West Sea Co. HARDWARE Catalog Page 6

West Sea Company

HARDWARE

Catalog Page 6

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6.13 RARE AMERICAN FLARE GUN. Massive, early 1900’s American hand-held flare gun or Very pistol, made by Sculler, Pennsylvania. This sold bronze flare gun has a grip with the cast signature in relief, “SCULLER SIGNAL PISTOL made by Federal Laboratories Inc. Pittsburg PA NO 1.” This 37 mm variety is one of the rarest of all U.S. signal pistols with very few surviving examples. Due to their large size, heavy weight, notorious fragile trigger mechanism, most were scrapped for their non-ferrous value during the War effort. All had serial numbers in low 3 digits or less, so this example, 424, is one of the last ever made. It measures 14 inches long overall with an outside barrel diameter of 1 7/8ths inches and weighs an incredible 7 pounds! Pristine, little if ever used condition. 595

The Sculler Corporation was well known for producing its famous “lifesaving guns” in the early part of the 1900’s. In 1940 the Sculler Safety Equipment Corporation of 122 Broad Street, New York, obtained approval to manufacture a Hall system Lyle gun patterned after a Steward design. Sculler, owed by brothers Nathan and Louis Kaufmann, employed Hawley Smith to make their Lyle guns. Smith formed the Hawley Smith Machining Company and made Lyle guns for Sculler until 1943. In that year Sculler guns began to be manufactured by the Columbia Appliance Corporation of New York but production ceased shortly thereafter.
The most common type of flare gun is the Very (alternatively Verey) pistol, so named for Edward Wilson Very (1847–1910), an American naval officer who developed and popularized a single-shot breech-loading flare pistol. Very pistols have a single action trigger mechanism, hammer and center firing pin. Modern varieties are frequently made out of brightly-colored plastic. Older Very pistols, typical of those used in World War II had a one inch bore. Newer models fire smaller 12 gauge flares. Flare guns were (and are) used to send a distress signal. Such signals were typically designed to be seen for an extended period of time to aid in locating the victim. As such, Very flares often incorporated a parachute.


REVERSE	MUZZLE

6.96 YACHT PORTHOLE. Unusual late 19th or very early 20th century porthole from a wooden hull American sailing yacht. This opening porthole is made entirely of heavy cast brass with the outer frame designed to be inset into the vessel's hull, secured with 7 large wood screws. The hinged port glass opens from the bottom and closes tight with a T-shaped bronze thumb screw. There is a space between the frame and port to accommodate a gasket. What makes this porthole so desirable is its pleasingly aesthetic oval form. It measures 15 1/4 inches wide by 9 1/2 inches high and is designed for a hull thickness of 1 3/4 inches. The thick tempered port glass measures 11 1/2 inches wide by 5 inches high. Outstanding restored condition with a lustrous finish sealed against tarnishing. Weighs 20 pounds. 695


PERSPECTIVE	OPEN	BACK

6.11 WATER CASK. Authentic old shipboard keg as found in the lifeboats of capital ships in the U.S. Navy from the Civil War into the early 20th century. This solid oak cask was hand-made by a skilled cooper. It has 6 forged iron bands, 2 of which have a total of 4 protruding “feet.” The bands are riveted together and attached to the barrel with brass tacks. A pivoting wire bail handle with wooden grip is provided for carrying. This cask is complete with its threaded brass bung stopper on retaining chain and its original brass spigot on one end. 18 inches long by 9 inches maximum diameter. Excellent condition with a great old look. 289


SPIGGOT	PERSPECTIVE	BUNG

6.10 OARLOCKS with MOUNTS. Rarely found matched pair of old high quality solid bronze oarlocks with their original mounting brackets! These small boat oar locks (alternatively “rowlocks”) are each marked “1” at the bottom of their U-shaped brackets. The posts are fitted within their original mounting plates which would have attached to the gunwales of the boat. They are further secured by a length of bronze chain attached to a crossbar which prevents the oarlocks from popping out, while cleverly providing a means of removing them when not in use. 3 inches wide by 5 ¼ inches long. The mounting plates are 4 inches wide and 1 3/8 inches high. Outstanding condition. 59/pr

When a boat is rowed, the oarlock acts as the fulcrum of a lever -- in this case an oar. When the rower exerts force on the water with the oar an opposite force is transferred to the boat at the fulcrum by the oarlock. In ancient times oarlocks were nothing more than two wooden posts on the gunwale between which the shaft of the oar was supported.


