1688

Silver "folio" (votive pedestal), ex-Atocha (1622).

Currency:USD Category:Artifacts / Shipwreck Artifacts Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,250.00 USD
Silver  folio  (votive pedestal), ex-Atocha (1622).
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This item SOLD at 2023 Nov 03 @ 19:35UTC-4 : AST/EDT
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Silver "folio" (votive pedestal), ex-Atocha (1622). 242 grams; 4-1/4" tall. Labeled as a "folio" on the Treasure Salvors certificate, this mysterious item is similar to four examples in the Christie's 1988 Atocha sale listed as hollow, tapered, silver columns (all found tightly packed in wooden chests in the cargo area) with possible religious or ceremonial purpose, based on the fact that other examples in the Museo de America in Madrid were described as "pruebas en plata de aras votivas," or silver proofs of votive pedestals. In our opinion, "silver votive pedestal" would be the most sensible description, since we do not know what "folio" refers to. This example is in great condition, cast in two halves in thick and solid silver, perfectly intact with all exterior symbols visible in relief (these in fact more ornate and mysterious than the Christie's examples), just a bit dark in color and with spots of encrustation here and there. From the Atocha (1622) with original Fisher certificate and tag 85A-A431 and pedigreed to the David Scott Vapnitsky collection.