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ARTIFACTS (MOSTLY FROM SHIPWRECKS) |
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Please note that each of the following items is subject to a $5 per
lot surcharge (to make up for extra packaging and handling). Also
please note that some of these items (as noted) are heavy and/or
cannot be shipped via normal methods (pickup in person is
recommended), and that shipping is solely at the buyer’s expense. |
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370 |
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Original 16th-century iron treasure chest.
This type of chest is popularly known as an "armada chest," which is
misleading because these chests were generally too heavy and
cumbersome to take aboard ships (but read on…). More appropriately
these chests are also referred to as "Nuremburg chests" for the fact
that they were manufactured in Germany in the late 1500s and early
1600s. Somehow the chests became associated with Spain more than
anywhere else, probably because Spain (which called a chest like
this an "arcón") was the conduit for many thousands of chestfuls of
treasure in the 16th and 17th centuries, giving rise to the
Victorian notion that these chests were brought over on the Spanish
Armada of 1588. This specific chest, in fact, was carried to
America long ago by Irish immigrants who believed it had come to
their family from an Armada shipwreck off the Irish shore. While I
cannot prove or disprove this provenance, it seems far more likely
that the chest was simply purchased in the 1500s and used to hold
treasure in a castle or manor house in Ireland or England. The
condition of the chest, in any case, is incredible: fully
operational locking mechanism consisting of 12 deadbolt "dogs"
thrown by one key in the top as well as a simpler lock in the top of
an interior compartment on the left side (both keys present), false
lock in front, swinging bar inside to hold the lid up, rounded
handles at each end and two loops in front latched to the top for
securing a bar, faded and dusty exterior (straps and rivets design)
with what looks like the original olive-green paint on the outside,
red on the inside, rusty along the bottom 2" or so but otherwise
very solid and heavy (over 200 pounds?), about 30" x 18" x 18". The
previous owners cleverly crafted a glass top with a hole for the key
so that the chest may be used as a coffee table—and what a
conversation piece! Also accompanying the chest (along with some
other research materials) is a slightly tattered copy of the
December, 1928, issue of International Studio magazine, containing
an article that pictures a nearly identical chest with the caption
of "Spanish Sea-Chest." (Too heavy and bulky for normal shipping
methods.) |
$15,000-$20,000 |
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371 |
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Stoneware jug (ca. 1620) from the Solent (south of England).
This cute, brown jug measures about 11" tall and about 7" at its
widest diameter, and is of the design of the well-known and popular
"bellarmine" type, but without the grotesque face on the neck. The
lip and handle are intact and the sides are all there, but a close
examination will reveal that a lateral portion was repaired in its
own time, the crack finely separated but encrusted over (hence could
not have been done after salvage). The underlying brown color is
nicely contrasted with a light film of barnacle "footprints" (as
well as some remaining barnacles). |
$500-$750 |
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372 |
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Ornate silver incense bowl from the Atocha (1622).
This attractive artifact is of moderate size (about 2¼" in diameter
across the top and 1¾" tall, in the form of a wide, decorated bowl
atop a narrow pedestal), but is very ornate, well preserved, solid
and heavy. Undoubtedly it was part of the significant Church cargo
on board the Atocha, whose artifacts of this caliber are quite
elusive and highly coveted. Accompanying the bowl is a small (1" x
½") tubular piece that was once attached inside the bowl for
securing the incense.
With
full-color Fisher hologram photo-certificate #1368 from 2002, as
well as a brief archeological analysis (in color) of tableware such
as this item from the
Atocha. |
$6,000-$7,000 |
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373 |
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Gold/emerald dress-mount from the Atocha (1622).
One of the standouts in the Christie's (New York) Atocha
auction of June 14-15, 1988, was a set of 18 of these
gold-and-emerald dress mounts (spread over 12 lots), which the
Christie's cataloger felt were sewn on the dresses of nobility in
the early 17th century. Each dress-mount, like the one here, was
S-shaped and scroll-like, with traces of enamel, containing an
approximately 1-carat table-cut emerald in a box setting, about 5/8"
x ½" x ¼" overall, with a small loop on the back. Perfect condition,
the emerald quite clear and green.
With
full-color Treasure Salvors photo-certificate #147 from 1986, as
well as a 1995 appraisal from DuBose Dempsey Jewelers in Vero Beach
for $18,000. |
$5,500-$6,750 |
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374 |
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Gold/aquamarine ring from the Atocha (1622).