REMOVED	REVERSE

6.39 NAVAL CANNONS. Matched pair of decorative 19th century ship's naval guns on their carriages. These two authentic looking cannons have barrels of heavy cast iron mounted on equally heavy solid oak carriages with hand forged fittings. Each weighs a hefty 70 pounds. These cannons were not designed to fire, but likely were used as display pieces or trade signs. Each of the cannons is 27 1/2 inches long overall, with their barrels measuring 24 inches long and bores of 1 1/4 inches. Excellent original condition with the appearance of genuine 18th century ship’s guns. 2495/pair


PERSPECTIVE	MUZZLE

6.09 BRONZE CLEATS. Complete matched set of 4 old, very high quality cast bronze miniature cleats marked with a distinctive “S” logo. These hand-finished cleats are of American manufacture and probably date to the early 1950’s. Each measures 2 ¼ inches long by 1 inch wide and is drilled and countersunk to accommodate 4 attachment screws. Original high polish finish. Great for a variety of purposes including tying off blinds, curtains, pulleys, flags and swag chains, or for hanging pots, lamps, etc. Really neat cleats!


DETAIL	LOGO

6.07 HERRESHOFF BLOCKS. Full set of genuine turn-of-the-last century bronze yacht pulleys made by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. This collection consists of a total of 6 blocks, each of the highest quality ever made. They are: 1. Double sheave pulley with pivoting shackle, 2. Single sheave “riding block” with pivoting snatch block attachment, 3. Single sheave pulley with shackle, 4. Single sheave pulley with pivoting eye and pivoting becket, 5. Single sheave pulley with pivoting eye and fixed becket, and 6. Single sheave pulley with pivoting eye. All of these pulleys are in outstanding, fully functional condition with a lovely high polish bronze finish. The largest measures 6 ½ inches long by 2 ½ inches wide. The smallest is 4 ½ by 1 inch. 595

The legendary Nathaniel Herreshoff of Bristol, Rhode Island began the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company with his brother John in 1880. The Herreshoff name soon became synonymous with the epitome of quality in yacht building and design. In particular, the famous America’s Cup races were won 5 times by Herreshoff-designed boats, earning ”Captain Nat” the moniker “Wizard of Bristol.” Every winning America's Cup Yacht from 1893 to 1934 was built by the Herreshoff yard! Herreshoff designed and built well over 2,000 craft between 1890 and 1938. In fact the number of winning yachts designed by Herreshoff exceeded the combined total of all other yachts built by rival designers!


DETAIL	REVERSE

6.06 WORLD WAR I FLARE PISTOL. All brass hand-held flare gun made for the French military in the early 1900’s. This quality devise is of stout construction with a cylindrical barrel, octagonal breech and heavy brass stock with cross-hatched wooden grips. The trigger, hammer and locking lever are of blued steel. When rotated 180° the locking lever allows the breech to pivot forward for loading and unloading of the cartridge. A pivoting eyelet in the butt provides for attachment to a lanyard. A small “V” is impressed on the frame just above the left grip, and again on the underside of the breech. Good positive action -- the hammer cocks and the trigger fires. This rare example measures 8 inches long overall and 5 ½ inches high. Fine condition, with no rust or corrosion and a very nice age patina to the brass. Heavy! 395
According to the specialty website:

http://www.gunstar.co.uk/Flare-Very-signal-Pistol%2f-/Gun-For-Sale.aspx?id=638

Quote: “This example represents an unusual and seldom seen WW1 French flare pistol with brass frame and barrel. Original chequered wooden grips, lanyard ring and clear manufacturers stamp of "G. G & Cei" with a price of £ 295.00 in “Used” condition to the trade.”

