1799. Lot of various lengths of gold “olive
blossom” chain, total of 28.5 inches. 39.0 grams total. This type of chain, with hundreds of
tiny (1/8”) box-shaped links, each with six-petalled flowers on two sides, is also sometimes referred to as the “dragon whistle chain,” for a significant length of accompanied the famous “dragon whistle” (captain-general’s badge of office) found on the beach by Kip Wagner and Rex Stocker in 1962 (see next two lots), this lot consisting of two long strands (18” and 9-1/4”) and one very short piece (1”), all undamaged, that can be professionally linked to make into a wearable, elegant necklace. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000.
1800. Small piece (7”) of gold “olive blossom” chain. 9.3 grams. Approx. 124 tiny (1/8”), box-shaped
links with six-petalled flowers on two sides, a design also known as “dragon whistle chain” (see previous and following lots), an ideal length for making into a bracelet or combining with the previous lot to make an extra-long chain, a few links slightly bent but well-preserved overall. From the Corrigans site, with Fisher photo-certificate #38157. Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
1801. Cast gold replica of the famous “dragon whistle”
(captain-general’s badge of office). 23.2 grams. In 1962 Rex Stocker and Kip Wagner of the Real Eight Co. found a dragon-shaped gold object with an 11-foot gold chain attached on the beach opposite the “Cabin wreck” site just south of Sebastian, and this strange and beautiful object turned out to be Fleet Captain-General Ubilla’s badge of office, functional as a whistle and toothpick and earspoon all in one. It was a fabulous piece that sold at auction in 1967 (lot 21 of the “Treasure of the Spanish Main” auction of February 4, 1967, by Parke-Bernet in New York City) for $50,000, a veritable fortune at the time. This same piece was offered again in 1993 (by Sotheby’s of New York) and recently sold in a private transaction for six figures. Over the years we have seen a few cast replicas of the whistle, like this one, a perfect reproduction in solid gold (with jump-ring at top), distinguishable from the original by the fact that it is not hollow (and therefore not functional as a whistle). Normally we do not offer reproductions, but this one was not mass-produced, and when combined with the previous two lots gives the high bidder the opportunity to re-create the famous piece in a long, wearable necklace (a conversation-starter of epic proportion!). Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
1802. Small but elegant ladies’ gold ring, heart-in-hands design, size 3-1/2. 2.9 grams.
1804. Lot of 3 natural emeralds
of 4, 3 and 2.5 carats each. Approx. 5mm to 12mm each. All three with faint
Plain on bottom but with neat design on top half showing two hands with distinct fingers holding a protruding “ex voto”-style heart in center, typically made for a very small finger in what appears to be high-karat gold, undamaged and wearable. From the Corrigans site (beach find). Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
1803. Ornate men’s gold ring, low-grade gold, size 6-1/2. 3.1
grams. Brassy color from low purity but very thick and intact, its design consisting of alternating flat ovals and protruding lozenges (four of each), similar to many found on the Fleet but apparently NOT from the Nieves (“Colored Beach wreck”) that was famous for them. From the Corrigans site, with Fisher photo-certificate #9278. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
green color peeking through a frosty veneer of encrustation, rather worn from the reefs but decent in size. (Note: image enlarged for details.) With certificates. Estimate: $200-$300.
1805. Base-metal ring (ladies’) with non-precious stone, size 4. 1.2 grams.
Intact but somewhat discolored and lightly encrusted wire ring with (now) colorless square stone on top, possibly restorable for wearing but neat as a genuine artifact anyway. From the “Cannon Pile wreck” site, with Sedwick certificate from 2001. Estimate: $150-$225.
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