SSCA Part 1A Catalog

The Ship of Gold Ship’s Provisions Lot # 1072 Opening Bid $100 Lot # 1073 Opening Bid $100 Lot # 1074 Opening Bid $100 HWAC #159071 SSCA# HWAC #158909 SSCA# 28012, 28013 HWAC #151587 SSCA#29018 Tall Perfume Bottle, Water Pitcher Shards, X. Bazin, Philadelphia,Perfumed Bear S.S. Central America S.S. Central America Grease, S.S. Central America Treasure Slender glass perfume bottle recovered from the S.S. Two large pieces of a ceramic water pitcher, about 4 x Pot lid for X. Bazin Perfumed Bear Grease recovered Central America shipwreck. It is 8.5 inches tall, and 6” and 6 x 6”, with original rust stain. These pitchers from the S.S. Central America. Classic American pot lid, the base is 1-7/8 x 1 inches. Missing its stopper, but were broken as the result of the storm as it battered 3-3/16” diameter, 3/4” thick, 70.9 grams. Xavier Bazin otherwise this bottle is unbroken. Surface is clean and the ship, or in the violent crash when the ship hit the was a French perfumer who moved to Philadelphia in glassy, interior has the remains of the seafloor sedi- ocean floor. Recovered from the S.S. Central America 1842. Bazin managed Roussel’s perfume production on ment or its original contents. shipwreck in 1990 from the cabin area in the stern, near Chestnut Street, and after he had saved up $1,500 over the commercial shipment gold room. 8 years, he purchased that department from Roussel. In 1875 Bazin took on a partner, and became X. Bazin & Co. The company sold out to another interest in 1884. The Bazin and Roussel products were highly marketed by the San Francisco wholesale drug firm of Langley & Michaels. This piece is #BJ 137 in Sonny Jackson’s Amer- ican Pot Lids, 1987. It is rare, listed as less than 5 known. The difference between this and a more common vari- ety is the fancy border. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 99

Ship’s Provisions S.S. Central America Lot # 1075 Opening Bid $250 Lot # 1076 Opening Bid $250 HWAC #153306 SSCA#15887 HWAC #153309 SSCA#14607c First Cabin Room Key First Cabin, Steward’s Linen Closet with #15 on Brass Tag, Key w/LC 19 on Round Tag, S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure Passenger room key with attached tag bearing the Key recovered with a bundle of other keys from the number 15 recovered from the sediment of the port- purser’s safe found in the debris field of the S.S. Cen- side debris field of the S.S. Central America shipwreck. tral America shipwreck. This key has // LC / 19 // In good condition with some corrosion remaining. Key stamped on the attached round tag. Key is 3-1/4 x is 3-3/8 x 1-1/4 inches, tag is 1-1/2x 1 inches. The large 1-5/16 inches, tag is 3/4-inch in diameter. My (FH) in- size of the key and fob indicate to us this is probably a terpretation of this keytag is that this is the key for the First Cabin room key. linen closet in passenger room 19. This is open to other interpretations. Page 100 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Ship’s Provisions Lot # 1077 Opening Bid $5,000 HWAC #153322 SSCA#14670d Purser Hull’s Master Keys, Gold Room, S.S. Central America Treasure A ring of three brass keys with a brass key tag recov- ered in 2014 from the purser’s safe found in the debris field of the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Clearly en- graved in script with // S.S. Central America / Purser Hall / S. L. // Blank on reverse. Brass key tag: 4 7/8” x 1 5/8”. These were the keys issued to the ship’s purser, Edward W. Hull, who did not survive the shipwreck. According to one historian the initials “S. L.” could stand for “Ship’s Locker” which was the main room where valuables were kept. The size of the main key on this ring is remarkable, and as such, notable. It is approximately four times larger than the key that fits a standard padlock of the period, such as that in S.S. Cen- tral America inventory #15883, our inventory #153303. The key is also three times the diameter and twice the size of a First Cabin key. As such, this key is proba- bly the key that opened the most valuable room in the ship, the room that held a treasure for the future, now known as the Ship of Gold and what we call today, the Gold Room. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 101

Under Water Image Gallery Ceramics being harvested near porthole in the side of the collapsed hull. Nemo picking up a gold ingot next to a broken wash basin Ceramic statue in situ. Ceramic fragments such as these abound and were recovered with the gold. Page 102 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

