It was 1991, an a company named Harbour Lights entered the Lighthouse LE market.
Now it's October 2002, and I'm wondering what's your favorite of the original 17? Do you own it, want it? When did you get it? How much did you pay for it?
I thought this would be easy but I'm considering my choice now?
Original 17

Bob

I only own one of the original seventeen - Sandy Hook, NJ. I paid list price back in 1993 for it.

I only have the Ft. Niagara which I won in a raffle from the Great Lakes Harbour Lights club.

But I'd like to have the Castle Hill.

shirin

My favorite of the Original 17 is Sandy Hook, NJ

I do not own it, but I will buy it one of these days. I do have the GLOW version.

The only one of the Original 17 I do own is Cape Blanco,OR. I purchased it 2 years ago after visiting the real one. I purchased it through the Retired @ Retail program and paid retail for it.

Dennis

I own 16 of the original 17. I think the one I enjoyed buying out of all of them was HL 102 (revised). I found it at the Marketplace here at the CF. The best part was the seller only lived about 30 or so miles from me. This afforded me the opportunity to look it over before paying for it. No danger of damage in shipment that way.

HL 102 is a very impressive piece.

Bob

Undoubtably my favorite is Coquille River. I traded 12 lighthouses for it(including a Big Bay) back in 1997. I was smileling all the way to North Carolina to pick it up. It travelled back to Florida 1st class in the front seat right between my wife and me. I even had a seat belt on it.

Rich

My favorite would have to be Castle Hill, Rhode Island. Wasn't an easy choice to make, but that would be it.

Bert

Fort Niagara is my choice of the 17.

BTW...I think it's time for a GLOW of Castle Hill and Admiralty Head. Castle Hill especially, because it's such an unusual design.

Tough choice... I'm tempted to say North Head because it is sooo wrong, but in honor of Bob Younger I too will pick Niagra.

And wouldn't it be surperly nice if HL did not despoil these by making more Glows. :-)

T

Putting aside the mystique of some of these -- Coquille, Burrows, CH1 / CH2 -- my favorite is Old Point Loma.

My favorite is probably Sandy Hook. I own Ft. Niagara and hope to get West Quoddy and Sandy Hook sometime soon.

I also have 16 of the 17 original. While I was at the 1997 HL Reunion in San Diego, I was able to trade one of my New Point Loma's for Cape Hatteras 102R and Admiralty Head 101. My cost for the 2 was the $70 I paid for NPL.

With that being said, my favorite is Cape Hatteras 102R. I love the hefty size and tall tower. My out of pocket price was $35.

I don't have any but I do like Old Point Loma!

I only have 2(so far), Sand Island and Fort Niagara.

Ft. Niagara is my favorite for several reasons:
- I finally got a chance to visit it this summer
- It has very good detail for an early piece
- AND it was the last piece I needed to complete my collection of ALL the Great Lakes LE's

Tops on my wish list now is a Cape Hatteras revised.

Roger

I have HLs 106,107,109,114,115.
One of these days I hope to have a Cape Hatteras.

Originial 17, what's that? I can't remember back that far..... hee hee

Actually, my favorite lighthouses from the O'17 are West Quoddy, ME (HL#103) and Great Captain Island, CT (HL#114). Don't own Great Capt. yet but someday it will sit next to my glistening red and white strip West Quoddy Head.

Just purchased a brand new never been out the box, West Quoddy, a few months ago for a mere $76.00 Not bad for 11years, only $16 more than the SRP!

We have St. Georges Reef and Umpqua River, paid retail or less a year or so back. Hard to pick a favorite, I'd like Old Point Loma, but I do like St. Georges.

Sandy Hook is my favorite.
Have all three production variations.
1.California
2.Canadian
3.Mylasian
It is awesome to see the paint variations between the three of them.

102R is a favorite of mine and one day I hope to get the 102 original
Rick

I myself, still like the originals the best. To see where HL has gone in terms of detail and quality is so very impressive. However, the originals have that certain crudeness, the cottage industry look that I still find very appealing. My favorite out of the 17 has to be the original Cape Hatteras "white tip" and is probably still my favorite considering every pc. made to date.

