2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
Log books of the square rigged American sailing ship, "THE BARQUE EDWARD COHEN"(!!) Two neatly kept original log books for the American merchant sailing vessel bearing that unmistakably Jewish name. Encompasses the periods December 12, 1853 (while discharging and loading cargo at New York Harbor) through to December 7, 1857 in the Harbor of Gibraltar, where it made port after springing a leak on its voyage back from Italy…and was subsequently condemned and taken out of service. Each log 10 x 15; each approx. 150 pages; both completely filled-out in the neat hands of various captains of the vessel for numerous voyages from America to various ports in Europe and West Indies. Headings of each page are boldly penned: "LOG OF THE BARQUE EDWARD COHEN ON A VOYAGE FROM [name of port; most of them in U.S. from where they started towards… their destination]" along with captain's name then commanding the vessel. Each day of the voyage recorded individually and hourly…with various headings / compass readings / weather conditions and wide column for remarks of anything usual or unusual that may have happened that day. First voyage sails from New York Dec., 1853 to Antwerp, Belgium; other roundtrips to England, Cuba and various ports; back to Newport and again to Havanna; then on to Leghorn, Italy where it took on large cargo of marble, then sailing toward to Philadelphia. On the way they hit heavy seas and sprung serious leaks, taking on much water, the pumps working overtime. Made it to Gibraltar and that's where the EDWARD COHEN was "done in." Includes many interesting entries, including the rescue of men from the vessel "GREAT REPUBLIC" which was found burning and "…totally destroyed." Among the usual remarks of shipboard activities are mentions such as mate found sleeping on watch; disciplining sailors for infractions; cook taking unauthorized liberty and returning three successive days drunk. All entries very readable (just a few for one voyage are light and fading otherwise all exc+). Both logs have their original marbled board covers (weak but intact) with quarter leather binding (showing wear outside). ACCOMPANIED WITH research performed with a famous Massachusetts nautical museum in early 1970's with background on the BARK EDWARD COHEN: built Plymouth, Mass. in 1849; names some of its early captains and owners (none recognizably Jewish names) and fact that vessel: "condemned at Gibraltar." Undoubtedly further research will uncover the reason for this vessel's fascinating name and its association with its namesake ! A unique item of American Judaica !
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