Under Water Image Gallery 1849 Colt in Purser Hull’s safe. Brass bullet mould Page 103 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected]

Ship’s Provisions S.S. Central America Lot # 1078 Opening Bid $1000 HWAC #158847 SSCA#14659, 15951, 14-11804 1849 Colt Pocket Pistol, Purser’s Safe and Bullet Mould This is one of the all-time classic California Gold Rush  One half of the Bullet Mould, moments guns, a true “’49er”,and perhaps now unarguably the before it was recovered from the seafloor. most famous of them extant coming from the greatest Arrow points to the Colt 1849 pistol American treasure ship, “the Ship of Gold.” It is a 1849 as it was found in the purser’s safe. Colt Pocket Pistol, from the Purser’s Safe, recovered in 2014. Measures 9.25” x 4”, .31 caliber, 3.5” barrel with loading lever. The loading lever is the same length as the barrel length. They came in either a 5-shot or 6-shot variation. The pistol is significantly degraded, but whole. It is in better condition than the other gun in the consignment because it was in an anerobic environment (no oxygen in the safe). Grips still present, trigger guard present. Hammer dissolved and gone. This was used as a self-defense gun, sitting right in- side the safe’s door on an upper shelf in case the purser was forced to open the door by a robber. Edward Hull kept bags of gold and money in this safe, including the ship’s money and a bag of dimes. This is the firearm of choice for hopeful miners coming west for the Gold Rush. Colt made 300,000 copies of this gun. This gun cost perhaps $12 in New York, but about $120 in California, so you brought your own. Ev- erybody armed themselves coming West. This is a highly fragile piece but an important relic of the Ship of Gold. The firearm comes with a bullet mould (mold) for the bullets for this gun. Double cavity 31 caliber brass bul- let mould in two pieces because the iron hardware at- taching the pair by hinge are dissolved and gone. The mould made two different bullets, one conical and one round. Also present in this lot are two .31 caliber round balls recovered from the dredge tails. Page 104 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Ship’s Provisions Lot # 1079 Opening Bid $100 HWAC #153329 SSCA#15928 Brass Powder Horn, S.S. Central America Treasure Brass powder horn recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck in 2014. This gun was seen clearly in situ in photographs taken during recovery. It is 5.5 inches long, 2-5/8 inches wide, and 1-1/4 inch thick at the neck. The nozzle diameter is just over 3/8 inch at the thickest. Both sides of the body have an embossed eagle in flight. The body appears to be sound with some greenish corrosion on all sides. Contents rattle when shaken. No attempt was made to open the item. Brass Powder Horn was found next to a stack of five gold coins. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 105

Ship’s Provisions S.S. Central America Lot # 1080 Opening Bid $50 HWAC #157461 SSCA# Round Ball Ammunition found on the S.S. Central America There are seven individual round ball (RB) lead rounds found aboard the S.S. Central America shipwreck, all are oversized .38 caliber, indicating a muzzle-loading application for either a muzzleloading pistol or rifle but not revolver. Interestingly, there are two separate .38 caliber RB with the cloth patches; one cupping the ball the other one is loose. This means that the round was loaded but the gun has since deteriorated. Page 106 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511



Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Page 108 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Passenger Possessions 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 109

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1081 Opening Bid $100 HWAC# 158840 SSCA# 14-12553 (1/2), 14-13552 (1/2) Dominos, Drilled (2) - Gaming on the S.S. Central America A number of dominoes were recovered from the de- bris field of the S.S. Central America shipwreck in 2014. Upon initial inspection, we thought they were from the same set, but they turn out to be from different sets, made entirely differently. It well illustrates the fact that gaming onboard the ship was popular. This pair is a 5/3 and a 6/1. The numbers are drilled into the piece and were probably paint or ceramic filled. 1.5 x 0.75”. Generally very fine. Page 110 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1082 Opening Bid $100 HWAC# 158842 SSCA# 14-13576 Douche Kit and Chastity Belt (?), S.S. Central America Treasure Douche kit and locking chastity belt. Unusual silver (plated on brass?), two strip, inner connecting, with a circular, point depression locking device. No key. En- graved floral patterns on both top faces. Four tiny holes at each end indicate the possibility of a cloth device that this was attached to. Two additional parts were found, one with the same rectangular, slightly curved surface and about 8” of the interlocking chain mail. The silver (plate?) is still evident, though a pleasing white and light green oxide is now present. It is difficult to as- certain, but this unique item may be opined as part of, and pieces from, a locking chastity belt. It has a curved and lock surface very similar to those seen in museum shots on the internet, as well as those I’ve seen around the world in museums (FH). The particular aspects of this piece are fairly unique to a chastity belt. When col- lections of others are viewed, the nature of the locking device is so special that we have been unable to find use of this type in any other application. It has been suggested that the “belt” portion of this piece was the main supporting mechanism, and that a sturdy leath- er covering lower portion covered the crotch with leg holes, or attached in some manner at the sides. Any leather would have long ago dissolved, leaving behind only the metal parts. There appear to be remnants of an unknown substance attached to the bottom of the larger part, which may support the concept of a chasti- ty belt. The sum of the parts recovered would indicate that perhaps less than half of the full device was recov- ered. These parts came up rather randomly during the dredge process. The parts were carefully stored away until 2022. The pieces came from a small debris field in which a douche kit was recovered (SSCA 29195), in- cluded here. This unit had a black rubber bulb with about 12” of rubber tubing and various metal append- ages. The tubing is “frozen” (hard) and broken. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 111