Interesting observation Mike! I too continue finding appeal in the early models. Can we assume you answer in the affirmative to The Question Posed Here ?

T

My favorite lighthouse of the first 17 produced.... has to be my only California made HL lighthouse that I own... a HL103 West Quoddy

Until I acquired it my favorite was probably my HL107 Umpqua River with lighting rod, since when I acquired it, I completed getting all of the lighthouses that Harbour Lights made with a lighting rod version..

I'm in total agreement with Tim. Although I marvel at the detail of the newer releases, I just love the looks of the older pieces. I own ten (10) of the original seventeen (17). Nine of them are Canadian .... none Californian.

Of the ten, my favorite is HL115 St. George's Reef. I love the coloration and the unique look of the tower.

My favorite is Coquille River. Every morning when I awake and look over at the display case in my bedroom where I see three of them in the morning sunlight.... I know I'm still asleep and dreaming!

My favorite without doubt is Sandy Hook, NJ, but Cape Hatteras 102R is a close second.

Barb

This turned out to be a tougher decision than I thought. I had to look over my pieces closely and reaffirmed my thoughts that each seem to have their own specialness. Upon further reflections (and a couple of glasses of wine) I came up with the following choice(s):

My favorite of the original 17 is Cape Blanco, because I think it depects the lighthouse, and it setting the best of the first 17 that I have visited. Also it doesn't hurt to remind myself that it is an unnumbered artist proof, it is signed, and that I paid 20% below list for it.

However, if I was to vote on the one that I think is the best done overall, I would have to say it would be St. Georges Reef. I just like the paint scheme, the detail, and the overall look of the piece.

I am still looking at upgrading some of the pieces that I own, but I really like all of the original 17 just as much as the newer pieces with all their improvements. I think they have their own appeal that lets me enjoy them as much as any of the other pieces I have.

I really appreciate topics like this one that make me go back to my collection and look at pieces, or groupings, and ponder on why I collect HL's. Thanks.

I agree with you on this part Dick. I went back to my early ones when I read this post and found that all of my early ones were made in Malaysia. It had been a while since I had picked any of them up and enjoyed checking them over again. Now I Look at them more often and am enjoying them all over and over again.

Bert

I own 5 of the 17, and I think I'll cheer for the underdog. My personal favorite is Burrows Island, with Admiralty Head a very close second. I do not own an Admiralty, however I do own a Burrows. I dont know what the attraction is, but its there!

Well, I actually own HL101, HL103, HL105 and HL117. I had HL104 but sold it. I think my favorites are 103 and 104. I enjoy the color of 103 and I just thought 104 was a great piece.

I really like St. George's Reef. I remember how excited I was when I saw it and how unique I thought it looked. Yaquina Head is a very close second.

I have 4 of the origional 17...and of the 4, my two favorites are my CH102 and #118 (Old Mackinac Point, MI) Both were purchased in January, 1992.

Unfortunetly I don't own any of the Original 17 - at least not YET. But out of the originals that I have had the pleasure of viewing, I would say that 113 (Fort Niagara, NY) is my favorite. It's also one that I hope to get to in the next year or so.

My particular favorite is St. George's Reef. I have one signed. Something about the name that I just happen to like. LOL

LOL - I guess we can take a guess at that one George. I figure that I would like just about any lighthouse that had Bonnie in it, no matter how tacky it looked. Of course I assure you, it wouldn't have the word Saint in front of it. LOL :p

Most definitly the funnest to collect are the early pieces. I have 16 out of 17, 11 have lightning rods, 5 are made in Canada, and all are signed. Hatteras(r) and St.George are my favorate.
As mentioned earlier, the latest pieces are more colorful and detailed, but everything before HL125 are definitly more charming and funner to collect. Actually everything before HL145 are the greatest.

I totally agree.
They are the "true collectables".

