West Sea Company

NAVY, USLHS, USLSS & MILITARY

Catalog Page 5


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5.17 CHRONOMETER WATCH. World War II vintage American deck watch made for the U.S. Navy by the "Hamilton Lancaster, PA., U.S.A." as marked on the white enameled dial. It features blued steel spade hands with Arabic numerals, minute chapter and an individually marked seconds bit at the "6" o'clock position. A 56 hour winding indicator just below the "12" indicates "Up/Down," marked in 8 hour increments from "8-48." This finest quality ship's time keeper is embodied in a state-of-the-art 35 size, 21 jewel movement with lever escapement. The damascened nickel-plated brass movement is a thing of beauty. It is engraved, "Hamilton Watch Co. Model 22-21 jewels Adj. to Temp 6 Pos. Made in U.S.A. U.S. Navy Bu Ships-1943." It is contained within its heavy, solid brass tub with substantial brass counterweight, suspended in gimbals. The gimbal assembly functions properly and may be locked by a thumbscrew and lever inside the box. The 3-tier solid mahogany box has a glazed middle section with solid wood lid cover. Both are hinged with clever box lid stops to hold the upper portion in place when opened. Each contains a brass button latch which opens and closes easily providing a secure closure. The front bears the nickeled brass maker's plaque reading, "Hamilton Watch Co. Lancaster, PA., U.S.A." below which is an engraved Bakelite tag with the serial number "2E11770." The interior has an old paper label from Northwest Instruments Co., Seattle with a repair date of August 1948. The entire unit is in pristine condition. The watch is an excellent timekeeper having just been professionally service by a certified AWI watchmaker.  Making this presentation all the more desireable, it is housed within the outer protective carrying case with leather strap.  The front of the outer box also bears a Hamilton maker's plaque and is complete with its unique pivoting brass closure.  The outer box is in very good condition overall, showing signs of use but no abuse.

Marvin Whitney, author of "The Ship's Chronometer," 1985, AWI Press, Cincinnati, Ohio (see West Sea Co. item 7.94) writes on page 201, "This 35 size, high quality, 21-jeweled movement is an instrument of great beauty, precision, and endurance. Anyone owning one of these fine timepieces has every reason to be proud of this possession."

In his second book on the topic of Chronometers, Whitney authored "Military Timepieces," 1992, AWI Press, Cincinnati, Ohio (see West Sea Co. item 7.11). On pages 396-7 he writes, "These beautifully designed watches were truly remarkable timepieces, the performance of which was outstanding. The two design features which contributed most to the superior performance of their chronometer watch were: 1) the unusually long mainspring, and 2) the design and construction of the balance assembly with unique biaxial thermal expansion rim of 18% nickel silver, invar arm and Hamilton Elinvar hairspring."

PERSPECTIVE
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DETAIL
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OUTER BOX
IN OUTER BOX
OUTER BOX
OPEN
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5.15. SAILOR FOLK ART LAMP. Very scarce pre-World War I U.S. Navy "trench art" table lamp constructed out of an early brass shell casing and its projectile. The bottom of the casing is dated "1917." Its sides are beautifully hand-embossed with the Union shield and crossed anchors on the front and a lovely floral leaf design on the back. These emblems are surrounded by literally hundreds of hand-punched dots with triangular shapes top and bottom. On the projectile, three graceful brass arches support electrical sockets with individual pull chains. Telling of their age, the sockets have porcelain inserts. The lamp accommodates standard 110V light bulbs and is in working condition, however we do not warrant the wiring be UL approved. The lamp is mounted on its original turned solid oak base in a rich dark finish. There are some very old repairs to cracks in the base which actually add to its old look and charm. It stands 19 1/2 inches tall and is approximately 11 inches wide at the widest. The base measures 10 inches in diameter. It weighs a very substantial 10 pounds. A rare early form of functional sailor folk art! 395 Special Packaging

DETAIL


5.16 FAMOUS AUSTRALIAN NAVAL SHIP PLAQUE. Scarce, World War II vintage ship's plaque for the Australian Naval Cruiser HMAS HOBART. This beautifully designed and executed unit plaque is high relief cast brass which was meticulously hand-painted and mounted on a solid oak "shield" back. At the top is the British Royal crown. But curiously the points of the crown are depicted as the sterns of 18th century ships and sails! Below is a scrolled banner reading "HOBART" surmounting the British lion holding a pick and shovel encircled by a rope border. This very substantial plaque measures 9 inches wide by 11 inches tall and weighs 5 pounds. Outstanding original condition. 149

HMAS HOBART was a Leander class light cruiser in the Royal Australian Navy during World War II. HOBART was the 2nd of its class to be modified for Australian service and the first ship to be named after the city of Hobart, Tasmania. Originally laid down as HMS APOLLO for the Royal Navy at HM Dockyard in Devenport, England on August 15, 1934, she was commissioned on September 28, 1938.

When World War II broke out HOBART was escorting convoys between Australia, Singapore, Java, Ceylon and Bombay, frequently accompanied by the destroyer HMS ELECTRA. On August 18, 1940 HMAS HOBART was involved in the evacuation of Commonwealth troops from British Somaliland following the Italian invasion. She missed sailing with the rest of the attack force heading for the Battle of the Java Sea because of damage suffered by the tanker from which she was refueling. She participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942, as part of the cruiser force under Admiral Crace.

On July 20, 1943 in the Solomon Islands HOBART took a direct hit from a Japanese torpedo She lost 14 men in the attack including one U.S. officer who was on board. Seven others were seriously injured. HOBART was severely damaged with a huge hole in her side, a badly distorted forward deck and stern, both portside propellers blown off, many pipes broken, bulkheads crushed and power cables severed. She was taken out of service for repairs at the Cockatoo Island Docks in Sydney, Australia.

Back in service by December 1944, HOBART arrived in time to participate in the amphibious assaults on the Philippines, Borneo and Wewak. She was present in Tokyo Bay on VJ Day, September 2, 1945 when the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed.

HMAS HOBART was made part of the Australian Naval Reserve following the war, and was finally decommissioned and sold for scrap in 1962.

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SHIP


5.14 U.S. NAVY DECK CLOCK. Massive World War II vintage ship's clock made for the U.S. Navy by Seth Thomas. This incredibly well-made ship's clock has a black brass dial with white Arabic numerals and white spade hands. The dial is signed "Mark I - Deck Clock U.S. NAVY N 12225, 1941" and is further marked "Made By Seth Thomas In U.S.A." at the bottom. It features a minute chapter ring and a large seconds bit under the "12" marked in single seconds. This "back wind" deck clock hinges forward from it's double mounting plates to expose the protected Fast/Slow, Seconds Stop, Set and Wind openings. A built-in dust cover rotates to close off the openings when not in use. The lovely, extra heavy solid bronze case brings the overall weight of this unit to an incredible 15 pounds!. The double shock mount plates contain springs which effectively dampened impact from gunfire or incoming hits. The Seconds Stop feature has been removed as unnecessary. Otherwise this clock is in perfect original condition cosmetically and operationally, having just been professionally serviced. Complete with winding key. Special Packaging

PERSPECTIVE
OPEN
CLOCK
BACK


5.08 CAPTAIN'S GIG PLAQUE. Interesting, probably unique, genuine World War II vintage plaque from the Captain's boat of a U.S. Navy capital ship. This engraved solid brass plaque is one-of-a-kind. It was obviously engraved on a one-time basis because it bears a few minor spacing errors. The plaque is entitled "Fuel Consumption Chart Captain's Gig Cap. 212 Gal Rate of Consumption". The chart indicates the number of gallons consumed at various speeds and rpm's. 4 3/4 by 6 inches. Outstanding original, "as removed" condition. 195

The Captain's boat or "Gig," through long tradition, was the best boat on board the ship. Assigned to the top boat handler in the Boatswain's Mate ranks, the Gig was an extension of the ship's identity, prowess and pride. Great care was lavished on its upkeep and presentability for all occasions. No doubt this plaque was fabricated by a very industrious and conscientious Boatswain's Mate who wanted to make certain his Captain reached his destination on time with fuel to spare!


