78 - Ferdinand II of Aragon (Spanish, 1452-1516). Manuscript letter signed in ink on paper, and Raffaello Morghen (Italian, 1758-1833), circular portrait engraving. The document is a single-page letter in archaic Spanish featuring the royal sign-manual signature "Yo el Rey" accompanied by a large calligraphic rubric. The letter is countersigned by royal secretary Lope Conchillos with the secretarial signature "por mandado de su alteza" and a decorative rubric. Mounted above the document is a circular engraving of King Ferdinand the Catholic in profile. The assembly is housed in a vertical frame with a window on the verso revealing the reverse of the manuscript which displays a cross symbol and a handwritten address to the Lord of the Infantazgo. Marked Morghen inc. in the engraving plate and signed Yo el Rey and Lope conchillos on the document. Sight: 10 1/4 x 7 3/4 in. Frame: 22 1/2 x 14 1/4 in.

Ferdinand II of Aragon (Spanish, 1452-1516). Manuscript letter signed in ink on paper, and Raffaello Morghen (Italian, 1758-1833), circular portrait engraving. The document is a single-page letter in archaic Spanish featuring the royal sign-manual signature "Yo el Rey" accompanied by a large calligraphic rubric. The letter is countersigned by royal secretary Lope Conchillos with the secretarial signature "por mandado de su alteza" and a decorative rubric. Mounted above the document is a circular engraving of King Ferdinand the Catholic in profile. The assembly is housed in a vertical frame with a window on the verso revealing the reverse of the manuscript which displays a cross symbol and a handwritten address to the Lord of the Infantazgo. Marked Morghen inc. in the engraving plate and signed Yo el Rey and Lope conchillos on the document. Sight: 10 1/4 x 7 3/4 in. Frame: 22 1/2 x 14 1/4 in. Documents from the age of exploration that Peter kept within arm's reach. Many of the wrecks he dove in Bermuda and the Caribbean were Spanish ships, and he liked to hold paper signed by the monarchs who sent them. Peter wrote about people who went looking for what lay beyond the horizon, and these were a daily spark for the stories. 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: Toning and moderate foxing are visible on both the manuscript and engraving surfaces. The document shows horizontal and vertical creases from historical folding. A small tear is present on the paper of the manuscript verso. The frame exhibits minor surface wear and light edge scuffing. The rectangular window on the verso has a diagonal crack across the glass. 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.