I have Cape Hateras (102R), Sandy Hook, Umpqua River and Boston Harbor. I grew up near (and still visit often) Sandy Hook and went to college in Boston. So it's a toss between Snady Hook and Boston Harbor. If I could only have one....Sandy Hook wins.

Bill

I have Sandy Hook, Castle Hill, and Boston Harbor. I had West Quoddy and Yaquina Head, but sold them. Considering all 17, I'd have to say that Castle Hill is my favortie. It's funny, I've never even visited it or anything: just something about its coloration and adjacent rocky coast that I find charming.

If you ever get the chance to see Castle Hill in person, you will know why you like it. It's a wonderful light to visit and in a very scenic (ocean) area. I'm with you, it's my favorite of the original 17.

Bert

I feel fortunate to own seven of the seventeen.

I will pick Yaquina Head as my favorite. It was hard to choose. I also like Boston Harbor. I would love to own Admiralty Head and Burrows Island.

I found this extremely funny while searching for information on Burrows. Check out who started the topic? Since the Reunion I have renewed interest in this topic.
Bob

I like Niagara, but have not seen it, yet.

I have 9 of the original 17. All purchased on e-bay EXCEPT West Quoddy which was in effect given to me by a little grandma type lady who was a volunteer at the light on my very 1st trip there.
For some reason we began talking about Harbour Lights and how I did not have any of the 17. She excused herself, came back a few minutes later and presented me w/what she called "her extra".
I was stunned but verRRRRRRRRRRRRRRy appreciative. She would take no money. I had no clue as to its worth but made a generous donation to the Friends of West Quoddy Head!!
Needless to say it's my favorite!!
Rick

Bob,,

This was a great topic back in "02" and it's still a great topic. Thanks for starting it and bringing it back up. Seems like it will generate interest in the original 17 all over again.

Bert

The "fabled" of the original 17 are the CH101 and 101R, the Coquille, etc. But, looking at (Paul's?) pictures on the HL site, I'm finding that these aren't neccessarily my favourites.

I love, and always have loved, Castle Hill. Even though its shape reminds me of a teapot or beehive, it has something endearing about it....what I call, the "Cute Factor." The granite shelf behind it looks great, too.

St. Georges Reef is incredibly detailed for 1991. With the exception of the early-style lantern, it could almost be mistaken for a later piece. Not current, but later.

Burrows Island pulls towards me for the same reason as Castle Hill - the Cute Factor. The state variation aside (which puts it in that "fabled" category), I think it's a great piece.

Those three would have to be my favourites. Of course, I can't even really afford a new, regular HL, forget about an Original 17. But I agree with the opinions expressed by many here...though they might not be even a quarter as detailed as the current lights, there's something about them that tugs at your heartstrings. They're kind of like dogs....the purebred showdogs are wonderful to look at, but the messy little mutts are the ones that are more lovable.

Rick, what a great story. That's almost unheard or these days.

I only own three, Old Point Loma, Sand Island and Ft. Niagara. Of the ones I own, Old Point Loma is my favorite. Of the ones I don't, man, that's a tough one. Maybe 102R or West Quoddy.

I too have a place in my hearts for the old ones, like the original 17, the Great Lakes series etc. The detail is certainly not like today, but there's something to be said for the "simple elegance" of the early pieces.

Mike

I have all the east coast ones. I remember how excited I was when my first arrived, Fort Niagara with a lightning rod, and a white box!
Bob

Coquille River, OR and Burrows Island, WA

This is my first post, so please bear with me. I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase a complete set of the original 17, all with the flag number 103. All of them are either California molds or California molds that were finished in Canada. I am so partial to the original 17, I would have to say that my favorite is not a particular lighthouse, but rather a favorite mold, the California mold. The lighthouses are so different, with their irregular windows and old, almost moldy, look. If I did have to pick a favorite, though, it would have to be the first mold Cape Hatteras. This would be followed by HL103 West Quoddy Head, ME, with its maroon striped tower instead of orange used in the other molds. Quite striking. These are the two that really hit me when I opened the boxes for the first time.

Hi Scott,...It sounds like you have some of the finest HL's ever made. You are one very lucky collector. Congratulations, and welcome to the Collector Forums!