5.04 BLUEJACKETS' MANUAL. Hard-to-find pre-World War II copy of the "Bluejackets' Manual" as issued to sailors in the first half of the 20th century. This original copy is the Eighth Edition, revised in 1937 as printed by the United States Naval Institute, Annapolis, Maryland. It contains 836 pages within its blue, hard cloth covers. An absolute wealth of seafaring information from a pivotal time in American Naval history! Much more content than subsequent abbbreviated editions. The back cover creased otherwise excellent condition. 89

PLATE 1
PLATE 2
PLATE 3


5.06 U.S NAVY "STORM CUP." Scarce 2-handled hard fired porcelain officer's cup embellished with the traditional fouled anchor emblem of the United States Navy. This authentic Great White Fleet era veteran is signed on the bottom "[C] Sterling China Wellsville, OH, U.S.A. 04" The rim is decorated with a blue line around the circumference with the logo on one side. These double handled cups were essential in the days when heavily armored top heavy ships rolled severely in heavy seas. Also known as a "bouillabaisse cup." It measures 4 inches in diameter with a total width of 5 3/4 inches. Rarely found of this age in such perfect original condition!

SIGNATURE

5.01 U.S. NAVY BLANKET. Authentic World War II era Navy bunk blanket. This heavy all wool blanket has double stitched reinforced ends and is also stitched along the sides to prevent fraying. Both ends of the blanket bear blue stripes marked "U.S.NAVY". The blanket measures 5 feet wide by 6 1/2 feet long. Good original condition with just a couple of lightly soiled spots which would surely come out with dry cleaning. 149


5.95 U.S. LIFESAVING SERVICE CLOCK. Extremely rare and highly sought after late 19th or very early 20th century clock made by Seth Thomas for the United States Life Saving Service as designated on the dial with the bold initials "U.S.L.S.S." This handsome clock is of the classic 'ship's clock' type with a heavy solid brass case and distinctive flared bezel. Within, the large all brass jeweled movement is of the early rectangular type with decorated lever escapement and is signed "Seth Thomas, Thomaston, Conn" on the back plate. The silvered brass dial features Arabic numerals, minute chapter, spade hands and a large seconds bit above the 6 o'clock position, below which it is signed "Made By Seth Thomas In U.S.A.". The winding arbor is in a "reversed" position, just below "12" with the Fast/Slow adjustment to the left. The glazed bezel screws onto the case with a tight fit, effectively rendering the clock watertight. 7 3/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/2 inches thick. This clock dates from the 1890-1910 era. Excellent original condition and keeps good time. Complete with brass winding key.

(Please see item 5.61)

In 1848 the U.S. Congress approved the Newell Act which appropriated $10,000 to establish unmanned life saving stations along the New Jersey coast south of New York with the necessary apparatus "for preservation of life and property from shipwrecks." Later that year the Massachusetts Humane Society also received funds from Congress to build life saving stations on the Massachusetts coastline. Between 1848 and 1854 other stations were built.

In September of 1854 a large hurricane hit the East Coast of the U.S. causing the the loss of several ships and the deaths of many sailors. That storm highlighted the poor condition of the life saving stations and the lack of training of their crews. Congress approved more funding to address the problems including the appointment of two superintendents and the assignment of a full-time keeper at each station. These stations were administered by the United States Revenue Marine which later became the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service.

In 1871 Sumner Kimball, chief of the Treasury Department's Revenue Marine Division, convinced Congress to appropriate $200,000 to build and operate more stations and to employ full time crews. Kimball instituted six-man boat crews at all stations and drafted regulations with standards of performance for the crew members.

By 1874, stations were added along the coast of Maine, Cape Cod, the Outer Banks of North Carolina and in the Great Lakes. In 1878 the network of life saving stations was formally organized as a separate agency under the United States Treasury known as the U.S. Life-Saving Service.

In January of 1915 President Woodrow Wilson signed the "Act to Create the Coast Guard," merging the Life-Saving Service with the Revenue Cutter Service to form the U. S. Coast Guard. By that time there was a network of more than 270 stations covering the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes.

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5.26 EARLY NAVY PHOTOGRAPH. Rare late 1870's albumen photograph of a gun crew on the deck of the USS OMAHA engaged in gunnery drills with a massive Dahlgren gun. This early image measures 8 inches high by 9 1/2 inches wide and is on its original mat titled "U.S.S. OMAHA" and is signed lover left "L.V. Newell & Co., Photographers, Portsmouth, N.H." Excellent original condition showing good detail when closely scrutinized. The image itself is perfect. The mat shows signs of soiling and minimal foxing. All housed in a period ornate gilt gesso frame with floral motif measuring 12 1/2 by 14 1/2 inches. 249

The USS OMAHA was a 2,394 ton Algoma class wooden screw sloop built at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and was commissioned in September 1872. During that decade she served on the South and North Atlantic Stations. After being laid up during the first years of the 1880's, she was returned to active service and sailed for the Asiatic Station in 1885. OMAHA spent some five years in the Far East before returning to the United States in 1891. She was then placed out of commission at the Mare Island Navy Yard, Mare Island, California.

SHIP PHOTO
OFFICERS PHOTO


5.91 U.S. NAVY BINNACLE. Superb ship's pilot house binnacle from a World War II vintage U.S. Naval vessel. The bronze maker's plaque on the front reads "Compensating Binnacle Type VII. No. F56 Bureau of Navigation U.S. Navy, John E. Hands & Sons 1934." The large liquid filled compass has a perforated white metal card ideal for illumination from below. It is marked in single degrees around the periphery and is also marked with the cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass. North is denoted by a fleur-de-lis. The compass body is signed "1944 The Lionel Corporation N.Y." It is slung within its very heavy brass gimbal ring which operates properly. The front of the wooden binnacle body bears a small glazed brass pendulum-type inclinometer reading from 0-40 degrees port and starboard. It too is signed "Lionel Corporation, New York, U.S.A." The binnacle is made of rich mahogany with all other components being made of brass or bronze. The rear is equipped with the original Flinder's Bar tube and the base is fitted with 4 massive acorn nut tie-downs. Opening the door in the front revels the healing buckets tube surrounded on three sides with the wooden magnet slots used to adjust the compass. The binnacle stand 50 inches tall and 32 1/2 inches wide overall. The base measures 16 1/2 inches square, and the distance from front to back is 18 inches. The entire presentation is in absolutely amazingly pristine! We have never had a cleaner example, and we have handled scores of these! Special Packaging

PORT
COMPASS
INTERNAL
DETAIL


5.92 FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPH. Important late 19th century photograph taken by noted U.S. Naval photographer E.H. Hart of the "U.S.S. BALTIMORE With President of the United States and Party, en route to G.A.R.. engagement at Boston, Mass." as penned lower center. This extremely detailed albumen photograph shows the large steam/sail man-o-war standing out of New York Harbor with much activity on deck and local shipping and the waterfront visible in the background. This photograph is housed under old wavy glass in its original Eastlake walnut frame with fancy liner. The image measures 7 3/4 by 8 1/2 inches site and is in perfect original condition. The frame measures 12 by 14 inches overall. A couple of minor chips to the liner. A great, early U.S Navy photograph with the Commander-In-chief! 495