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1083 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 146653 SSCA# 30140 Gold Dust on Rust Crust, S.S. Central America Treasure A piece of iron-oxide rust which has agglomerated with gold dust. Recovered from the debris field sed- iments of the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Approx 52 x 35 mm and 9.3 grams (0.3 ozt). Very fragile and friable. Gold dust can be found almost anywhere on the S.S. Central America shipwreck site and in its surrounding debris field. There are multiple dramatic accounts of miners emptying their bags and pokes of gold, includ- ing gold dust, onto the deck of the ship just before it sank. So, the gold dust plummeted 7,200 feet down, in little clouds and clusters, before coming to rest on the seabed. Iron on the ship has been heavily corroded and altered over time since 1857. The process is partly chemical and partly biological, with iron-fixing bacte- ria causing the rust on elevated structures to form ici- cle-like stalactites that have been dubbed “rusticles.” In places where iron is resting on the seabed, the rust formations appear to flow like lava onto the sediment. This is the case here, where gold dust resting on the seafloor has been entrained and cemented by rust, forming a thin, fragile, but extremely rare and fasci- nating rock. Page 112 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1084 Opening Bid $100 HWAC# 158837 SSCA# 15918 Madonna and Child, White Statue Madonna and Child white statue recovered from the debris field of the S.S. Central America shipwreck in 2014. It appears to be alabaster, 4.5” tall, 1.5” square base. No chips or pieces missing. Significant rust stain in depressions. This piece is emblematic of the out- standing effort of Capt. Herndon in spending 40 hours to systematically try to keep the ship afloat so that all passengers and crew could be rescued. Certainly reli- gious practices and culture played an important part with many of the men and women who were saved, and likely all the men who were lost. The ROV snapped the image at the left as this statue was being gently lifted from heavy debris at the port- side edge of the cabin area, using the suction limpet tool. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 113

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1085 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 159482 SSCA# 14-15991 Rubber Inflatable Life Jacket, Rolled, Unused This rolled and unused rubber life jacket was found calmly inflate this life jacket by mouth without holding By 1850, news articles began to appear, particularly in in 2014 in one of the debris fields of the S.S. Central onto it with two hands. That was an impossibility in New York, the major port in the US at the time. An arti- America shipwreck. It was a unique find in that one rough seas when you were holding on for dear life to cle in the New York Evening Post pointed out that the would think that every available life preserver would anything you could find. rubber manufacturers in America had the capability have been used on the S.S. Central America during the Surviving passenger accounts abounded about life of making 5,000 life preservers a month, but that none 40-hour-long, horrific sinking ordeal. Rolled, 10” long preservers. Charles Vose stated, “there were 600 or 700 of the steamers had a supply of them (7/31/1850). x 5” wide x 3” deep with the original metallic mouth tin life preservers on board, and it is possible that ev- D. Hodgeman, a New York India Rubber warehouse inflation piece intact. ery person succeeded in getting one or more of them.” merchant, pointedly advertised directly to California On board the S.S. Central America were two types of David Smith noted: “Life preservers were plenty, and Emigrants about the availability of their rubber life life preserver. The older, standard design were cork- each had secured one for himself” (see Bowers, p965, preservers (Evening Post, 5/6/1850). He also offered filled life vests. While the India Rubber Products were 974). gold bags, money belts and the like, all for California a recent invention, many passengers preferred the cork Rubber life preservers like this one were probably in gold seekers. vests with tin coverings. However, upon reflection of the minority of use during a ferocious storm. Invent- This life preserver is quite possibly one of the few ex- the extreme rough ocean conditions during the storm, ed in the mid 1840s, most of Goodyear’s patents on tant today, a relic of an early invention in the science of it becomes obvious that a person would not be able to rubber items were not perfected until the late 1840s. preserving life during a disaster at sea. Page 114 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1086 Opening Bid $250 HWAC# 158834 SSCA# 14-14660 Silver-Plated Single Ornate Spur with Strap, No Rowell Silver-plated, single ornate spur with strap, no rowell, recovered from the debris field of the S.S. Central Amer- ica shipwreck. It is 5” long, 3.5” across, with remnants of the original silver plate present. Original leather strap is present, broken off, and degrading. The strap holder has a rectangle on the top for a personalized monogram, though none is present. This is the only hint of a classic “Western” spur found in the debris fields. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 115