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6.04 EARLY FLARE GUN. Genuine World War I vintage German military flare gun. This 26.5 mm gun known as the “Hebel Model 1894” has German proof marks consisting of a “Crown over an A,” “Crown over a B” and a “4” in a circle stamped on the right side of the barrel and on the frame. The Imperial German acceptance mark of a “Crowned Eagle” is also stamped on the right side of the barrel and on the frame. The left side of the frame is stamped with the inspector’s initials “AM” just after the serial number “42XX*.” This gun exhibits high quality machining and finishing. It has its original military style two-piece walnut grips, a 9 inch barrel and measures 11 ¼ inches long overall. The breech locking lever releases the barrel which pivots forward for loading, exposing the spring-loaded shell extractor. This gun is complete with its pivoting lanyard ring on the butt. Nice overall condition showing honest service wear, with minor surface oxidation and a brown patina. All markings and numbers are clearly visible. Internal parts are in excellent condition and the action is fully functional. 495

* For the privacy and security of the ultimate purchaser the entire serial number of this gun is being withheld.

MARKS OPEN
OPEN A

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6.05 SMALL BOAT FENDER. Genuine 19th century small craft fender (dock cushion) made entirely of hand-stitched leather over a cork core. Attached to the fender is a length of hemp line spliced at the point of attachment in a seamanlike manner and served on the bitter end. This entirely hand-made example of the seaman’s handicraft measures 8 /12 inches long by 5 ½ inches wide and 11 ¾ inches thick. Overall with the line the unit measures 55 inches long. Outstanding original condition. 95


DETAIL	SIDE

6.89 AMERICAN FLARE GUN. Mid-1900’s maritime flare pistol made by the “SIGNAL PYROTECHNIC CO., Los Angeles” as embossed within a “rope border” on the handle under the hammer. It is further marked “USCG APPROV. NO 160 028/6/3.” This imposing device is made of solid brass with a durable nickel finish and weighs a hefty 4 pounds. The man-sized grip frame is cross hatched to facilitate grasping. The large barrel with a 1 ½ inch bore pivots downward for loading and locks into firing position with a positive spring-loaded latch. The massive hammer is serrated on the upper edge to facilitate cocking. Once cocked, the trigger engages the hammer and fires it properly. A cotton lanyard is attached by a small “S” hook to the butt. The barrel with chamber measures 8 ¼ inches long. The overall diagonal measurement is 13 inches. Condition is excellent and functional, noting minor scratches as evidence of careful actual us. 325

OPEN REVERSE

6.02 MATCHING YACHT TELEGRAPHS. Very scarce matched pair of engineroom E.O.T.s from a late 19th century American twin screw steam yacht. These handsome engine order telegraphs are made of solid bronze and weigh over 20 pounds each. The unique dials are cast in high relief with the standard engine orders: “SLOW, HALF, FULL” in both the “AHEAD” and “ASTERN” directions, and bear the original red and green paint in their respective directions. The “STOP” order, in black, is between. Both are signed “M.H. CO.” The stout handle of each controls the indicator arrows and is connected to internal reels which carried chain to the pilothouse. A mechanical bell is linked to each handle. Because these are engineroom telegraphs, designed for use in noisy surrounds, the bells are especially large and LOUD, ringing with a clear tone as the handle is moved over each designation. Both telegraphs are beautifully mounted to custom solid teak stands, the wood of which was salvaged from old ships. The telegraphs measures 7 ½ inches in diameter across the dials and stand 13 ½ inches tall overall. Both presentations measure 16 inches tall by 9 inches wide and 8 inches deep each. Outstanding, untouched original condition, exhibiting a fine statuary bronze age patina with no corrosion or verdigris. A really extraordinary pair which would make super focal pieces for den, bar or ship’s lounge.