    Cruiser No. 3, the USS BALTIMORE was a 4,413 ton protected cruiser built at the Cramp Shipyard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and commissioned in January 1890. After serving as flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron, in August 1890 she carried the body of noted marine engineer John Ericsson (of Monitor fame) to his native Sweden for burial. Subsequently she cruised in European and Mediterranean waters until April 1891 when she went on South Pacific Station. For the next year and a half she operated off the west coasts of South and North America. Service in the Western Atlantic followed in late 1892 and the first part of 1893. BALTIMORE then steamed eastward, transiting the Suez Canal to serve from December 1893 to December 1895 as Asiatic Station flagship. She was laid up at Mare Island, California, in mid-February 1896.
    Recommissioned in 1897 BALTIMORE deployed to Asiatic waters and on 1 May 1898 took part in the famous Battle of Manila Bay which destroyed the Spanish fleet in the Philippines. The cruiser returned to the U.S. in mid 1900, again via Suez. BALTIMORE operated along the U.S. East Coast and in the Caribbean for the rest of 1903 and served with the European Squadron between May and August 1904. Later in that year she began a third Far Eastern tour, which lasted until 1907. Following nearly four years in reserve at New York, BALTIMORE was the receiving ship at the Charleston Navy Yard, South Carolina, during 1911 and 1912.
    From 1913 through 1915 BALTIMORE underwent conversion to a minelayer and in March 1918 went to British waters to take an active role in the fight against the German U-boat threat. From then until late September 1918 BALTIMORE laid extensive anti-submarine minefields between Scotland and Ireland, and in the North Sea. After the War the old minelayer went to Pearl Harbor, and was decommissioned there in September 1922. For nearly two decades thereafter, she sat inactive as a storage hulk. Present, though in derelict condition, U.S.S. BALTIMORE survived the the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941! Sold in February 1942, the partially-scrapped ship was finally scuttled at sea on 22 September 1944.

Our research indicates that the unnamed President embarked on BALTIMORE in this photograph is Benjamin Harrison, 23rd President of the United States, who served from 1889-1893. It was during the second year of his administration,1890, that the newly commissioned BALTIMORE was in and out of New York Harbor where this photograph was taken by the famous New York marine photographer E.H. Hart. Harrison was a veteran of the Civil War, serving as a Colonel in the Ohio Volunteers. This would explain his interest in participating in the G.A.R. ceremonies in Boston. According to the Naval Historical Center, E.H. Hart, a New York City based photographer, took a large number of photographs of U.S. Navy ships, their crews and activities during the 1880s and 1890s. This is one of his best!

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SUPER DETAIL
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5.84 RECOGNITION MODELS. Scarce, original cased set of World War II identification ship models of the Japanese fleet made for the U.S. Navy. This complete set consists of 20 high quality models molded of metal with very fine detail depicting every unique aspect of each vessel including gun mounts, deck fittings, funnels and masts, superstructure, stacks, cranes, etc. All of the models are impressed along their sides with the vessel class name and type. Each is attached to a wooden mount which again identifies the vessel on its bottom and is signed "MFG BY COMET METAL PRODUCTS CO., Inc. RICHMOND HILL N.Y." These mounting boards are easily removable and slide into slots within the wooden carrying case. The stout case is stenciled on the top "U.S. NAVY MINIATURE MODELS JAPANESE NAVY" and bears the maker's tag reading "Special Devices Division USN Bureau of Aeronautics Device Number 5A Serial Number 53 Japanese Miniature Ship Models MFRD By Comet Metal Products Co., Inc. Richmond Hill, L.I., N.Y." The case hinges in the middle, closes with a brass clasp and is complete with rope handles for carrying. The case measures 16 inches long, 14 inches high and 4 inches thick closed. Virtually perfect condition in all respects. 1995 Special Packaging

LEFT HALF
RIGHT HALF
DETAIL
INDIVIDUAL DETAIL
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5.83 U.S. NAVY BOWL. Scarce World War II vintage U. S. Navy officer's mess serving bowl. This large and very heavy hard fired porcelain bowl bears the traditional logo of the U.S. Navy fouled anchor on the side and is signed on the bottom "TEPCO, Vitrified China, Made In U.S.A. ©" 9 3/4 inches in diameter. Perfect original condition. 195

MAKER


5.77 NAVY SHIP COMMEMORATIVE. Desirable early ship's commemorative in the form of a redwood ship's wheel with brass spokes bearing an original photograph under glass of the old "4 piper" Destroyer USS LAMBERTON (DD-119) on the approaches to San Diego Bay with Point Loma in the background. The front of the wheel is hand-painted in stylized lettering, "U.S.S. LAMBERTON." The detailed black and white photograph bears close scrutiny under magnification revealing numerous crewmen on deck preparing for sea and anchor detail. The photo is hand-tinted with subtle shades of blue. The entire presentation measures 11 1/4 inches in diameter and is complete with brass hanging bracket. Excellent condition with one small chip in the back of the frame, unnoticeable when hung. 295

    LAMBERTON (DD-119) was laid down on October 1, 1917 by the Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, Virginia and was commissioned on August 22, 1918. After shakedown in the Caribbean and maneuvers off of the Azores LAMBERTON was reassigned to the newly formed Pacific Fleet Command. She arrived in San Diego, California in August of 1919. Based in San Diego, LAMBERTON spent the next 3 years with the Fleet exercising off of the West Coast developing new destroyer tactics. It was during this period that this presentation was made. In late June 1922 LAMBERTON was temporarily decommissioned. Recommissioned in 1930, and reclassified as "AG-21" in 1932, LAMBERTON next served as a towing ship for fleet gunnery practice.
    Reclassified again in 1940, this time as "DMS-2," a fast mine sweeper, LAMBERTON was dispatched to Pearl Harbor, arriving on September 11, 1941. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor several weeks later, LAMBERTON stood duty patrolling the waters off of Hawaii.
    Ordered to the North Pacific in July 1942, LAMBERTON departed for Kodiak, Alaska to participate in the Aleutian campaign, where she received one battle star for her involvement. Upon war's end she was decommissioned at Bremerton, Washington on December 13, 1946.

SHIP
BACK


5.76 WAR TROPHY. Very scare, identified and documented World War II trophy of war taken from a Japanese ship destroyed by Allied forces in the infamous Battle of Saipan in June 1944. This genuine ship relic consists of a brass steam whistle with the painted inscription on the bell in Japanese conji translated, "Sai-Pan Cha-lan-ka", the name of the vessel on which it served. Most interestingly, it bears an obvious puncture just to the left of the writing where shrapnel from an exploding bomb or shell clearly pierced the whistle's casing! This extremely hefty whistle stands 15 inches tall and 3 3/4 inches in diameter at the widest and is complete with its steel actuator lever (rusted). It is in as-taken condition with a deep dark green verdigris finish. The real deal! 995Special Packaging

