37 - An assortment of five items comprising a silver-plated chalice, a brass wax seal stamp, a marine concretion, a natural whetstone, and a decorative metal fitting. The chalice features a bell-shaped bowl on a simple turned stem with a circular, spreading foot, designed for hotel-ware use. The brass seal stamp is constructed with a tapered handle decorated with foliate scrolls in relief and a shield-shaped matrix. The columnar marine concretion consists of a core of twisted metal wire heavily encrusted with orange-hued calcified growth and oxidation. The elongated rectangular whetstone is composed of cream-beige stone with prominent natural iron oxide veining. The dark metal fitting displays a shell-shaped plate with vertical ribbing and a slender, curved C-shaped arm ending in a point. The chalice is marked on the underside Ove C.P. Bjerregaard and Frascati. Largest: 8" L x 1 1/2" W x 1/2" D. Cup: 2 3/4" H x 1 1/2" diameter.

An assortment of five items comprising a silver-plated chalice, a brass wax seal stamp, a marine concretion, a natural whetstone, and a decorative metal fitting. The chalice features a bell-shaped bowl on a simple turned stem with a circular, spreading foot, designed for hotel-ware use. The brass seal stamp is constructed with a tapered handle decorated with foliate scrolls in relief and a shield-shaped matrix. The columnar marine concretion consists of a core of twisted metal wire heavily encrusted with orange-hued calcified growth and oxidation. The elongated rectangular whetstone is composed of cream-beige stone with prominent natural iron oxide veining. The dark metal fitting displays a shell-shaped plate with vertical ribbing and a slender, curved C-shaped arm ending in a point. The chalice is marked on the underside Ove C.P. Bjerregaard and Frascati. Largest: 8" L x 1 1/2" W x 1/2" D. Cup: 2 3/4" H x 1 1/2" diameter. Many of the objects in this section came home from the Benchleys' dive trips and writing assignments around the world: Tahiti, Komodo, Kenya and South Africa among them, and above all the 1987 National Geographic expedition to Papua New Guinea that produced Peter's feature “Ghosts of War in the South Pacific.” These items were bought because they were intriguing to Peter and they lived on the shelves of his office for decades. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: The collection exhibits extensive age-related wear and environmental degradation consistent with underwater recovery. The chalice and seal stamp show a darkened, aged patina with recurring spots of verdigris. The marine concretion is fossilized with heavy calcification and severe oxidation throughout. The decorative metal fitting shows significant rust encrustation, particularly at the mounting aperture. The stone whetstone is smoothly worn at the edges and ends from environmental exposure. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.