Our research indicates the existence of an “M.H. Company” (Marine Hardware) located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin circa 1900.

Originally these telegraphs were designed to be mounted on the overhead of the vessel’s engineroom in an inverted position. For purposes of display they are now mounted with their “heads up.”

If desired these telegraphs can be made into matching end table lamps.


BACKS	DIAL DETAIL	SIDES

6.01 MINIATURE PORTHOLE. Genuine all brass porthole from a yacht or small commercial vessel. This fine rectangular example is in an unusually diminutive size having a hinged glass cover secured with two pivoting circular “dogs.” A very heavy brass frame encircles the port glass and closes on the original rubber seal with a knife edge to ensure a watertight fit. 15 by 8 ½ inches and 1 3/4 inches thick exclusive of the dogs. Excellent cosmetic condition with a bright, highly polished and lacquered surface. The porthole opens, closes and secures down tight properly. 195


BACK	OPEN

6.94 HUGE SHIP's PORTHOLE. The largest circular opening port ever made! This monster comes from a World War II vintage or earlier American T-2 tanker. It is made of solid cast bronze with brass fittings and weighs a tremendous 110 pounds! The 4 closures or "dogs" connect to pivoting studs on the main frame and tighten down on corresponding notches in the port. The massive port glass is 1 inch thick and 24 inches in diameter. The port is supported on a heavy bronze hinge with stainless steel pin. On the opposite side is a hook for securing it when open. To insure watertight integrity the port has a machined "knife edge" which seats on a large rubber "O" ring (still present) in the flange. The flange measures 30 inches in diameter, is 1 inch thick overall and has 20 concentric holes 9/16 inch wide four mounting. Excellent polished condition. There are a few small occlusions in the glass, mainly from the manufacturing process.


PERSPECTIVE	DOG

6.74 ENGINE ORDER TELEGRAPH. Especially handsome heavy solid brass and bronze ship's pilot house engine order telegraph from an American Naval vessel. This authentic E.O.T. is marked "Teleflex, Philadelphia" at the bottom of each of its composition dials and is stamped in tiny letters on one side of the head "MADE IN CANADA." The dials are each marked "AHEAD" and "BACK." The the forward speeds include the "FLANK" designation, used only on military vessels. The twin solid brass handles operate smoothly in the forward and astern directions and ring the internal bell properly, signaling each speed change. The dials measure 10 1/2 inches across. The telegraph itself stands 45 inches tall (49 inches to the handles) and measures 11 inches in diameter at the base. It is mounted to a lovely old solid walnut base measuring 14 inches across, affixed with realistic heavy brass acorn nuts! This impressive ship's relic is in outstanding condition. All surfaces are in a bright polish with a lacquered, protective finish. One of the dials does show some minor spotting, likely due to polishing by an overly zealous sailor. This is certainly one of the most handsome ship's telegraph we have ever had the pleasure of offering.


HEAD	DIAL	SIDE	REVERSE

6.92 VENTILATORS. Scarce, matching pair of solid cast bronze ship's ventilators known as "scoop vents." These lovely, heavy duty vents are mounted to their threaded brass deck flanges allowing them to rotate in any direction. They each measure 10 inches high with a flange diameter of 5 3/4 inches. The openings measure 5 1/4 by 7 inches. Perfect original condition with a high polish and enameled interiors. These would make great authentic nautical bookends! 495/pr


OPENINGS	FLANGES

6.83 STEAM WHISTLE. Good, late 19th century American steam whistle of the type and size used aboard tug boats and steam locomotives of the era. This handsome solid brass example with decorative acorn finial is signed "LUNKENHEIMER" on the valve assembly. It is complete with its valve actuator lever and is mounted to a flange atop a base of solid teak wood. As shown this presentation stands 7 inches wide by 16 1/2 inches high. The whistle itself measures 14 1/2 inches tall with a throat diameter of just under 4 inches. Untouched original condition showing age and use, with a very deep bronze age patina to all surfaces. 595

DETAIL