To answer your question about the lens from Cape Fear. An antiques dealer in Wilmington bought the lens and sold pieces of it for years. 2 of the flash panels are on display in the Bald Head Lighthouse keepers quarters. The Fall of 05 OBLHS newsletter had an article on one lady returning a prism she purchased back in the 60s. Look for the story on page 8 of this link. Actually now that I've looked back at that issue there is also an article on the history of Cape Fear light.

http://www.outerbankslighthousesociety.org/Documents/oblhs-fall-newsletter-05.pdf