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1087 Opening Bid $750 HWAC# 159098 SSCA# The Easton Trunk from the S.S. Central America Treasure Leather trunk recovered in two pieces from the debris field of the S.S. Central America shipwreck. The trunk was owned by Ansel & Adeline Easton, two newly- weds who were traveling to New York on the ill-fated voyage. The heavily tanned leather survived more than a cen- tury on the seafloor, and the contents of the trunk have provided a snapshot of 19th century fashion. In these two images, the bottom portion of the trunk is on the far left, the top of the trunk is in the middle, and the stabilizing frame and interior pieces are on the far right. Below is an image of Bob Evans examining the bottom half of the trunk soon after it was brought up to the surface. Page 116 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1088 Opening Bid $100 HWAC# 159456 SSCA# E20-24 California Newspaper, “Sunday Varieties” 1857 Eight-page, single sheet, quarto-folded newspaper entitled, // The Sunday Varieties, A Chronicle of Life in California, Vol. 3 No. 14, Sunday, August 16, 1857 //, Approximately 8.5 x 12”. Some degradation, tears. San Francisco, California. Advertisements for liquor, sa- loons, soda works, and clothing. Appears to be aimed at men. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 117

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1089 Opening Bid $2500 HWAC# 151582 SSCA# 33739 Count of Monte Cristo Book, Dement Trunk The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas with elegant illustrations. Published by Stringer & Townsend, Noble, N.Y. 1849. Illustrations by M. Valen- tin. Volume 1 of 2. 290 pp. Recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America shipwreck in 1991. Page 203 is marked / folded, where Mr. Dement left off reading. Paper cover with rear cover missing. Otherwise, excellent condition, considering it was on the bottom of the ocean floor. From the Dement trunk. Professionally conserved by the Ohio State University. This edition appears to be fairly rare, according to In- ternet records. Page 118 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1090 Opening Bid $100 Lot# 1091 Opening Bid $100 HWAC# 159460 SSCA# E20-23 HWAC# 159457 SSCA# 33738 Dement Checkbook, Lady Lee’s Widowhood Book, San Francisco Wells Fargo Dement Trunk Original small booklet of Wells Fargo checks, 12” x 2 that Dement was in San Francisco off and on over time. Paperback book recovered from the Dement trunk at 5/8” recovered from the Dement trunk found a the S.S. We now know from his new biography here that he the S.S. Central America shipwreck: Lady Lee’s Widow- Central America shipwreck. This checkbook originally made numerous trips via steamer to the East Coast to hood paperback book by Captain Edward Hamley. Ap- contained about 25 checks. The checks are pre-printed purchase goods for their Oregon City store. The third pears to say // Originally published in Blackwood’s from the Wells Fargo & Co. Bankers office in San Fran- check is to Houshurst (?) Jan. 3, 1857. Fourth check is to Magazine //. New York. Harper’s Bros. 1854. Priced cisco, datelined 185X. Seven checks were used, and the Wingham & Kohn (?) Jan. 3, 1857. Fifth check is to W.C. 37.5 Cents. 148pp. Cover is present though degrading. stubs are still present. Some of Dement’s hand calcula- Dement & Company, no date. The sixth and seventh 9.5 x 6.5”. tions are on the verso of the cover sheet. The first check check stubs are blank but the checks are removed from was written to Knight and after that is illegible. Checks the book. Marbled paper boards. This appears to be a are thread sewn into the book. Second check is to Whit- personal checkbook, not a company checkbook. ney & (illegible) written January 2, 1857. This shows 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 119

