267 - Group of four maritime archaeological artifacts recovered from various underwater shipwreck sites. The group includes three plates of varying compositions and one small square-based candleholder. The leftmost plate is a copper alloy vessel and was recovered by Peter Benchley during a dive in Turks and Caicos. The center plate is a pewter plate from a 1715 shipwreck. The rightmost plate is also a pewter vessel and was recovered in Bermuda from a c. 1760 shipwreck. Largest: 9 1/2" diameter x 1 1/4" H.

Group of four maritime archaeological artifacts recovered from various underwater shipwreck sites. The group includes three plates of varying compositions and one small square-based candleholder. The leftmost plate is a copper alloy vessel and was recovered by Peter Benchley during a dive in Turks and Caicos. The center plate is a pewter plate from a 1715 shipwreck. The rightmost plate is also a pewter vessel and was recovered in Bermuda from a c. 1760 shipwreck. Largest: 9 1/2" diameter x 1 1/4" H. The rightmost plate, recovered in Bermuda from a c. 1760 shipwreck, was part of Bob Page's traveling exhibition, which Peter bought. 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 shows extensive condition issues consistent with prolonged marine immersion and archaeological recovery. The copper alloy plate has significant losses to the rim, including jagged holes and thinning of the metal. The pewter plate with reeded edge has a large dent and loss at one point on the rim, along with numerous surface scratches in the well. The second pewter plate is approximately half-covered in thick, pale gray and yellowish mineral concretions and shows deep "pebbled" texture from corrosion. The candleholder is largely obscured by thick orange and ochre-colored oxidation and mineral deposits. All items exhibit general pitting, surface wear, and heavy patina. 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.