This is an extremely rare all original United States Life Saving Service
beach flare, circa 1870-1900. These were used to set up rescue
equipment such as the breeches buoy and the life car, they were also
used to mark the position from where the boat was launched on shore and
possibly for boarding vessels as well. Seldom are these found with this
many original parts, when found at all. The lifesaving stations were
often integrated into the sites of US Lighthouse Establishment/ Service
installations and may be of interest to lighthouse artifact collectors
as well. Pieces identical to this are featured in displays in museums
across the country, including two examples at the Michigan Maritime
Museum in South Haven, MI and one at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum's
US Weather Bureau Building exhibit in Sault St. Marie, MI. Fewer
examples of this type of lantern can be found compared to most other
pre-USCG artifacts from the USLSS, USLHS, USLHE, or the USRCS. This is a
very rare and historically significant item.