U.S.L.S.S. Figures (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

The following miniatures are not soldiers but they were definitely Government Issue in the late 19th Century. As a New Englander and a lifelong"Maineiac" I became fascinated by a series of items issued by Harbour Lights at the beginning of the decade commemorating the men of the United States Life Saving Service which was established in 1874 to man rescue stations along the coasts of North America. Below are these figures and a model also from Harbour Lights of one of the 19th C rescue stations still open to the public in Massachusetts. For more information check this website: http://www.lifesavingservice.org/
Randy 2/16/08

Night Patrol:

 

[PolarBear]

Surfman to the Rescue (Surfman was the name given to the members of the rescue units)

 

[PolarBear]

Wigwag Signal Man:

 

[PolarBear]

Station Keeper at the Helm: (note his life vest made of cork)

 

[PolarBear]

Lighthouse Keeper of the same time period:

 

[PolarBear]

Point Allerton, Mass. Rescue Station (Note surf boat in shed and breeches buoy in front of it. The latter was a cable that was fired by a cannon-like device from the shore to the ship in trouble)

 

[PolarBear]

Breeches Buoy in action from Winslow Homer's painting (1884) The Lifeline:

 

[PolarBear]

Surfmen in action in Winslow Homer's painting The Wreck (1896) Breeches buoy is already set up on the hill:

 

[PolarBear]

Detail of figure to show quality of painting/sculpting--these are cast polystone:

 

[PolarBear]

Point Allerton Lifesaving Station today:

 

[Leadmen]

Thanks Randy for the interesting pictures and story of the surfmen. I like Americana history. John

 

[Captain]

Thanks for posting the great pics. I am a frequenter of Cape Hateras N.C.and have always enjoyed the history of the U.S.L.S.S. and the light houses. Great figures, thanks again

 

[PolarBear]

Thanks for posting the great pics. I am a frequenter of Cape Hateras N.C.and have always enjoyed the history of the U.S.L.S.S. and the light houses. Great figures, thanks again

Glad you like them. It is definitely a fascinating history to study.

Randy