    In the campaigns of 1943 and early `44, the Allies captured the Solomons, Gilberts and Marshall Islands and had retaken the Papuan peninsula of New Guinea. The next front was the main Japanese defense line in the Pacific: the Carolines, Palau Islands and Marianas, all heavily fortified.
    The Allies embarked on two campaigns to break this line: General MacArthur's Southwest Pacific command advancing through New Guinea toward the Philippines and Admiral Nimitz's Central Pacific command targeting the Marianas. The Marianas were chosen so that airfields for the new B-29 Superfortress bombers could be located within range of Tokyo for the first time.
    The Allies first struck the Mariana group at the the island of Saipan, on the morning of June 13, 1944. Air and shore bombardment involving fifteen battleships, firing over 165,000 shells, was the prelude to one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific. The first landing began the following day with more 300 LVTs carrying 8,000 Marines hitting the beach despite heavy Japanese artillery fire. The Japanese counterattacked that night, but were repulsed with heavy losses. On June 16th units of the U.S. Army's 27th Infantry Division landed and advanced on the Aslito airfield. Again the Japanese counter-attacked at night, but by June 18th the airfield was abandoned.
    This invasion surprised the Japanese, who had been expecting an attack further south. Admiral Toyoda Soemu, commander-in-chief of the Japanese Navy, saw an opportunity to use his forces force to attack the U.S. Navy around Saipan and did so on 15th. The resulting "Battle of the Philippine Sea" was a disaster for the Imperial Japanese Navy, which lost three aircraft carriers and hundreds of planes. This whistle likely comes from that engagement.
    With their fleet decimated and no means of resupply or reinforcement, the battle on Saipan was hopeless for the Japanese. But the defenders were determined to fight to the last man. Commanding General Saito reorganized his troops into a line on Mount Tapotchau in central Saipan. The nicknames given by the Americans to the features of the battle, "Hell's Pocket," "Purple Heart Ridge" and "Death Valley" indicate the severity of the fighting. The Japanese used the many caves in the volcanic landscape to delay the attackers, hiding by day and counterattacking by night. In this battle the Americans developed a method for clearing the caves by using flame throwers supported by artillery and machine guns -- a grim tactic that would be used with effect in the island hopping assaults to come.
    By July 7th, the Allies had effectively cornered the last remaining Japanese troops. In a last ditch suicide effort, General Saito ordered his remaining 3,000 troops in a bonzai charge, then killed himself. Hundreds of Japanese civilians also committed suicide in the last days of the battle, many jumping from "Suicide Cliff" and "Bonzai Cliff." Efforts by U.S. troops to persuade them to surrender were futile.

DETAIL
INSCRIPTION


5.73 U.S. NAVY BINNACLE. Very high quality, U.S. Navy standard lifeboat binnacle constructed of pure brass and copper. This heavy and handsome unit features a magnetic compass marked "U.S. NAVY BU SHIPS 4 INCH BOAT COMPASS MARK I N7695 1941 THE LIONEL CORPORATION." It features a perforated compass card marked in 10's of degrees with 5 degree increments and the cardinal points of the compass. Fitted in the front of the binnacle is a fine slanted beveled glass panel secured within lead strips. The top of the binnacle is equipped with a thick folding wire brass bail and the back is fitted with a heavy cast brass mounting bracket. The side of the binnacle bears the original oil lantern for illumination of the compass at night. It is complete with the burner, font, reflector, and even the compartmented tray with original wooden matches! This classic Navy binnacle is in outstanding polished condition and the compass is functional. It stands 9 1/2 inches tall and 9 inches wide. Although the compass dates to 1941, it is our opinion that the binnacle itself actually dates to the First World War and was retrofitted during the Second World War. 575 Special Packaging

CAUTION

 
COMPASS
SIDE LAMP
DETAIL


5.71 U.S. NAVY BOAT CLOCK. Early 1900's boat clock made for the U.S. Navy by the Waltham Clock Company as marked on the blackened dial and impressed on the back of the solid brass case. This rare clock has a diminutive 3 1/2 inch dial featuring raised brass Arabic numerals, white spade hands and an unusual seconds bit at the 12 o'clock position which entirely obscures that numeral! The clock is signed "WALTHAM" above the center arbor and "U.S. NAVY BOAT CLOCK" with the hand-engraved inscription "[N]4162" below. It contains a very high grade all brass jeweled movement comparable to the output of those companies competing for Government contracts during World War I, namely Chelsea and Seth Thomas. This example by Waltham is much more scarce. The heavy case measures 5 1/2 inches wide and is 2 1/2 inches deep. Unpolished original condition and an excellent time keeper, noting a small portion of the dial at the Fast/Slow position is cut out. Truly a rarity amongst Navy clocks! 795

The Waltham Company traces its beginnings to 1850 and a partnership among American horological legends Howard, Dennison and Davis, who formed the American Horologe Co. in 1851. It evolved into the American Watch Co. in 1859, changing to the American Waltham Watch Co. in 1885. Ultimately the name Waltham Watch Co. was adopted in 1906 with a brief variation, the "Waltham Watch & Clock Co.," used between 1923-1925. Waltham was producing clocks at the turn-of-the-century. But competition from the new (1897) upstart clock company, Chelsea of Boston, soon drove Waltham out of the clock making business.

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5.69 U.S. NAVY DINNER SERVICE. Scarce, authentic hard porcelain dinnerware used in U.S. Navy Officers' Messes prior to "Department of Defense" dinnerware introduced in the 1960's. These authentic items were manufactures by the American porcelain manfufacturers, "Shenago, Tepco, Homer Louglin" and others. Each piece is of the highest quality and is in good condition with no chips or cracks and is marked by the distinctive U.S. Navy fouled anchor emblem. Most pieces pieces evidence genuine use but no abuse. The dinner plate measures slightly over 9 1/2 inches in diameter. The cup and saucer measure 6 inches in diameter and 2 3/4 inches high. Multiples available. Plate 29. Cup and saucer 25/set

 

PERSPECTIVE


5.61 U.S. LIFESAVING SERVICE TELESCOPE. Exceptionally rare, second half of the 19th century hand-held single draw telescope made by "Bardou & Son" for the "U.S.L.S.S." as engraved in fancy script on the draw tube. The tube is also engraved with Bardou's lovely trademark. This large marine telescope is of all brass construction with a leather covered main tube. It measures 23 inches when closed, telescoping to 39 inches long extended. The state-of-the-art optics for which Bardou was so renown, produce a clear, upright image of high magnification and resolution. This fine telescope retains both eyepiece and object dust slides, the latter being incorporated into a press-on cover which may be fully removed. It is also equipped with its extending sun shade, which when extended makes the telescope 42 1/2 inches overall. Overall condition is excellent. The leather cover is a professional replacement. According to our sources very few of these telescopes were commissioned of Bardou in the 19th Century by the U.S. Government for the Lifesaving Service.

(Please see item 5.95)

    In 1848 the U.S. government first addressed the need for a lifesaving program on its shores. William A. Newell, from New Jersey successfully lobbied Congress to provide $10,000 for "surf boats, rockets, carronades and other necessary apparatus for the better preservation of life and property from shipwrecks on the coasts of New Jersey....." The Massachusetts Humane Society also requested funds for stations on their coastline. The resulting stations were administered by the U.S. Revenue Marine (later the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service), within the Treasury Department. Each station was manned by volunteers.

    In 1854 Congress appropriated funds for more stations and some of the money was used to employ a full time keeper at each station. Sumner Increase Kimball, a young lawyer from Maine, was appointed chief of the Treasury Department's Revenue Marine Division in 1871. Using his own political know how he succeeded in gaining an appropriation of $200,000 from Congress and authorization for the Secretary of the Treasury to employ crews of surfmen wherever they were needed. Kimball instituted six-man boat crews at all stations, built new stations, drew up regulations with standards of performance for crew members, set station routines and physical standards. During the daylight hours, a surfman was assigned to scan the coastline from the station's lookout tower. No seats were kept in the tower in order to prevent inattention to duty. It was in this application that such telescopes as the one offered here were used.

