New This Week:

4.58/7.43  ILLUSTRATED WHALING BOOK.  Philip Purrington, “Charles S. Raleigh, Illustrator, 4 Years A-Whaling,” 1972 Barre Publishers, Barre, Massachusetts.  Hard cloth cover with dust jacket and protective sleeve.  56 pages profusely illustrated in black and white with beautiful broadside renderings of famous whaleship in color.  Raleigh was the painter of the famous panorama depicting whaling around the world in 1878-80.  One of two such panoramas of the subject, this one measured and incredible 197 feet long!  This book documents a portion of the famous whaleships depicted therein along with extensive explanatory text.  9 by 10 ¼ inches.  Minor scuffs to the dust cover.  The content is perfect.  29

5.20/13.42  THE FAMOUS WWII U.S. NAVY HAMILTON CHRONOMETER.  Offered here is THE most splendid example ever, of the iconic 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, movement and on the box nameplates (2).  This 85 size precision 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)1370" 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, PENNA. MADE IN U.S.A. (N) 1370-1941."  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.  Of significance, the movement has been retrofitted with Hamilton’s unique “brake lock” system which was introduced later in World War II.  It precluded the need to “cork” the balance for shipping.  Rather, a knurled allen wrench is inserted into a second hole in the tub.  The fact that a plaque in the back of the box explains the corking procedure, proves the movement and box are earlier.  The box is Hamilton's standard 3 tier type made of rich mahogany, fully brass-bound with inlaid corners in its original finish.  The sides are equipped with folding brass handles and the top 2 tiers have brass button latches for secure closures.  The entire unit is in untouched original *PRISTINE*  condition.  All brass and wood surfaces are in original excellent, unmarred finish.  The chronometer measures 5 inches in diameter.  The box is 7 5/8 inches cubed.  Complete with original ratcheted winding key.  Fully overhauled and an excellent time keeper!  They absolutely do not come better than this!  Worthy of the finest world-class collection, public or private.  [SERIOUS OFFER]  

Please check out current eBay, Google and other on-line prices before offering.  We guarantee this chronometer is nicer than anything ever offered.  Importantly, it is absolutely as described.  Be wary of unknowledgeable  sellers offering "No Returns."

As war clouds gathered around the world in 1940, it became clear 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 precise 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 amazing 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 ground braking 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."

5.22 /19.97  YACHT RACE TROPHY.  Mid-1900’s American yacht racing trophy with a very desirable connection to the U.S. Lighthouse Service.  This handsome, heavy solid bronze trophy is cast in high relief.  Just below the “rope border” around the top it reads “AEOLIAN YACHT CLUB ALAMEDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.”  Below it is the broadside likeness of a lightship with the title “LIGHTSHIP RACE 1951.”  Below it is the engraved inscription “RHODES 33 CLASS 1st PLACE ST. FRANCIS III.”  The trophy measures 8 ¼ inches wide by 6 inches high.  Perfect original condition.  385

This trophy represent the unique melding of two categories of highly collectible nautical artifacts, that of the U.S. Lighthouse Service and Yacht Racing!

9.43  BINOCULAR MICROSCOPE.  Massive 2nd half of the 19th century research grade binocular microscope by the very famous makers “R & J BECK 7072 LONDON” as boldly signed in high relief on the pivoting stage.  The microscope is additionally engraved “J. W. QUEEN & CO. AGENT, Philadelphia & New York” on the draw tube.  This complex scientific instrument has a coarse focus with 2 large knurled knobs and a fine in-line focus above them.  The twin ocular tubes also have rack and pinion focusing.  The moveable stage is complete with its adjustable sub-stage convex mirror for illumination of the subject.  The microscope is complete with 4 interchangeable objectives and 4 ocular (eyepiece) lenses.  Below them in the box are numerous microscope slides and specimen covers.  The entire unit has is contained in its original lovely African mahogany case with skeleton lock and both hook and pin closures.  As shown, the microscope measures 14 inches high by 6 inches wide and 10 inches long.  The box is 16 inches long by 5 inches wide and is 7 ¼ inches high.  A very stout brass folding handle is provided on the hinged lid for carrying.  Condition is “very good” with expected spotting and slight \wear to the original lacquered brass surfaces.  A most important antiques scientific instrument which was state-f-the art at its time.  1495

The scientific instrument making firm of R. and J. Beck, London was a partnership between brothers Richard and Joseph Beck at 31 Cornhill, London from 1867-1894.  They were notable members of the Microscopical Society of London from 1859 onward.  (Gloria Clifton, “Dictionary of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851,” 1995, The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, Philip Wilson Publishers, London).

3.20/4.17 WHALESHIP COMPASS.  Genuine mid-19th century American drycard compass as used on an American whaleship.  This extra large compass has a beautifully-engraved card marked in points of the compass rose with the Cardinal and Intercardinal points identified.  North is designated by a very elaborate fleur-de-lis which is signed “Breed, Boston.”  East is embellished with a handsome American eagle perched on a Union shield, clutching arrows and olive branches.  The periphery of the card is marked in single degrees in 4 quadrants marked by 10’s.  The center bears its high quality jeweled pivot.  The card is undoubtedly that of Samuel Thaxter & Son, Boston circa 1825.  In our inventory we have an identical card thus signed.  What is so interesting is the fact that the compass was obviously restored by Sherman of New Bedford, and bears the overlaid label surrounding the pivot reading “C. R. SHERMAN * NEW BEDFORD*.”  Sherman was THE preeminent maker/provider of instruments and navigational supplies to whaleships at the height of Yankee whaling in the 1860’s and 70’s.  This compass is housed in its original weighted brass bowl slung in gimbals.  The brass bezel retains its old wavy glass held in with putty in the traditional manner.  The compass is lively and accurate, swinging correctly in its original pine box held with copper nails.  The original chamfered sliding lid is present, opening and closing properly.  Of additional interest and value is the fact that the outside of the box bears the partial label reading “Repaired By C. R. Sherman & Co., 40 North Water Street, New…”  The compass measures 7 inches in diameter and the box is 10 inches square by 7 inches high.  The compass and its box are in excellent condition considering they are 200 years old.   A wonderful original relic from the days of Yankee whaling which is still functional!  A museum piece at a true bargain price.  995 

11.86  HUGE SHIP IN A BOTTLE.  A most impressive example of sailor folk art embodied in an exceptionally large 4-masted sailing ship plying a realistic green putty sea as it passes a tall lighthouse and craggy headlands.  The bark is carved from a single piece of wood with its realistic wooden deck. The red hull has black boot topping to the white rails.  The foc’sle has red painted ports, a capstan with port and starboard lights.  The bow is identified “RUDOLF.”   There are six deck houses with doors and ports depicted.  The fore, main and mizzen masts all have six spars.  The main flies the house flag “RB.”   The spanker flies the old fashioned Yugoslavian flag as does the flagpole on the shore.  The lighthouse keeper’s quarters are topped by a chimney.  Charmingly, the prominent lighthouse is capped by a real, very early round light bulb!  The large glass jug is embossed “ONE GALLON” indicating an English speaking origin.  The bottle is sealed with its original old cork with a tight fit, but it does allow access to the interior..  The presentation is complete with its especially nice 3-tier custom wooden stand.  The bottle is 12 inches long inclusive of the cork and 6 ¼ inches in diameter.  The footprint of the stand is 9 ½ by 4 inches.  This is the biggest such antique ship in a bottle we have ever seen or offered for sale.  A true rarity!  695 

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 placed on public display in Old Twon, San Diego. In late 2025 it found its next enduring home on the shores of the Great Lakes in Wisconsin.

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.