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This item SOLD at 2010 Oct 23 @ 15:00UTC-4 : AST/EDT
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All items are genuine unless noted. Most shipwreck coins and artifacts come with a certificate of authenticity (please check the description for each item). By bidding in this auction you understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions posted here.
Coral-encrusted flintlock pistol, with x-rays showing lead bullet still inside, professionally conserved (coral shell reconstructed, with original parts removed and preserved). 4600 grams, approx. 21" x 6". Shipwrecks and flintlocks… two very romantic concepts, but virtually impossible to have in a single item. Why? Because iron and wood degrade in the sea, and usually firearms are reduced to just small pieces of brass. Sometimes, however, a shipwreck flintlock acquires a cocoon of thick coral encrustation that retains the shape of the pistol; but such cases are ticking time bombs when salvaged because eventually the iron inside expands and blows the cocoon apart... leaving you with just pieces of encrustation and some brass fittings. One option is to keep the flintlock cocoon in water forever, but then your pistol is just a fish-tank ornament. The other option, time-consuming and expensive, is to professionally conserve it by stripping away all the oxidation and reassembling the pieces in an inert matrix. That was the process that created the present piece, which in its former, unconserved form was famously displayed by Art McKee decades ago (see pedigree), but at some point it must have de-stabilized and necessitated its drastic transformation into what you see here. The conscientious conservator meticulously recorded the procedure and retained all the component parts, mostly brass furniture but also a lead ball and gunpowder, which had been detected years prior via x-raying! Given the pedigree (including magazine and x-rays), the conservator's legwork, and the overall display, this unique artifact is a real prize, not to mention a clear case of collector's will defeating nature's curse. From the Spanish 1733 Fleet, Florida Keys. Pedigreed to the Art McKee museum, with January 1971 issue of National Geographic magazine showing Art holding one of the x-rays and with letter to current owner attesting to its origin, also with DVD from conservator showing process.
Auction Location:
P.O Box 1964, Winter Park, Florida, 32790, United States
Previewing Details:
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Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| FST6 |
6% |
Florida Sales Tax |
| FSTH |
6.5% |
Florida Sales Tax |
| FST7 |
7% |
Florida Sales Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
15% |
Additional Fees:
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Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC
PO BOX 1964
Winter Park, FL 32790
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS - Treasure Auction #8
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