    The size of the Service increased and by 1874 stations were built on the coast of Maine and south of Cape Henry, Virginia. A year later, the network expanded to the Delaware/Virginia peninsula, the Great Lakes and the coast of Florida. Eventually, stations along the Gulf and West Coasts were built, including one at Nome, Alaska.

    In 1878 the growing network of lifesaving stations was organized as a separate agency of the Treasury Department and named the U.S. Life-Saving Service. Sumner I. Kimball was chosen as the General Superintendent of the Service. Kimball remained the only General Superintendent of the organization during its entire existence. When the government created the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915, the Lifesaving Service was eliminated and Kimball retired.

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5.59 NAVIGATOR'S SET. Scarce U.S. Navy navigator's set from the turn-of-the-last century. This unusual pre-WWI set is of the finest quality, bearing a French ivory nameplate reading "KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. New York, St. Louis, Chicago, San Francisco." It contains 5 implements. The German-silver dividers and compass are both marked "K. & E. Co." and there is a small nickle-silver canister with knurled screw-on lid containing pencil leads. The most impressive item in the set is the large magnifying glass with faux-bone handle. On the top it is marked "B. & L. O. Co." for Bausch & Lombe, makers of the finest optics in America at the time. All are contained within the original dove-tailed mahogany box with button latch closure and felt-lined, form-fitted interior in blue. The top of the box top is inlaid with a brass shield reading "U.S. NAVY" serial number "N1145." Excellent, untouched original condition showing good age. The box measures 11 inches long by 5 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches thick. Slight corrosion on the implements as is typical of such items long-used at sea. A real rarity with an early Navy connection. 395

DETAIL
BOX
NAVY MARK

 


5.55 PERIOD PHOTOGRAPH. Genuine early 1900's photograph entitled "U.S.S. "MARYLAND" HONOLULU 4-12-15." This very detailed original silverplate image shows the large cruiser arriving at dock in Pearl Harbor. This starboard bow aspect shows the entire vessel. The image bears close scrutiny under magnification revealing a host of sailors on deck, on the foc'sle, the bridge wings and even in the ship's boats. A number of spectators are seen standing on the wharf. The image measures 3 1/2 by 5 inches and is mounted on its original card under glass in what appears to be the original old sculpted wooden frame 9 1/2 by 11 1/2 inches. Outstanding condition. A very nice image at a very reasonable price of one of the last ships to be built with 19th century specifications (broadside gun ports). 79

The second U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name MARYLAND was an armored cruiser laid down at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. yard in Newport News, Virginia in October 1901 and commissioned as ACH-8 on April 18, 1905. Assigned to the Pacific Fleet MARYLAND, served on Asiatic Station and made training cruises to the South Pacific and Hawaii. When the Navy began naming Battleships after states, MARYLAND's name was changed to FREDERICK on November 9, 1916. When the United States entered World War I FREDERICK was reassigned to the Atlantic and remained there until the War's ended employed in convey escort duties. FREDERICK was decommissioned on February 14, 1922 and struck from the Naval Record in 1929.

DETAIL


5.49 SHIP'S PLAQUE. Very nice original ship's plaque from the World War II Canadian Naval destroyer HMCS IROQUOIS (G-89). This decorative solid brass plaque is cast with fine detail and meticulously hand painted. It is mounted to its original shaped mahogany backboard measuring 6 1/4 inches tall by 5 1/4 inches wide. Excellent original condition, with the typical wear expected of a 60+ year old plaque. 149

HMCS IROQUOIS (G-89), a Tribal Class destroyer, was built and launched in Britain at the height of the War to conduct Canadian Arctic operations. The construction of both IROQUOIS and her sister ship ATHABASKAN began on the same day in 1940. IROQUOIS was the first Canadian Tribal to be commissioned in November 1942. After air raids damaged the original IROQUOIS , the unscathed ATHABASKAN was renamed IROQUOIS so that launching schedules could remain unchanged. The "new" IROQUOIS was assigned to the 3rd Flotilla, Home Fleet.

    Off the Orkneys, on April 24, 1943, IROQUOIS was once again damaged, this time by foul weather. By mid-year, she was eastward bound in order to join the Home Fleet and operate out of Plymouth, England. In July of 1943 three troopships being escorted by IROQUOIS to Freetown were attacked by German aircraft 300 miles off Vigo, Spain. Two of the ships were sunk but IROQUOIS rescued 628 survivors from the DUTCHESS OF YORK.

    When the war ended, IROQUOIS celebrated V-E day at Scapa Flow. She went into reserve on February 22, 1946. Her conversion to an escort destroyer was started in June of 1950 and completed in October of 1951. With that she was redesignated DDE 217.

    After workups were completed at Norfolk Virginia, IROQUOIS returned to Halifax for a pre-Korea refit on March 15, 1952. While in Korea, her main duties were to provide screening for aircraft carriers, attacking coastal defence batteries and destroying trains. IROQUOIS was the only Canadian destroyer to sustain casualties in Korea. In total, eight Canadian destroyers took part in the Korean War. On November 26, 1952, with her tour of duty complete, she departed the Korean theater, arriving back in her home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia on January 8, 1953. In the latter part of her career, she participated in various naval exercises but sustained a substantial amount of damage in August of 1955 when she encountered a violent storm around Bermuda. Further service followed, but on October 24, 1962 IROQUOIS went into Operational Reserve. After being towed to Sydney, Nova Scotia she was scheduled for disposal and in 1966 was scrapped at Bilbao, Spain.

    The Iroquois Indians, for which the ship was named, were not a single tribe of Indians but consisted of a union of Iroquoian-speaking North American Indian peoples, originally composed of the SENECA, CAYUGA, ONONDAGA, ONEIDA, and MOHAWK Indians. Collectively, they were called the Iroquois League.

 
VESSEL


5.46 LIFESAVING CANNON. Imposing, authentic World War II vintage Lifesaving Cannon also known as a LYLE GUN. This impressive cannon was made by the "SCULLER SAFETY CORP. No. 1195, 122 Broad Street New York" as marked on the brass maker's label on the top of the breach. Cast in relief on the side of the sled are the markings "SCULLER SAFETY CORP. 122 BROAD ST., NYC" with the stamped markings "GUN 1195 ELR USI." The muzzle is similarly stamped "GUN NO 1195 E.L.R. U.S.I." This extremely heavy authentic cannon has a machined steel barrel with a bronze collar and brass trunion covers. It can be adjusted for elevation by means of three vertical settings on the carriage. The muzzle bore is 2 1/2 inches and the barrel length is 28 inches. Length overall is 35 inches and the weight is 180 pounds. This is the rarer, early version of the Sculler gun, being fuze-fired rather than percussion actuated. This gun is in absolutely mint condition. P.O.R. ButtonSpecial Packaging

"In 1940 the Sculler Safety Equipment Corporation of 122 Broad Street, New york, obtained approval of a Hall system Lyle gun patterned generally after Steward's, but with a shortened barrel and certain other improvements including brass trunion caps. Sculler, owed by brothers Nathan and Louis Kaufmann contacted Hawley Smith about making Sculler/Lyle guns. Smith gladly received the proposition and the Hawley Smith machining Company was formed for that purpose. Smith continued to make Lyle guns for Sculler until about 1943. In that year, Sculler guns came to be manufactured by the Columbia Appliance Corporation of New York, and the Hawley Smith Co. undertook production of guns under its own name. From 1940 until 1944, Smith production averaged about one gun per day." (J.P. Barnett, "The Lifesaving Guns of David Lyle," South Bend Replicas, Inc., South Bend, Indiana, 1976.)

