Posted 10 years ago
omerta22
(2 items)
I bought this vase at an antique auction and was told it was recovered from a Spanish galleon that went down around the Gulf Islands off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. I have not had it assayed but a rep from Antique Roadshows thought that the metal around the enamel was gold, the vessel was made of hammered bronze and may be an example of Moorish enamel ware (c 1600s), as the images of birds and flowers on the vase were a common theme. He also thought it may have been used for serving wine. It is very light and stands about 12'' high.
I have also been informed of a shipwreck off the Gulf Islands that may or may not be related to my vase: In June 1859, a shipwreck occurred on the West Coast of Queen Charlotte Islands, BC. The three crewmen made it to the shore and began to search for food. During this search they found a small barren island about 50ft offshore. Noticing a yellow glint, one of them swam out to the island and returned with the news that the island was covered in gold. They built a small cabin and stored the retrieved gold under the floor. The estimated they had stored about a ton. They were then attacked by hostile indians and one of the sailors was killed. After hiding out for a while the remaining two managed to get safe passage to Fort Victoria. After telling their tale an expedition was set up to return. Upon returning they found the body of their friend, but no cabin, no gold or small island. Did the Indians burn the cabin, was the gold found...who knows. Note: In 1851 many vessels had set out for the Queen Charlotte's with miners on board, gold had allegedly been found there and the panic was on.
Quien sabe? Your thoughts would be very much appreciated. Cheers!
I have very little expertise in this, but have serious doubts about a Spanish "galleon" in that area. Spanish treasures were usually taken across the Isthmus of of Panama to the treasure fleets in the Caribbean going to Spain. I doubt lots of this story. Waiting to hear from more knowledgeable voices.