Bob

Wow! Very interesting post Scott! Enjoy your "17", what a find! Any chances of posting some pictures of CH1 & West Quoddy for us to see?
Bob

I own 11 of the first 17 (thanks ebay and BobM). My favorite would have to be a tie between St. Georges Reef and Castle Hill.

Cathy

Either of the two Cape Hatteras, HL 102s I own.

Sandy

Scott
Very impressive
I have to agree with you that when it comes to the original 17 the most interesting and my favorite also would be the California made.
You have a very interesting number.
Do you realize that the number 103 was the number used on many of the early Harbour lights to represent an Artist Proof for that series? I know for sure that some of the Southern Bells used the number 103 for an Artist Proof. Two that I have logged are Key West and Ocracoke. I also remember a 103AP I believe was for an Old Point Loma.
Does any of your 103s has an AP after it or written on the felt?

Great find, Scott. I presume you bought those from a dealer back in 1991?

And Daniel, I was not aware of that AP thing.

Because of the redesign of the website a few months back, Bob's original link that started this thread has changed.

To see the original 17, click this link:

http://harbourlightsarchives.com/catalog/1991/index.htm

John
Dig into the Rutherford books.
I am going by memory but Jim did mention the 103 sometimes being a number for a Artist Proof.
I have seen the 103AP on ebay three times.
Also I think Jim said that some special numbers were made for friends of the family. My guess is that this full set was made for a friend of Youngers. I will have to go throught the RJ books again and double check this.

Okay
I am right.
On page 74 of the 1997 Survival Guide.
Jim states that every serial number 103 was part of an artist proof, intended for a single collector. Some of these have “AP” after the piece’s serial number.

What Scott has is a priceless collection of Artist Proofs that was intended for one collector. This would have to be the most valuable collection of the first 17 known.

Scott did you know What you purchased or is this a surprise to you?

I purchased my set of the original 17 with the flag number 103 in April of this year from a private collector. The seller lives 20 miles from me, so I was able to see the collection before I purchased it. I will see if my wife can send pictures of CH1 and West Quoddy for you, Bob, and any other lighthouse lovers that might be interested.

I was not aware of the number 103 being used for artist proofs. I just read the post about the 1997 Survival Guide saying flag 103 was part of an artist proof and meant for one collector. I don't remember seeing AP anywhere on the lighthouse, and I'm sure something like that would stick out. I am probably the lighthouse lover with one of the largest Harbour Lights collections that knows virtually nothing about lighthouses and has never seen one in person. I am disabled, and it is very hard for me to go places. I do hope to see some of the local ones soon, such as Point Fermin and New and Old Point Loma. Also, if they ever have a reunion somewhere on the west coast, I will try to attend it. I really wanted to go the this last one, but I couldn't handle the trip.

A question. Many of the stickers on the bottom of the earlier lighthouses have come off. Should I try gluing them back on, which I think would be a mistake, or should I contact Harbour Lights and get new ones, or lastly, should I just keep the sticker in the box and do nothing? I have quite a few with this problem and would appreciate some feedback. Thanks in advance.

Scott

Thanks for information on how you came by this special collection.

Others may have a different opinion, but I would advise: Don't try to put the stickers back on - it's very common that they do not adhere well to the felt or the flocking used in later pieces made in Canada.

You can get replacements from HL, but I think the original stickers are more valuable - no matter what the condition.

Since you live in California, what do you do with your collection? Is it displayed? What earthquake precautions do you take?

Next time a group of Wackos will be gathering in your area, we'll certainly work to include you.

Scott
Any pictures would be appreciated.
I would not put on new stickers.
I have been told that there are differences in the old ones compared to the new ones. The best probably would be to just keep the stickers in the box. If you were to glue them on I would use a glue stick.

Scott,
in my opinion you should visit Vincente, I believe Vincente is opened one Saturday a month. It is a beautiful lighthouse. The glass on the land site is colored. If you go to the park next door we can get a great picture of the lighthouse as well as the cliff. It is not that far from Point Fermin.
Congrats on your special collecion of Harbour Lights.

