291 - A collection of 14 marine artifacts recovered from underwater sites in Bermuda circa 1969-1970 by Peter and Wendy Benchley. The assemblage includes three dark olive-green glass bottle fragments, featuring two bases with high kick-ups and one neck with a hand-applied string rim characteristic of 18th to mid-19th-century manufacture. The ceramic group consists of one earthenware shard with a crackle-glazed blue and grey surface and two unglazed earthenware fragments showing visible throwing rings. Metal components include one copper-alloy drift bolt with a square head and green verdigris patina, alongside three iron spikes featuring heavy calcareous marine encrustation. Accompanied by a handwritten provenance note from Wendy Benchley. Largest: 8" H x 2 1/4" W x 2 1/2" D.

A collection of 14 marine artifacts recovered from underwater sites in Bermuda circa 1969-1970 by Peter and Wendy Benchley. The assemblage includes three dark olive-green glass bottle fragments, featuring two bases with high kick-ups and one neck with a hand-applied string rim characteristic of 18th to mid-19th-century manufacture. The ceramic group consists of one earthenware shard with a crackle-glazed blue and grey surface and two unglazed earthenware fragments showing visible throwing rings. Metal components include one copper-alloy drift bolt with a square head and green verdigris patina, alongside three iron spikes featuring heavy calcareous marine encrustation. Accompanied by a handwritten provenance note from Wendy Benchley. Largest: 8" H x 2 1/4" W x 2 1/2" D. A personal note from Wendy Benchley: “I've kept these fragments from our first Bermuda dives with Teddy and Edna Tucker for over 50 years. Those first dives in 1969 opened up a fascinating world of exploration for us. Peter described Teddy as “a master of every discipline having to do with history and the ocean. He was one of the great autodidacts in the history of science.” 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 is in excavated, as-found condition consistent with long-term marine submersion. The glass shards exhibit jagged edges and iridescent weathering. Ceramic fragments show edge wear, staining, and surface loss. The iron spikes are heavily oxidized with thick calcareous buildup. The copper-alloy bolt displays surface pitting and verdigris. The wood fragment is fragile with grain separation, surface erosion, and cracking. 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.