One tends to forget that emeralds were not the only gems found on
the Atocha, and here we have an example of an aquamarine, a
large, square stone of shimmering light-blue color, mounted in a
classical (clean and sharp), high-karat (22K?) gold ring-setting,
the stone a little chipped but the ring itself perfectly intact and
wearable, the interior diameter varying between 11/16" and ¾".
With
full-color Fisher hologram photo-certificate #62892 (undated). |
$5,000-$7,500 |
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375 |
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Raw emerald, .96 carat, from the Atocha (1622).
A beautiful, naturally hexagonal crystal, almost ¼" long, very green
and clear (not all washed out like most), potentially gem quality
for mounting.
With
full-color Fisher hologram photo-certificate #E552 from 2001. |
$500-$1,000 |
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376 |
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Iron arquebus barrel from the Atocha (1622).
Weaponry from the Atocha is very rare, and this is the first
actual rifle we have ever seen, although of course it is incomplete,
the wooden parts long since disintegrated but the long (about 46")
iron gun-barrel still more or less intact (only a small piece
missing from the muzzle) and well preserved (electrolytically
treated and sealed). The cross-section is octagonal and tapers from
about 2" to about 1" in diameter. All those lead musket-balls you
see from this wreck were meant to be shot from a rifle like this
one!
With
full-color Fisher hologram photo-certificate #51539 from 2002. |
$1,250-$1,500 |
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377 |
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Iron cannonball from the Atocha (1622).
Approximately 3¾" in diameter, 7 pounds, perfectly round and well
preserved (electrolytically treated and then sealed), black in
color.
With
full-color Fisher hologram photo-certificate #62058 from 2007 and
yellow plastic division tag. |
$500-$750 |
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378 |
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Gold flowerette from the Santa Margarita (1622).
Hemispherical (about 3/8" radius), consisting of 6 open "petals" and
a central hole, high-karat gold (22K?), simple design but sharply
executed and perfectly preserved (traces of encrustation inside),
most likely part of a rosary chain.
With
full-color Fisher hologram photo-certificate #57295 from 2001. |
$500-$750 |
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379 |
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Bronze cannonball from the Capitana (1654).
The bronze cannonballs from this shipwreck were a stunning find, for
no wreck so far had ever yielded anything but iron cannonballs.
Theories as to why far more valuable bronze was used for the
cannonballs on this ship ranged from a lack of iron foundries in
Peru to the rusting of unused iron cannonballs on the relatively
battle-free Pacific coast. Whatever their purpose, we have to
consider these bronze balls to be quite rare, with an established
market value much higher than for their iron counterparts. Also, the
bronze lasted far better under the sea, and this piece is a perfect
example: 100% solid and uncorroded (4" in diameter), just with tiny
spots of green on the dark-bronze-colored surface. Oddly, and unlike
the other bronze balls we have seen, this one shows three
unexplainable alterations (done before the wreck): a 2" long slice
into the surface (perhaps to confirm it was solid bronze?); a 1"
diameter flattened area (to keep it from rolling?); and a small
circular spot with two holes about ½" apart (for securing it to
another ball to make a chain shot?). |
$750-$1,000 |
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380 |
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Wooden "arcon" chest, ca. 1680-1700, and smaller, matching companion
chest.
Rare and substantial piece of furniture (essentially) that was the
main mode of storing and shipping valuables overseas in the late
17th century. The large chest is 44" long, 22" wide, and 25" tall,
weighs 77 pounds, and was used to store and carry a gentleman's
weapons and armor, the iron locking mechanism on the front still
operational with the original key. Of particular significance are a
set of grooves on the bottom of the chest that were used to
stabilize the chest on board a ship, as well as expert dovetailing
work for the corner joints and a series of 4 incuse chevrons
(branded on) on top that were an identifying tool in case the chest
was lost or stolen. The smaller chest measures only 14" x 7½" x 7½"
and 5½ pounds, but is a matched companion (without the chevrons and
grooves and with slightly different hinges) to the larger one in
terms of design and workmanship (obviously they have been together
since they were made), with its own fully operational lock and key,
used for storing coins and jewelry. The interiors of both chests
have a small, lidded compartment attached to the left side (like on
the "armada chest" above) for smaller items. Both chests are in
excellent condition for their age and are perfect examples of what
shipwreck chests look like before the effects of teredo worms and
rot. Note also that artifacts like this are no longer legal to take
out of Peru since its 1993 ban on the exportation of national
treasures. (Too bulky for normal shipping methods.)