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1092 Opening Bid $250 HWAC# 159452 SSCA# Letter of Introduction for John Dement Two-page introduction letter for John Dement with an- other letter addressed to Dement recovered from the Dement trunk found at the S.S. Central America ship- wreck. The letter is addressed to J.H.(?) Lancaster, Esquire, in Baltimore urging any assistance Dement may need while there on business. It is signed by J.A. Simms, and datelined The Dalles (Oregon), July 20, 1857. Simms was a director of the Citizen’s bank in Baltimore in 1860. His presence in Oregon may have been to try to garner some of the gold business, which came in through Oregon City and the Dalles. This letter was a key discovery for Evans and crew. It is from one of two trunks recovered from the ocean floor 7,200 feet deep. It was intact, and as such, a target to look for gold contained within. Instead, a treasure trove of clothing and other articles awaited discovery, including a new pair of miner’s pants probably pur- chased in San Francisco. The discovery of the owner also sent researchers on a wild ride through another important part of Gold Rush history involving Ore- gon, with many stories published here. Page 120 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1093 Opening Bid $100 Lot# 1094 Opening Bid $100 HWAC# 159459 SSCA# 29092 HWAC# 159458 SSCA# no number, 33 Series Letter of Introduction Prairie Flower & Adventures for Rebecca Bates in the Far West, Book, Dement Trunk Single-page letter of introduction for Rebecca Platt America shipwreck. Dated August 12, 1857, at San Book recovered from the Dement trunk at the S.S. Bates, a member of the Cavalry Presbyterian Church Francisco, signed by W. (illegible) ott, Acting Minister. Central America shipwreck in 1991. Two books in one: in San Francisco, requesting special treatment by the A portion of the letter is missing, but not enough that Prairie Flower and Adventures in the Far West by Emer- reader. Recovered in 1990 from the Easton Trunk, the contents aren’t readable and understandable. Ms. son Bennett. Published by U.P. James, Cincinnati. 1850. found in the port-side debris field of the S.S. Central Bates is apparently headed to Jamaica, New York. Paperback in degrading condition. Contains a second work in the back called “Leni Leoti” or Adventures in the Far West, a Sequel to Prairie Flower. The first one was 120pp. The sequel is 110pp plus ads in the back. Cover detached but present. Poor condition. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 121

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1095 Opening Bid $250 HWAC# 158848 SSCA# 10918 W.G. Berry’s Comb, Inscribed 1857 An incredible discovery within the artifacts recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck, found by Bob Evans immediately upon retrieval from the ocean floor. It reads // (illegible) Comb. Goodyear’s Patent 1849 //, then hand-inscribed: // W.G. Berry Sept. 5, 1857 //. On the other side is inscribed by hand: // W.G. Berry Steam Ship George Law //. Six inches long, all teeth intact. W. G. Berry was a passenger on the S.S. Central America from Pennsylvania. Little is known of him at present, as he missed most of the US census data gathering process. It is thought he died in the aftermath of the sinking, but like some others appears to have escaped death, got onboard a rescue ship, and walked off un- accounted, thoroughly disgusted with the calamity. At least one other passenger had a similar fate, Lieurance Dorsey, who went home to a New England farm and never discussed the S.S. Central America debacle again. Berry was discovered through an 1863 State Septennial Census, living in Philadelphia, Ward 9, as a merchant. There are ten different William Barry or Berry in McEl- roy’s Philadelphia Directory, none designated as W.G. Berry. This is a remarkable artifact in exemplary con- dition. It is exceptionally important because it proves Berry to be another survivor. Page 122 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1096 Opening Bid $100 Lot# 1097 Opening Bid $100 HWAC# 146601 SSCA# 14324 HWAC# 146603 SSCA# 14322 Daguerreotype 1, Daguerreotype 3, S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure Daguerreotype recovered from the S.S. Central America Daguerreotype recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Shows a women on the right and a child on shipwreck. Shows a young women, hands in her lap, the left. It is 2-5/8 x 3-1/8 inches. Identities of these two with a large bracelet on each wrist. It is 3 x 4 inches. individuals are unknowable. This daguerreotype has The identity of this individual is unknowable. This been conserved and mounted in a 4 x 5-inch archival daguerreotype has been conserved and mounted in a frames, glazed front and back. By its very nature, this 4 x 5-inch archival frame, glazed front and back. Da- image is ephemeral and the item needs to be stored in guerreotypes were made on a silver-plated copper a dark environment. This item is clearly identifiable on plate, polished to a mirror finish, then sensitized by the shipwreck in situ in a series of photographs. exposing the plate to the fumes of iodine or bromine. After being exposed to light through a lens, the image Daguerreotypes were often found with coin piles, which was developed by exposing the plate to the fumes of suggests that they were the among the most cherished mercury until the direct positive image appeared, then possessions held onto by passengers until the very last fixed in a bath of sodium thiosulfate or ordinary salt. moments before the sinking. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 123

