277 - Wrought iron and human bone skull gibbet, purchased by Peter Benchley and Teddy Tucker in London. The cage structure is composed of four hand-wrought vertical iron bands with irregular hammered edges, joined at a circular top plate and secured to a heavy flat-iron base featuring four integral downward-pointing legs. A large curved iron suspension hook is attached to the crown and secured with a traditional cotter pin. The internal skull exhibits a deep yellow-brown patina with visible sutures and partial dentition, while the mandible is detached and rests at the base of the ironwork. Historical associations identify the specimen as the remains of John Adams, executed at London's Execution Dock in 1715. 13" H x 7 1/2" W x 8" D.

Wrought iron and human bone skull gibbet, purchased by Peter Benchley and Teddy Tucker in London. The cage structure is composed of four hand-wrought vertical iron bands with irregular hammered edges, joined at a circular top plate and secured to a heavy flat-iron base featuring four integral downward-pointing legs. A large curved iron suspension hook is attached to the crown and secured with a traditional cotter pin. The internal skull exhibits a deep yellow-brown patina with visible sutures and partial dentition, while the mandible is detached and rests at the base of the ironwork. Historical associations identify the specimen as the remains of John Adams, executed at London's Execution Dock in 1715. 13" H x 7 1/2" W x 8" D. A personal note from Wendy Benchley: “Peter and Teddy Tucker bought this gibbet in London and brought it back to the USA in a cardboard box Teddy held in his lap. A flight attendant had the bad judgment to ask what was in the box, and Teddy delighted in opening it to show her! Peter hoped to hang the gibbet in our kitchen, but I banished it to his office, where it hung 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 iron cage exhibits heavy oxidation and deep surface pitting throughout. The ironwork is structurally sound but displays the irregularities of hand-forged construction. The human skull shows a deep patina with minor superficial scratches to the right parietal bone. The mandible is detached. 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.