Pedigreed to the estate of Raúl Sticks Barrenechea (1897-1960),
Peruvian academic, author, ambassador to Spain (1948), senator
(1956, chairman in 1957), and top delegate to the United Nations
(1959). The two chests had remained in the same family for over 200
years and were brought to the U.S. in the 1980s. |
$10,000-$12,000 |
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381 |
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Bottom half of a gold reliquary box from the 1715 Fleet.
An ornate little gem, oval in shape, about 1½" long by 1-1/8" wide
and ½" tall, with intricate scrollwork engraving around the outside
but plain on the back and inside, clearly half of a box but
archeological research shows that the intention of the box (as a
sort of locket) was to hold a religious relic (like a piece of a
saint's hair or bone, or simply a miniature painting or figurine),
and its composition of apparently high-grade gold (22K or higher,
22.6 grams) lends credence to its importance. Then again, remember
that gold and silver from the New World were heavily taxed by the
crown...UNLESS they were for the Church! For value, compare with the
very few entire gold boxes found (generally retained by the State of
Florida if found in Florida waters) that easily appraise at
$100,000! Perfect condition (no dents or bends or breaks) save for
some light red surface staining.
With
1991 photo-certificate from archeologist James J. Sinclair. |
$4,000-$5,000 |
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382 |
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Large conglomerate of bronze carpenter's chisel and other tools from
the 1715 Fleet.
A massive clump, roughly 10" x 7½" x 5" and 12 pounds, containing an
8" long round-head bronze chisel (more than half exposed and
perfectly preserved) and the remains of many other iron objects
(manifest in the form of at least 13 rusted-out holes on the sides),
possibly just spikes but also possibly tools of some sort, a very
impressive display.
From
the
Regla
site, with full-color photo-certificate from Braxx Freeman of
Treasure Stores of Key West, Inc. |
$350-$500 |
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383 |
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Lead hull-sheathing from the 1715 Fleet.
The main drawback to using wooden-hulled ships (which are rarely
seen today) is that the dreaded teredo worm can make a meal of them
in short order. To deter that from happening, the mariners of the
15th through 18th centuries would wrap their hulls in lead
sheathing, and of course when the ship sank and rotted away, the
lead would remain. This lot represents a large, rectangular section,
about 31" x 10", loaded with orange shells on one side, and with one
edge rolled into a lip. Like all lead, it is very pliable and should
be handled carefully.
With
full-color Fisher photo-certificate #44964. |
$150-$200 |
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384 |
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Lead cannon vent cover from the 1715 Fleet.
Researchers of cannons will recognize this as a device used along
with a tompion (see lot #390 below) to keep the powder dry inside
loaded and ready cannons—akin to a "cocked" gun—as they were
typically kept during a voyage through dangerous waters. It measures
about 8" x 5" x 3" and weighs about 5 pounds and was designed so
that it wrapped about ¾ around the cannon, over the touch-hole near
the cascabel, with holes in the bottom for tying it tight. It
appears to be intact, but of course like all lead artifacts it is
very pliable and prone to cracking. |
$150-$250 |
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385 |
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Gold jewelry pieces from the Guadalupe-Tolosa (1724).
This lot consists of three pieces of gold-wire jewelry parts, all
high-grade gold (22K?), and all three with a (still operational)
mechanism for opening and closing (like a keychain), as follows:
(1) plain and round, about 1" in diameter, medium gauge, 3.6 grams;
(2) round, about 5/8" in diameter, thin gauge but with thicker,
reeded design at top surmounted by a loop, 0.8 gram; and (3) long
clip, about 1-3/8", with finial-type junction at top surmounted by a
swivel loop of about ¼" diameter, 3.2 grams. |
$500-$1,000 |
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386 |
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Highly ornate gold ribbon-pin with Madonna inside oval reliquary
from the 1733 Fleet.
Basically two pieces of different-color gold, the ribbon-pin part
(at top) about 1½" x 7/8" x ¼" and with floral design on front and
pin on back, below which hangs the Madonna part, about 1" x 7/8" x
¼", with radiate figure (in prayer) inside a chamber that was once
enclosed with glass (the locking pin at bottom missing) which
probably once contained some small holy relic, surrounded by a
floral wreath around the outside (matching the pin), the whole item
completely intact and lightly dusted all over with bits of white
coral, obviously a significant religious artifact, perhaps the
property of a lofty Church dignitary aboard the 1733 fleet.
With a
Jim Sinclair photo-certificate. |
$10,000-$15,000 |
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387 |
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Brass bowl from a cocoa set, cleaned, from the 1733 Fleet.