Under Water Image Gallery Page 124 Portrait of ladies, in situ Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

Under Water Image Gallery Portrait of lady, in situ, on timbers Page 125 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected]

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1098 Opening Bid $2,000 Lot# 1099 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1100 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 146647 SSCA# 13851 HWAC# 152377 SSCA# 14590 HWAC# 152366 SSCA# 13860 Gold and Diamond Ring, Size 5-1/2. Gold Ring - Engraved: GWS, Gold Ring - Engraved: SE, S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure Gold ring recovered in 2014 from an unspecified coin Gold ring recovered in 2014 from the port-side debris Gold ring recovered in 2014 from a trench between pile in the port-side debris field of the S.S. Central field, Coin Pile #23, of the S.S. Central America ship- Coin Pile #2 and Coin Pile #9 in the port-side debris America shipwreck. It is set with four diamonds, but wreck. It is size 2.5, with vertically interlocking hearts, field of the S.S. Central America shipwreck. It is size 9.5, there is fifth socket in the head where a stone is obvi- engraved on the face with // GWS //, 3.91 grams with a monogram // SE // carved inside a US-shield ously missing. Total weight is 1.72 grams (0.055 ozt), (0.126 ozt). Steerage passenger list includes G. Simon motif, 18.53 grams (0.596 ozt). size 5-1/2. and George Steer who could have been the owner of this ring. Page 126 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1101 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1102 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1103 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 152370 SSCA# 14239 HWAC# 152378 SSCA# 14591 HWAC# 152368 SSCA# 14225 Gold Ring - Interlocking Hearts, Gold Ring - Interlocking Hearts, Gold Ring - Single Heart, S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure Gold ring recovered in 2014 from an unspecified Coin Gold ring recovered in 2014 from the port-side debris Gold ring recovered in 2014 from an unspecified Coin Pile in the port-side debris field of the S.S. Central field, Coin Pile #23, of the S.S. Central America ship- Pile in the port-side debris field of the S.S. Central America shipwreck. It is size 7, with two vertically in- wreck. It is size 8, with two horizontally interlocking America shipwreck. It is size 4.25, with a single heart terlocking hearts, 3.36 grams (0.108 ozt). Possibly part hearts, 2.99 grams (0.096 ozt). shape in the center, 2.23 grams (0.072 ozt). of the Shreve shipment. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 127

