213 AMERICAN SHOAL, FL, HL 229, #478 (low number) of 6,500 issued 01/1999, retired 01/2000, made in China, box (#6), Certificate of Authenticity, tent card

In 1989, to honor the bicentennial of the Lighthouse Establishment, the US Poster Service issued 5 commemorative postage stamps. Two years later, Harbour Lights introduced their own series and American Shoal represents the final stamp. A limited number of the original postage stamps were included with the initial sculptures shipped to stores. Although the stamp is titled “American Shoals,” the correct spelling is without the “s.” (See special note below.)

In 1744, Captain Ashby Utting, Commander of the British Frigate HMS Loo, ran aground on a deadly reef off the Florida Keys while escorting a ship liberated from Spanish privateers. Unpredictable currents drove the ships off course and both vessels were completely destroyed. Sometime later, the small island reef was named Loo Key (or “Looe” on contemporary charts) in honor of the ill-fated Frigate.

In 1874, the Lighthouse Board went before Congress requesting funds for a lighthouse at Loo Key. Inexplicably, the request was turned down. A year later the Board recommended American Shoal, a shallow killer reef not far from Loo Key, as a more desirable location. The request was again denied. Finally, in 1878, funds were appropriated for an offshore skeletal light station.

Thirteen months later, a Trenton, New Jersey foundry shipped a prefabricated iron tower to Loo Key. The screwpile structure was then reassembled on American Shoal, atop a massive underwater platform. An additional $50,000 was eventually appropriated before the project could be completed. Rising 109' into the air, the sentinel’s crown jewel was a massive, 1st-Order bivalve Fresnel lens. On July 15, 1880, Keeper William Bates lighted the flashing beacon for the first time. Nearly identical in design to the light at Fowey Rocks, it was the final iron-pile light to be erected on the reefs off the Florida Keys.

For more than a century, American Shoal Light has withstood the terrible hurricanes that pound this region. In 1963, the beacon was automated. The classic lens has been replaced by a modern, solar-powered optic. During the Mariel Boat Lift in 1980, the station was temporarily re-manned. Today, this handsome sentinel remains one of the most important navigational aids in the Florida Keys.

SPECIAL NOTE: A Coast Guard cutter is shown passing near the lighthouse in water that would be too shallow for such a vessel. Additionally, as of 2003, the lighthouse was painted a solid red–an abrupt change from its historical coloring of reddish-brown with the central column containing the spiral staircase painted a contrasting white.

MEASUREMENTS: L = 7¾” x W = 4½” x H = 7”

CONDITION: Very good. Displayed for a short time in glass-enclosed curio cabinet.

Each piece will be double boxed and packed for a 30' drop should that occur in handling. Shipper only insures first $50 valuation at no additional cost. PLEASE NOTE:  I will only refund this amount ($50) if damage occurs unless buyer has purchased additional insurance. If buyer wishes additional insurance, the cost associated with additional insurance will be calculated and buyer will pay additional cost. 

If damaged in shipping, buyer must save damaged carton to show shipper’s rep condition of boxes.

NOTE: for the most part, I only collected full size Harbour Lights. GLOWS and Little Lights of Mine will be clearly identified as such should I find I have any.