Cazador, sunk in 1784 off New Orleans
1073. Side of wooden chest with 23+ coins encrusted on it (as found). 10 lb, approx. 25” x 9” x 3”. This large and fragile display is basically a thick, wooden plank, worm-eaten at one end, with heavy encrustation holding white shell bits and eight clumps of coins onto one side and probably containing pieces of iron, as it is dark orange and cracking due to expansion, with a thin layer of lacquer on the surface for stability, among the most impressive artifacts from this highly promoted wreck, very eye-catching and substantial. From the Cazador (1784). (Pickup recommended, otherwise special shipping and handling fees will apply, at buyer’s risk, and no international shipping available.) Estimate: $5,000-$7,500.
Diana, sunk in 1817 off Malaysia
1074. Intact porcelain plate with British East India Co. arms in gold. 639 grams, about 11-3/4” x 9-1/4”. This piece is rare enough as a complete, undamaged porcelain plate from a shipwreck, but what makes it really important and desirable is the completely intact company coat-of-arms in the center in gleaming gold leaf and traces of red and blue paint under the glaze, the gold paint around the rim faded and worn in comparison. From the Diana (1817), with original Christie’s (March 1993) lot-sticker #456/2. Estimate: $400-$600. 1075. Chinese blue-on-white porcelain bowl, tree and plants
motif, intact. 704 grams, 10-13/16” in diameter and 2-1/4” tall. The best aspect of this completely intact piece is its dark, vivid blue color, the design some sort of a swamp scene with one clear palm tree and what might be a large bird with five feathers and another figure with limbs next to the tree that could be a frog or human, with no chips or frits and only a couple hairline cracks near the rim that appear to be under the still-glossy glaze. From the Diana (1817), with original Christie’s (March 1993) lot-sticker #877/10. Estimate: $250-$375.
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