The previous owner of this gun indicated that he had fired it several times.

CAUTION

PERSPECTIVE
DETAIL
MUZZLE
MAKER'S TAG


5.43 NAVY KNIFE. Extremely scarce, late 19th C. cutlery knife from a U.S. Navy ship's galley. This imposing implement measures nearly 15 inches long with a large steel blade in excess of 9 inches. A contoured rosewood grip is stoutly affixed by means of flushed rivets on the handle. The side of the blade is etched with a spread winged eagle clutching a banner reading "U.S. NAVY STANDARD" and is signed "Lamson & Goodnow Mfg Co." with a fouled anchor. This knife is in outstanding overall condition with some very minor spotting as expected on a pre-stainless steel blade of this type. "Great White Fleet" era. 195

In the "Directory of American Military Goods Dealers & Makers 1785-1915" Jarvis Lamson is listed under "military goods" in the Boston commercial Directory of 1900. The firm was at 90 and 94 Bedford in 1898 and 299 Washington in 1900.

MARK


5.40 FAMOUS DIRIGIBLE COMMEMORATIVE. A rare and historically significant offering consisting of a franked, postmarked envelope carried on the inaugural flight of a Naval airship carrying mail - the U.S.S. AKRON on August 1st 1932. This exceptional offering consists of a period "AIR MAIL"/PAR AVION" envelope bearing 3 stamps and the original postmark "LAKEHURST NJ Aug 1, 6-PM 1932." It is hand-decorated with a pencil sketch showing the AKRON in flight and titled "TACTICAL TRAINING FLIGHT USS AKRON CARRYING MAIL, United States Navy 1932 US Post Office Department." The envelope is then mounted under a beautiful titled and numbered lithograph pencil signed by the artist "THE AKRON 4/100 W. KOFF." The presentation measures 13 1/2 by 17 1/2 inches sight and is framed under glass in a simple wooden frame measuring 15 by 19 inches. Mint condition. 495 Special Packaging

The U.S.S. AKRON (ZRS-4) was one of a handful of lighter-than-air-craft commissioned in the U.S. Navy and certainly the most famous. Its brief existence marks a unique era in Naval, indeed, world history when rigid frame dirigibles loomed in the skies.
    Following the loss of the SHAENANDOAH (ZR-1) in September of 1925 the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics, with Admiral William A. Moffett as its chief, recommended a comprehensive program of rigid airship development.
    The contract for construction of the ship was eventually awarded to Goodyear-Zeppelin Company. Its design called for an innovative helium-filled ship of 6,850,000 million cubic feet, 785 feet long with a maximum diameter of 133 feet, with the exterior of covered in doped cotton fabric. Construction of the new ZRS-4 began on November 7, 1929 at the company's new facility in Akron, Ohio.
    By late summer 1931 the airship was complete, and it was christened the AKRON on August 5th. It took to the skies for the first time on September 23rd with LCDR Charles E. Rosendahl in command.
    In 1932 AKRON made the transcontinental flight from Lakehurst, New Jersey to San Diego, California to take part in tactical exercises. Most of the flights in California were for public relations to satisfy the public's great demand for views of the ship. But it did make some practical training flights, taking part in fleet exercises in early June. Thereafter it returned to the East coast.
    On the evening of April 3, 1933, the AKRON departed Lakehurst for a routine training flight off the New Jersey coast. The weather forecast did not indicate trouble. Yet within hours the ship had been enveloped in a severe cold front. Just after midnight the air became quite turbulent and AKRON was carried downward. Dropping emergency ballast and full throttle on all engines did not stop her descent and she literally flew into the sea. AKRON carried no life jackets and only one rubber life raft. Of the 76 men on board, only three survived the wreck. The Navy had lost the finest airship in the world and seventy-five men. It was the beginning of the end for Naval lighter-than-air.

ENVELOPE
PERIOD PHOTO


5.39 SAILOR PORTRAIT, FAMED CIVIL WAR SHIP. Exceptional late 19th century portrait of a handsome young American sailor from the legendary Civil War ship the U.S.S. HARTFORD. This pleasing period photograph is colorfully hand painted in watercolor and gouache depicting the sailor in the early style dress blue jumper uniform with characteristic flat hat and lanyard. The hat ribbon is clearly inscribed with the name "HARTFORD." The photograph is in an extremely large format, measuring 19 by 13 inches sight, housed under the protective old convex glass in its original oval gilt frame with ornate border measuring 22 1/4 by 16 1/4 inches. The backside retains its original old backing with square nails. Outstanding original condition with clear, crisp imagery, bright colors and minimal age spotting. A real rarity! 695 Special Packaging

The venerable U.S.S. HARTFORD was without question one of the most famous ships in U.S. Naval history. The 2,900 ton screw sloop was launched on November 22, 1858 at the Boston Navy Yard and commissioned on May 27, 1859. Her initial assignment was the flagship of the East India Squadron. With the outbreak of the War Between the States HARTFORD left the Far East and arrived in Philadelphia on December 2, 1861. She was designated the flagship of the new West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under the command of Admiral David G. Farragut. She headed for the Gulf and arrived off Ship Island, Mississippi on February 20. HARTFORD was assigned to lead Farragut's fleet to capture New Orleans. In March and April 1862, HARTFORD led the fleet through horrendous cannon fire from Forts Jackson and St. Philip. During the melee HARTFORD ran aground a sandbar and was rammed by a fireboat which damaged her. But she was able to free herself and continue on to New Orleans, and on April 25, 1862 Admiral Farragut accepted the surrender of the city. Continuing up the Mississippi River in May 1862, HARTFORD participated in the capture of Baton Rouge and Natchez. HARTFORD was ordered to take Vicksburg, and sailed up the Mississippi on June 8. However, the failure of the assault on Vicksburg June 30th, prompted Farragut to return his fleet down river to New Orleans. After repairs in Pensacola HARTFORD returned to New Orleans on November 9, and prepared for an assault on Port Hudson. On March 14, 1863, HARTFORD and six other ships attempted to run past the Port Hudson batteries, but due to heavy and accurate fire from these batteries, only HARTFORD and the USS ALBATROSS were able to get by. HARTFORD returned to blockade duty until August 5, 1864 when she lead the Union flotilla at the Battle of Mobile Bay. Leading the assault, she engaged the C.S.S. TENNESSEE. It was during this battle that Admiral Farragut, while standing in HARTFORD's rigging, uttered the most famous order in U.S. Naval history, "Damn the torpedoes, Full speed ahead!" After a three hour fight, which ended with the surrender of the TENNESSEE, Mobile Bay was effectively closed off. After the War Between the States HARTFORD served as the flagship of the newly formed Asiatic Station Squadron. In October 1872, she returned to New York. In 1882, as Captain Stephen B. Luce's flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron she cruised the Pacific until decommissioning January 14, 1887 at Mare Island, California. It was during this period that the photograph here was taken. HARTFORD went on to see various duties as a training ship including the training of midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. On October 19, 1945, HARTFORD was towed to Norfolk Navy Yard and classified a relic, but sank at her berth on November 20, 1958 after nearly 100 years.

