Lot 547
Important Sea Treasure from Latin America, 1730-1733. A Gold Reliquary Pendant. This pendant with charming hanger formed as two kissing doves; the locket substantial, with openwork frame, and domed covers engraved with floral motif (pomegranates?). Ornate locking screw finial at bottom for opening piece. In quite pristine condition. Length: 2-1/4" (18.0 g). Rare!! Charming early jewelry for the region.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
Famed 1733 Treasure Fleet; no. 1733-102. Comes with certificate.
The Nueva Espana fleet of treasure ships left Havana on its annual return voyage to Spain. Its departure date of Friday the 13th, in July of 1733, certainly lived up to the reputation in terms of bad luck for this fearful date. The fleet was made up of King's ships, merchant ships, an advice ship, plus two ships that were only going as far as St. Augustine, but sailed with the fleet for its protection. The laden vessels of course were carrying the treasures of the New World back to the seat of the Spanish Empire. Anyway, a hurricane struck fiercely next day, on the 14th, after the ships had sighted the Florida Keys. Only one ship escaped safely back to Havana. The others were scattered and wrecked among the Upper Florida Keys. The Spanish authorities salvaged a fair amount of what treasure they could over the next few years -- perhaps up to 30 percent. Then these shipwrecks were forgotten until being rediscovered in the 20th century.
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| Realized $6,038 |