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1104 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1105 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1106 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 152369 SSCA# 14238 HWAC# 146641 SSCA# 711 HWAC# 146643 SSCA# 4895 Gold Ring - Unengraved, Gold Ring with Double Hearts, Size Gold Ring with Double Hearts, Size S.S. Central America Treasure 2-1/2, S.S. Central America Treasure 4-1/4, S.S. Central America Treasure Gold ring recovered in 2014 from an unspecified Coin This tiny gold ring recovered from the S.S. Central This small gold ring recovered in 2014 from the port- Pile in the port-side debris field of the S.S. Central America shipwreck in 2014 from the port-side debris side debris field, Coin Pile #5, of the S.S. Central Amer- America shipwreck. It is size 5.25, with an unengraved, field, Coin Pile #2. It features two, overlapped hearts at ica shipwreck. It features two, overlapped hearts at the rectangular flat panel at the center, 2.46 grams (0.079 the center with a nugget-like texture along the shoul- center with a nugget-like texture along the shoulders. ozt). Possibly part of the Shreve shipment. ders. It is 0.97 grams (0.031 ozt) and size 2-1/2. This It is 1.41 grams (0.045 ozt) and size 4-1/4. was probably part of the Samuel Shreve shipment. This is the smallest ring located, probably used by Shreve to illustrate the wide size variety his jewelry shop could manufacture. Page 128 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1107 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1108 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1109 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 146645 SSCA# 4897 HWAC# 146648 SSCA# 14594 HWAC# 152388 SSCA# 712 Gold Ring with Double Hearts, Size Gold Ring, Gold-Quartz Stone, Size Gold Ring, 2 Hearts Overlapping, S.S. 4-3/4, S.S. Central America Treasure 6-1/4, S.S. Central America Treasure Central America Treasure This small gold ring recovered in 2014 from the port- Gold ring with a 10 x 8 mm oval of gold-bearing white Gold ring recovered in 2014 from the port-side debris side debris field, Coin Pile #5, of the S.S. Central Amer- quartz, total weight is 3.69 grams (0.12 ozt), size 6-1/4. field, Coin Pile #2, of the S.S. Central America ship- ica shipwreck. It features two, overlapped hearts at the Intricate swirled engraving on the shoulders. No letter wreck. It is size 3, with two overlapping hearts, a de- center with a nugget-like texture along the shoulders. engraving anywhere on the ring. The California Gold sign that appears on other rings in this collection. The It is 1.37 grams (0.044 ozt) and size 4-3/4. Possibly part Rush introduced this beautiful stone into the world. shoulders are textured to resemble natural gold nug- of the Shreve shipment. Recovered in 2014 from Coin Pile #23 in the port-side gets, 1.19 grams (0.038 ozt). debris field. Found associated with 4 quartz stones (HWAC #146609) as well as other jewelry, including pieces with monogramed and blank panels and car- touches, and ring styles using California nuggets as decoration, inferred to be examples of a jeweler’s busi- ness and craft. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 129

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1110 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1111 Opening Bid $250 Lot# 1112 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 152397 SSCA# 14240 HWAC# 152390 SSCA# 4893 HWAC# 149451 SSCA# 14618 Gold Ring, 2 Hearts Side-By-Side, S.S. Gold Ring, Missing Stone, S.S. Central Gold Ring, Single-Heart Design, Central America Treasure America Treasure Engraved // ED //, S.S. Central America Gold ring recovered in 2014 from an unspecified Coin Gold ring recovered in 2014 from the port-side debris Treasure Pile in the port-side debris field of the S.S. Central field, Coin Pile #4, of the S.S. Central America ship- America shipwreck. It is size 8.75, with two just-touch- wreck. It is size 8.0, with an open bezel for mounting Small gold ring recovered in 2014 from the port-side ing gold hearts on a floral pattern, 8.22 grams (0.264 a square stone. The shoulders have a plumose pattern debris field, Coin Pile #23, of the S.S. Central America ozt). This ring appears to show a little bit of wear and engraved quite far down the shank on both sides, 3.04 shipwreck, size 2.0, with a single, central heart bearing has been resized. grams (0.098 ozt). the engraving of // ED //. The shoulders are textured to resemble natural gold nuggets, 1.27 grams (0.041 ozt). Page 130 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1113 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1114 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1115 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 152386 SSCA# 709 HWAC# 149452 SSCA# 10879 HWAC# 152387 SSCA# 710 Gold Ring, Three-leaf Club or Clover Gold Ring, with // GIFT // Engraving, Gold Ring, with Cross, S.S. Central Design, S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure America Treasure Gold ring recovered from the S.S. Central America ship- Gold ring recovered in 2014 from the port-side debris Gold ring recovered from the S.S. Central America ship- wreck in 2014 from the port-side debris field, Coin Pile field, Coin Pile #10, of the S.S. Central America ship- wreck in 2014 from the port-side debris field, Coin Pile #2. It is size 6.5, with a large, three-leaf club or clover wreck. It is size 6.5, with the word GIFT centered at the #2. It is size 6.25, with a Christian cross at the center leaf at the center which is flat for engraving. Shoulders head with geometric patterns along the shoulders, 1.78 surrounded by leaf designs, 3.84 grams (0.123 ozt). are textured to resemble natural gold nuggets, 7.78 grams (0.057 ozt). While this ring exhibits no personalized engraving, the grams (0.250 ozt). There is some discussion internal- insignia suggests it was worn by a man of the Cross. ly here on whether the gold nugget texture was made Did this ring belong to Mr. Ange Richon, who was using the lost-wax process or if this a combination of carrying the Medal of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus to small nuggets and the wax process. Paris? 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 131