 

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5.38 COMMEMORATIVE U.S. NAVY LIFE RING. Pre-World War II miniature life ring boldly hand painted "U.S. NAVY" with the colorful early Navy emblem of a white star on a blue field with red center. This realistic Navy commemorative is made in the traditional manner with a cork core overlaid by hand stitched canvas encircled by cotton line. It measures 6 inches in diameter and approximately 11 inches high inclusive of the line. Outstanding original condition with no flaws. Circa 1930. 250

The U.S. Navy emblem of a white star on a blue field with a red center was adopted first for the Naval Air Corps during World War I. When carrier-based Japanese planes bearing the infamous red ball "rising sun" attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941 the Navy Department quickly changed its red center markings.


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 120 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, musuem-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.
Special Packaging

Built in Greenock, Scotland in 1874, the steam/sail whaler BEAR was engaged in the whaling and sealing trade out of Dundee, Scotland for nine 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 then Territorial U.S.A. Alaskan frontier who looked to her for protection from foreign exploitation of their rich natural heritage.

 

 

 

 

 

ADMIRAL BYRD
LETTER
LETTER
COPPER PLATE
IN THE ARCTIC
CAPTAIN COCHRAN
& HECTOR
TELESCOPE
TELESCOPE 'BEAR'
TELESCOPE CLOSED
TELESCOPE MAKER
TELESCOPE DISPLAY
IN 1895
IN THE ICE
IN OAKLAND
SHIP MODEL
FOCSLE
DETAIL
STERN
VIEW
STERN
DETAIL


5.13 U.S. NAVY SHIP COMMEMORATIVE. Very nice late 19th or very early 20th century framed photograph of the U.S. Navy Gunboat VICKSBURG as identified in distinctive hand-painted script on the periphery. This handsome presentation consists of a hand-tinted silver plate print depicting the famous gunboat at anchor with a launch alongside the starboard accommodation ladder. The image is extremely detailed and bears scrutiny under high magnification. It is sealed under its original old wavy glass and measures 5 1/2 inches in diameter. Encircling this original photograph is a carved wooden frame in the form of a ship's wheel complete with spokes. The overall dimension is exactly one foot. Outstanding original condition in all respects. Such U.S. Navy commemoratives from the 19th century are rare! 349

The 204 foot steam brigantine USS VICKSBURG (Gunboat No. 11) was launched on December 5, 1896 by Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine and commissioned on October 23, 1897. She was active in the Spanish-American War, patrolling the waters around Cuba where she captured 3 Spanish blockade runners. During the early 1900's VICKSBURG, was home ported at Mare Island, California and operated along the California coast with one patrol on China station. At the onset of World War I VICKSBURG patrolled the waters off of pro-German Mexico taking the schooner ALEXANDER AGASSIZ with five German prisoners as a prize of war. In May of 1921 VICKSBURG was transferred to the Coast Guard and renamed ALEXANDER HAMILTON for service as the training vessel for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in new London, Connecticut until 1930.

 

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5.05 LIFESAVING CANNON. Classic, mid-1900's American lifesaving cannon by the "Naval Co. F-B" as cast in relief on the side of the barrel. It is also stamped with the identifier number 13970 and impressed twice with the early U.S. Coast Guard emblem of the letters "USCG" within a cloverleaf design. This genuine Lyle Gun features a unique ribbed solid brass barrel mounted to its original cast steel carriage. The muzzle end of the barrel is stamped "ATRB 1033," date stamped "7.9.48" and again impressed with the USCG emblem. The carriage is marked with the matching serial number "1033." The entire unit weighs a very hefty 138 pounds and measures 34 inches long by 18 inches high as shown. The barrel itself measures 23 inches long and has a bore of 2 1/2 inches. Outstanding cosmetic condition.

According to J.P. Barnett in "The Lifesaving Guns of David Lyle," South Bend Replicas, South Bend, Indiana, 1974, The Naval Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (formerly "Hall Co.") received approval from the U.S. Government to produce their model of lifesaving gun in 1919. The distinctive "ribbed barrel" of manganese bronze with its carriage of built-up welded steel parts was the only type of its unique design ever produced. In 1947 the list of approved makers still included the Naval Company, now listed as in Doyleston, Pennsylvania. According to Barnett, the designation "F-B" indicated the shorter barrel model.

The United States Coast Guard took over responsibilities of saving lives at sea from the legendary U. S. Life Saving Service in 1917 when the latter was dissolved as a Government agency.

MARKINGS


    

5.03 HAT BAND & PHOTOS. A very unique grouping of three items pertaining to the famous early Armored Cruiser the USS SOUTH DAKOTA. They consist of an original enlisted man's silk hat ribbon with the gold letters "USS SOUTH DAKOTA," a period chromolithographed post card showing a port bow view of the SOUTH DAKOTA inscribed "1292 - U.S. Armored Cruiser "SOUTH DAKOTA." 800 Officers and Men. Length 502 Feet. Main Battery 18 Guns," and a second postcard with an original black and white sepia toned photograph of a starboard side view of the ship at berth entitled "SOUTH DAKOTA & PUEBLO." All are in excellent condition. This trio would make an excellent framed display. 149

The first SOUTH DAKOTA (Armored Cruiser No. 9) was launched on July 21, 1904 by the Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California and commissioned on January 27, 1908, Capt. James T. Smith in command. In the autumn of 1909, she deployed westward with the Armored Cruiser Squadron. The force called at ports in the Admiralty Islands, the Philippines, Japan, and China, before returning to Honolulu on January 31, 1910. Detached from the Reserve Force, Pacific Fleet, on April, 17 1914, SOUTH DAKOTA remained in reduced commission through 1916 until April 5, 1917 when she was again placed in full commission.
     Transferred to the Atlantic after the United States entered World War I, SOUTH DAKOTA departed Bremerton on April 12th. She joined PITTSBURG (ACR-4), PUEBLO (ACR-7) (see accompanying photo offering), and FREDERICK (ACR-8) at Colon, Panama, on May 29, 1917 and proceeded to the South Atlantic for patrol duty operating from Brazilian ports. On November 2, 1918, she escorted troop convoys from the east coast to the mid-Atlantic rendezvous point where British cruisers joined the convoy. Following the Armistice, SOUTH DAKOTA made two voyages from Brest, France, to New York, returning troops to the United States.
     SOUTH DAKOTA was renamed HURON on June 7, 1920 and was designated CA-9. She was decommissioned on June 17, 1927 and remained in reserve until she was struck from the Navy list on November 15, 1929. She was sold on 11 February 1930 for scrapping.
     The very image offered for sale here is used as the frontispiece for South Dakota's entry in the on-line version of the Dictionary of American naval Fighting Ships at: http://freepages.military.rootsweb.com/~cacunithistories/uss_south_dakota.htm


5.74 COAST GUARD COMMEMORATIVE. Early commemorative photograph in a ship's wheel frame identifying the "U.S.C.G.C. MORRIS." The original, hand-tinted black and white photo shows the Coast Guard Cutter MORRIS underway from port with several crewmen on deck and the coastline in the background. The glazed wooden frame is sculpted in the form of a classic ship's wheel and the lettering is hand painted. On the reverse is written "1928 J.E. Pallerin, Eng. Off." along with (presumably) the address label of the last owner in "Alameda, Calif." The overall condition of this handsome display is outstanding, noting that there are 2 minor losses of wood on the reverse of the frame which do not affect the presentation at all when displayed. 12 inches in diameter. Early U.S. Coast Guard relics are rare and highly sought after. 650

PHOTO DETAIL


5.42 SHORT SWORD. Genuine, mid-19th C. military short sword and scabbard of European origin. The solid cast brass grip with "bead" pommel is scalloped on 3 sides and fitted to the brass "figure S" guard which is marked "100.R.7.61." The high quality steel blade measures 19 inches long and bears a lustrous finish with some areas of pitting (shown). This sword is complete with its original leather scabbard which is identically marked on the brass throat. On the reverse is a stud for attachment to a frog and the bottom end has a brass tip. The leather on the scabbard has surface age cracks, but is very sound. The sword rates very good condition overall and has a total length of 25 inches. 495

BLADE


1.12 PAINTING. Luigi Papaluca, Italian, early 20th century, gouache on paper painting entitled "U.S.S. McDOUGAL" underway off Naples, with Mt. Vesuvius in the distance. A pleasing, very colorful ship's portrait skillfully executed by this well-listed artist. All of the ship's details are beautifully rendered with numerous crewmen visible on deck. The painting measures 16 by 24 1/2 inches sight and is signed lower right "L. Papaluca." It is housed under glass in its original simple wooden frame with brass-reinfoced corners measuring 17 by 26 inches. Circa 1940. Outstanding original condition. 895 Special Packaging

     The second U.S. Navy ship to bear the name McDougal was laid down by the New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, N.J. on December 18, 1933, launched July 17, 1936 and commissioned as destroyer 358 on December 23rd that same year.