Thanks, Eric, I will have to look up where Vincente is located and when they are open and possibly make that the first lighthouse I finally get to see. It sounds like a good one to start with.

In response to the statement about the original 17, the seller told me that when he purchased the set back in 1991, he was told that he had to purchase all of them or none of them. He didn't say why, but he made that statement to me. Even though he is friends with the Youngers, I don't think he knew anything about 103 being the artist proof number. I'm sure he would have mentioned it, plus asked much more for the collection than he did.

I realize I am playing with fire, but I have not earthquake-proofed my collection on display and have not insured it. I did copy down the number of the company that insures collections and plan to call in the near future, plus I will call my present carrier to see if they insure. I don't want to add up what I have spent on my collection because I don't want my wife to see such a number. I must admit this Collectors Forum has made me look more closely at my collection and appreciate what I have.

Scott

I've been trying to explain that to fellow collectors for years, Scott.LOL :rolleyes: That's the first question they ask you, "How many do you have?" They have an idea but no idea if you know what I mean!
Collectors insurance has ranges and is fairly cheap so it shouldn't cause a flag to go up. And you made many good selections that have appreciated.
Bob

Web Shots

Please click on the webshots link above to hopefully see pictures of both HL102 Cape Hatteras and HL103 West Quoddy Head. NOtice the pink on the windows and doors of West Quoddy plus the brown roof on the lantern room. The best part would be the maroon striped tower. Cape Hatteras speaks for itself. Enjoy.

Scott

Scott - that website is full of spyware. Sorry. And the link did not work to your photos. We have a free space here where you can upload images for display in the CF.

www.lighthousekeepers.com/uploads/how_to_upload.htm

Scott
Insurance is pretty cheap.
$100 a year for $20,000.
I hate to lay this on you but you probably have the rarest collection of the first 17 known to the Harbour Light collecting world. I doubt that anyone has matching numbers for the first 17. In the early years there was no consistency with what dealers got what number. It was probably around 95 or 96 when the low numbers started to become regulated. Even then some scattered numbers would show up.

At the least you should have them insured. Probably the best would have them boxed and the standard Malaysian set displayed instead of them. But A lot of collectors would disagree with me. Many feel, why have them if you cant see them. I am glad you didn’t put the quake clay under them. It damages their felt. Maybe there is something else out their for earthquake proofing that won't damge your lighthouses. But I havn't heard of it.

Daniel-

I hate to burst your bubble, but I know another person who not only has flag number 105 for the original 17 but flag number 105 for everything put out by Harbour Lights since their inception. The lady at my local Harbour Lights dealer has such a collection and is the person who introduced me to the collector who sold me the original 17 mentioned here. They are both friends of the Youngers, but the one who sold me his collection only had the 17 lighthouses.

My wife has been trying to post pictures of HL102 Cape Hatteras and HL103 West Quoddy Head. She thinks she can now send two pictures on each post, so if that is true, I will try to send a number of pictures to show the true beauty of each. Wish me luck.

Scott

When my wife tries to resize the pictures down small enough to post on this site, it distorts them so much I would hate for anyone to see such beautiful lighthouses that way. If anyone can help me find a way to overcome this problem, please let me know. Thank you.

Scott

Scott,

What size is she trying to resize to? I usually try to get them down to about 500 or 600 on the widest width and they usually come out OK.

Bert

Bert-

When my wife had finished changing it from 800 pixels to 600 pixels wide, the picture became so distorted, the stripes on the lighthouse tower looked more like squiggly lines. Are we doing something wrong?

Scott

What program are you using to resize? Most photo editing programs allow you to resize in only one dimension or they link the resizing of one direction to a proportional resizing in the other.

I suspect that if you are getting this distortion, the relationship (height to width) is allowing distortion in one direction only. Look for a checkbox that indicates you want to make the picture proportional (to it's original height x width as you indicate the change in size to just one of those dimensions.

This thread has gone way over the limit. It is continued here .