270 - Four antique metal plates recovered from an underwater site, including Chinese export pewter, English pewter, and copper alloy examples. The Chinese export pewter plate is constructed with a wide flat rim and shallow well. The underside bears an impressed circular mark containing a stylized bird or dragon surrounded by the word SHANGHAI, positioned above four rectangular stamps containing Chinese characters. The English pewter plate is of similar form with a slightly reinforced rim. The underside features two distinct impressed marks: a circular stamp containing a griffin-like animal under a crescent moon with the letters RUNOT, and a shield-shaped stamp containing a Tudor rose surmounted by a crown. A third plate, likely composed of a copper alloy, is in a highly degraded state with significant material losses and bright green verdigris oxidation. The remaining plate is covered in a thick, dark mineralized encrustation that obscures the original surface. One of the plates is marked silver. 9 1/2" diameter.

Four antique metal plates recovered from an underwater site, including Chinese export pewter, English pewter, and copper alloy examples. The Chinese export pewter plate is constructed with a wide flat rim and shallow well. The underside bears an impressed circular mark containing a stylized bird or dragon surrounded by the word SHANGHAI, positioned above four rectangular stamps containing Chinese characters. The English pewter plate is of similar form with a slightly reinforced rim. The underside features two distinct impressed marks: a circular stamp containing a griffin-like animal under a crescent moon with the letters RUNOT, and a shield-shaped stamp containing a Tudor rose surmounted by a crown. A third plate, likely composed of a copper alloy, is in a highly degraded state with significant material losses and bright green verdigris oxidation. The remaining plate is covered in a thick, dark mineralized encrustation that obscures the original surface. One of the plates is marked silver. 9 1/2" diameter. The lower-right plate comes from Bob Page's exhibition. Part of it has been cleaned to show how it looked before it was encrusted from years under water. 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: Condition is consistent with long-term immersion in water. The copper-alloy plate is in poor, fragmentary condition with large losses and fragile edges. One plate shows heavy mineral encrustation and significant surface pitting. The two pewter plates are in fair condition, exhibiting overall surface scratching, darkening, and minor pitting throughout. 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.