     USS McDOUGAL (DD-358) first operated in the Pacific with Destroyer Squadron 9 out of San Diego, California. In the Spring of 1941 McDOUGAL returned to the Atlantic to escort the cruiser AUGUSTA with President Franklin D. Roosevelt embarked for a meeting with Prime Minister Winston Churchill in Newfoundland. On August 10, McDOUGAL transported FDR to and from the meeting on the ill-fated British Battleship HMS PRINCE OF WALES.
     Upon America's entry into World War II McDOUGAL patrolled off the South American coast until early September 1942 when she passed through the Panama Canal for duty with the Southeast Pacific force off the coast of Latin America.
     Going back to the Atlantic via Cape Horn, McDOUGAL returned to New York in September 1944. McDOUGAL finished out the War escorting convoys between New York and British ports. She was struck from the Naval record on September 22, 1949.

DETAIL
BACK


2.28 WORKING MODEL. High quality scratch built working model of the Royal Navy "Flower" class Corvette CROCUS (K-49) completed Oct 20, 1940 by Inglis, which flies a stenciled cloth British Naval ensign abaft the funnel. This hollow, solid hull wooden model has all wood and metal fittings and rigging. It is meticulously constructed and has realistic scale details such as ladders, lifelines, gun mounts, gun director, RDF, depth charges and depth charge racks, helm, binnacle, portholes, rigged boats, running lights, ventilators and funnel, search lights, davits with tackle, deck winches, anchor windlass, fire buckets, general deck equipment, and much, much more! Further, this model was equipped to be run. The brass propeller revolves on its shaft which runs through stern packing to the interior of the model. Removing the superstructure reveals the engine compartment carved out on the inside of the hull. The rudder is operational and is connected by linkage to the inside of the model as well. It is accessed by removing the depth change racks on the stern. The exterior of the model is finished in its original battleship gray paint with off white highlights, with the hull painted in the jagged camouflage manner of World War II naval vessels. A couple of fiberglass patches exist on the exterior of the hull, which if sanded and painted would be unnoticeable. The model is in original, as found condition, and therefore could use a good surface cleaning, especially on deck. The quality, detail, and craftsmanship exhibited in this model indicate that it may have been a tank model for actual training purposes. 36 inches long and 14 1/2 inches tall, by 7 inches. Now bargain priced for immediate sale. 1195 Special Packaging

BOW
DECK DETAIL
VESSEL


2.83 BATTLESHIP MODEL. Very rare period model of the famous American Battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-9). This entirely hand-made model was constructed in the early 1900's and bears an engraved brass plaque reading "U.S. BATTLESHIP WISCONSIN BUILT BY PHIL ROBBINS." It features a waterline hull which is hand sculpted entirely of solid wood, including the superstructure and masts, accented with metal components. Its remarkable detail is very realistic including boats in davits and alongside in the water, steam launches, life lines, ladders, funnels, machine guns, 14 six inch guns, cargo davits and cranes, foc'sle bell, whistles, anchor, liferings, lights, portholes, accommodation ladders, range finders, rigging, deck equipment and of course the revolving fore and aft main batteries representing the WISCONSIN's twin 13 inch guns. The model itself measures 37 inches long, 7 1/4 inches on the beam and 14 3/4 inches tall from the waterline to the mainmast. The glazed oak case measures 44 inches long, 15 inches wide and 18 inches high. A rare museum-quality model of one of America's first dreadnoughts! Special Packaging

The first WISCONSIN (Battleship No. 9) was laid down on February 9, 1897 at San Francisco, California by the Union Iron Works, launched on November 26, 1898 and commissioned on February 4, 1901, Captain George C. Reiter in command.
     Departing San Francisco in March of 1901, WISCONSIN conducted general drills and exercises at Magdalena Bay, Mexico, in March and April before heading back toward San Francisco in June. She next made a voyage, in company with the battleships USS OREGON (Battleship No. 3) and USS IOWA (Battleship No. 4), the cruiser USS PHILADELPHIA, and the torpedo-boat destroyer USS FARRAGUT to the Pacific Northwest participating in 4th of July observances there and scheduled drills and exercises. Those evolutions kept the ship occupied through mid-July.
     WISCONSIN, as flagship Pacific Squadron with Rear Admiral Silas Casey embarked, arrived at Panama, Colombia, in 30 September 1902, to protect American interests and to preserve the integrity of transit across the isthmus. Casey offered his services as a mediator and ultimately the warring sides made an agreement, signing a treaty that came to be known as "The Peace of Wisconsin."
     In May the battleship sailed for the Asiatic Station. WISCONSIN operated in the Far East Fleet over the next three years before she returned to the United States in the autumn of 1906.
     The battleship returned to the Puget Sound Navy Yard and was decommissioned on November 15, 1906, but was recommissioned on April 1, 1908, Capt. Henry Morrell in command.
     Returning to San Francisco in early July WISCONSIN joined the battleships of the Atlantic Fleet in setting out on the transpacific leg of the momentous circumnavigation of the globe known as the cruise of the "Great White Fleet," a dramatic gesture made by President Theodore Roosevelt as evidence of his "big stick" policy.
     WISCONSIN returned to the Portsmouth Naval Yard to undergo refit through June 1909. During that period she shed her bright "white and spar color" donning a more businesslike gray. In the spring of the following year she was placed in reserve and assumed training duties of Naval Academy cadets along with the battleships MISSOURI and OHIO. With that group, she became the third battleship to transit the Panama Canal, making that trip in mid-July 1915 en route to the west coast of the United States.
     On April 23, 1917, with America's declaration of war on Germany, WISCONSIN was placed back in full commission and was assigned to the Coastal Battleship Patrol Squadron in the Atlantic. However she eluded enemy action throughout the War, serving primarily as a training ship.
     Placed out of commission on 15 May 1920, WISCONSIN was reclassified BB-9 on July 17, 1920, while awaiting disposition In New York Harbor. She was sold for scrap on January 26, 1922 in accordance with the Washington Treaty.
     This model represents WISCONSIN during her "pre-gray period," before 1909, and was probably made during that time.

Statistics:
Displacement: 11,564 tons
Length: 373'10"
Beam: 72'2"
Draft: 23'8"
Speed: 16 knots
Complement: 531
Armament: Four 13" guns; fourteen 6" guns; six 6-pounders; six 1-pounders; four .30-cal. machine guns
Class: Illinois

(From "The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships" published by the Naval Historical Center, Washington D.C.)

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