The finds from period wrecks have shown that hot cocoa was a popular
shipboard drink in the 17th and early 18th centuries, as evidenced
by dedicated copper cocoa pitchers, brass bowls, and wooden frothers
(a mallet-like swizzle stick). This bowl and the one in the next lot
were found together in a big clump, obviously the remains of a
matched set. Each bowl measures about 7½" in diameter and 3" tall,
with two opposing pairs of holes near the top for small iron handles
(rusted away). This cleaned specimen shows an etched spiral pattern
on the outside and is in near-perfect condition (not bent or
damaged), very brassy but with tiny spots of verdigris and very
minor pitting.
From
the "Coffins Patch" site, with original (but generic) certificate
signed by the salvager (Bill Wood). |
$250-$500 |
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388 |
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Brass bowl from a cocoa set, uncleaned, from the 1733 Fleet.
Another bowl from the same set as the above (same size and shape and
spiral pattern) but uncleaned, with significant areas of white and
black encrustation both inside and out and with copper rivets where
the handle-holes are on the cleaned specimen, also in great
condition (not bent or damaged).
From
the "Coffins Patch" site, with original (but generic) certificate
signed by the salvager (Bill Wood). |
$250-$500 |
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389 |
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Iron "carronade" cannon, English, ca. 1780-90.
Very rare small-sized cannon, in perfect condition, about 31½" long,
6" in diameter at the breech, 2¼" bore, and about 125 pounds in
weight. Between the first and second reinforcement is a raised crown
marking with an"I" below it. Essentially this piece is a study in
the elements of any standard shipboard cannon (rounded cascabel with
lifting handle, cylindrical trunnions on either side, muzzle,
reinforcements, etc.) but in a relatively small, manageable size,
and of course without the tremendous rusting loss that characterizes
shipwreck cannons. The "carronade" was so named for the Carron
foundry at Falkirk, Scotland, where it was invented and first made
in 1762 and came into British service in 1779. (Too heavy and
bulky for normal shipping methods.)
From
an unidentified British naval vessel of the late 18th century. |
$3,000-$4,000 |
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390 |
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Wood tompion from the Colossus (1798).
This curious wooden plug was used (along with a lead vent cover—see
lot #384 above) to seal off a loaded cannon. This particular tompion
must have been for a gun of a rather large bore (which is where the
plug went), as it measures about 5½" in diameter (about 1¼" thick).
Most importantly, on one side it shows the markings "PR" above "32"
and "No." The unmarked side is loaded with rusty residue
(gunpowder?), while the marked side is rather clean, with some
cracks (as expected) and small piece of edge missing, but otherwise
intact. Rare to find a wooden artifact from a wreck (probably spared
by the electrolytic influence of the cannon it was in), especially
so from this wreck. |
$150-$250 |
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391 |
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Bronze "lantaka" cannon (rail gun), late 1700s-early 1800s.
As bronze cannons go, these swivel-gun "lantakas"—mostly cast in the
Netherlands for trading for spices in Indonesia, and fully
operational but also generally used as bridal dowries and other
displays of wealth (affluence through weaponry!)—are probably the
easiest cannons to come by, but this one is a beauty with a rare
crocodile motif near the touch-hole. It is also of an unusually
large size, being 75 pounds, over 47" in length, up to 5" in
diameter, but still the usual 1" bore, with typical yoke-type
swivel, flared muzzle, front and rear sights, and tubular cascabel.
The color is an even dark bronze, in perfect condition. (Too
heavy and bulky for normal shipping methods.) |
$3,750-$4,750 |
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392 |
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Bronze buckle from the Admiral Gardner (1809).
Simple artifact, but unique from this wreck, which yielded hundreds
of thousands of copper coins but practically no artifacts!
Rectangular, about 1-3/8" x 1¼" overall and the metal itself about
¼" wide, with lots of debris and encrustation still appended. |
$25-$50 |
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393 |
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Brass box (half) from the Medina (sunk 1917).
This piece was part of the "Medina Cargo," offered at auction by
Sotheby's (London) on May 26, 1988, being the 1987 recoveries from
the wreck of the Royal Mail steamer Medina, which was carrying the
personal belongings of Lord Carmichael, Governor of Bengal, India,
when it was torpedoed and sunk (with just 5 casualties) off
Plymouth, England, on April 28, 1917, during World War I. The box
measures about 5" x 3" x 1" and is of very thin and light metal, a
muted yellow in color but with staining to bespeak its 70 years in
the water, otherwise perfectly intact.
With
lot sticker from the Sotheby's auction of 1988. |
$25-$50 |
