if he could purchase it, the yard foreman told him he could “have it” if he would haul it away. With that, for the next 34 years the lantern room served as a gazebo in the backyard of the man’s residence in Bonita, California. It was purchased by the present owners in 1998, fully refurbished, and then placed on public display ever since. Now it is time for it to find its next new home. According to the crane operator who delivered the lamp room it weighs approximately 5 tons. It will require a crane and a flat bed truck for removal.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

F. Ross Holland, “The Old Point Loma Lighthouse,” 1978, Cabrillo Historical Association, San Diego, California

Jim Gibbs, “The Twilight of Lighthouses,” 1996, Schiffer Publishing, Atglen, PA.

Kin Fahlen and Karen Scanlon, “Lighthouse of San Diego,” 2008, Arcadia Publishing, San Francisco

Kraig Anderson, “Forgotten Ballast Point “Lighthouse” Seeks New Home,” article in “Lighthouse Digest,” East Machias, Maine, September – October 2011, Vol. XX, no. 5 pages 34 – 37.

“Mains’l Haul,” a periodic publication of the San Diego Maritime Association, Summer 1990, Vol. XXVI, No. 4, pp. 11-12.