Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.
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| Source: See Guardian link below. |
It was a Spanish galleon laden with treasures so sumptuous that its sinking in the Bahamas in 1656 sparked repeated salvage attempts over the next 350 years. So when another expedition was launched recently, few thought that there could be anything left – but exquisite, jewel-encrusted pendants and gold chains are among spectacular finds that have now been recovered, having lain untouched on the seabed for hundreds of years.
The Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas (Our Lady of Wonders) went down on the western side of the Little Bahama Bank, over 70km offshore, but the newly discovered treasures were found across a vast debris trail spanning more than 13km...
Here is one link to a good lengthy article on that.
After 350 years, sea gives up lost jewels of Spanish shipwreck | Archaeology | The Guardian
And here is more on that from another source.
Among the treasures discovered was gold filigree chain, with rosette motifs, and a gold pendant bearing the Cross of Santiago. The chain is five feet long and weighs two pounds. Another pendant features a gold Cross of St. James over a large, green, oval emerald framed by a dozen square emeralds. Clusters of emeralds and amethysts mined in Colombia suggest that the galleon was involved in trafficking treasures not listed on the manifest. Carl Allen, founder Allen Exploration told The Guardian: “The colourful coral that divers remembered from the 70s is gone, poisoned by ocean acidification and choked by metres of shifting sand. It’s painfully sad. Still lying on those dead grey reefs, though, are sparkling finds.” “When we brought up the oval emerald and gold pendant, my breath caught in my throat,” he said. “I feel a greater connection with everyday finds than coins and jewels, but these Santiago finds bridge both worlds. The pendant mesmerises me when I hold it and think about its history. How these tiny pendants survived in these harsh waters, and how we managed to find them, is the miracle of the Maravillas.”,,, ---
I picked this bottle up a few days ago. It is an embossed Coca Cola bottle. It isn't old or valuable, but I liked the nice heavy embossing and the condition of the bottle. Unlike many bottles it was easy to date.
Notice the date code to the right of the Owens Illinois maker's mark. The 55 indicates the year 1955. I spent some good time researching a shard today, and just didn't get finished, which I was late doing the post for Monday. Maybe I'll get that posted tomorrow. --- Some of this year's 1715 Fleet finds are now online. I had some photos but wasn't permitted to post them. One is a nice gold ring with a few nice stones. --- Nothing new on the NHC map yet. Good hunting, Treasureguide@comcast.net |