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1116 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1117 Opening Bid $2,500 HWAC# 152395 SSCA# 14025 HWAC# 146640 SSCA# 708 Gold Ring, With Remnants of Blue Gold Signet Ring, Engraved SS, Glaze, S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure Gold ring recovered from the S.S. Central America ship- This gold signet ring, size 8.5, weighs 6.58 grams (0.211 wreck in 2014 from the port-side debris field, Coin Pile ozt) and bears the initial SS on the small shield-shaped #20. It is size 7.75, with a flat central area that bears cartouche. Oddly, the initials are engraved sideways traces of a blue and blue/white enamel in the engrav- on the shield rather than horizontally within it. This ing. One shoulder also has this blue material embed- means the letters would be more easily read looking ded in the engraving which is missing in the similar from the side of the finger rather along it. The shoul- design on the opposite side, 5.24 grams (0.168 ozt). Ad- ders of the ring are ornamented with a rough texture ditional enamel inlays were common during the Gold similar to a gold nugget, and there are two hearts, one Rush period throughout the world. on each side of the shank. There is no engraving on the inside circumference of the ring. Was this possibly Samuel Shreve’s personal ring? Lot includes his passenger receipt, #24 in First Cabin. Recovered in 2014 from the port-side debris field, Coin Pile #2. Page 132 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Samuel Shreve (also Shreeve) California Gold Rush Jeweler by Fred N. Holabird Sam, or “Sammy” as his friends (including the Eastons) First Cabin passenger receipt called him, traveled back and forth to New York and Number 24, issued to Samuel Samuel Shreve was born September 1, 1830, in Salem, Boston several times during the 1850s. Interestingly, Shreve for passage from As- Massachusetts. His father, Capt. Samuel V. Shreve he opened a small office in New York in 1856 selling pinwall to New York on the came from Salem, Massachusetts and lived later in life clocks, though he probably had his fingers in the watch S.S. Central America. The in Washington DC. Shreve’s mother died in 1846, and and jewelry business. When Sam traveled back East, it item is included in Lot 1135 his father remarried in 1851. Sam’s family started call- makes sense that he would take samples or inventory with a gold signet ring with ing him “Sami” as a young child, and the name stuck. for resale to New York and Boston jewelry merchants. the initials SS. Along the way he met a gal from Danvers, a slight four We believe he did just this on the S.S. Central America. miles distance from his hometown of Salem. We don’t The Central America carried gold coins, nuggets, dust today’s average business card, which is how they were know her name, but in September 1857, Sam was on and jewelry for hundreds of passengers, banks, express prepared for wholesale sale. Because of this last fact, his way to get married... and never made it. He was companies and wholesale/retail shippers. Among the we know some of this jewelry was a jewelry ship- lost at sea on the S.S. Central America. discoveries made by Nemo’s team were about two ment. Further, there were two distinct coin piles that His uncle, Benjamin Shreve, was a watchmaker (and dozen gold rings with gold nugget patterns (some contained most of this jewelry. Sam’s group appears probably jeweler) in New York City from before gold real, some “faux”) along the sides, and nearly the same to have held a special ring that may have belonged to rush times. About 1853-1854, Benjamin joined a larger amount of gold nugget stick pins and brooches. Some him engraved with the initials “SS.” How much of the firm in Boston, where he was a partner in the watch of these were found on small cards about the size of recovered jewelry was Shreve’s for resale? Was some and jewelry firm of Jones, Shreve, Brown & Co. They of it destined for gifts to his future wife’s family? Is had two locations in Boston and appeared very suc- that the reason there are rings with interlocking hearts cessful. Young Samuel Shreve probably apprenticed and California gold dust along the sides of the rings? under his uncle, perhaps during early adulthood about We may never know, but the mounting evidence is be- 1849-1852. coming overwhelming that a lot of the pieces were his. Sam and his brother George ventured to the California But it does appear there was a second jeweler onboard, Gold Rush in 1852, where they opened a watch, clock, who we have not yet found a name for. and jewelry business in San Francisco. The young Stay tuned for February. brothers did not advertise much, and never appeared to advertise California jewelry, though few actually did advertise the new forms of jewelry which became quite popular as “Shreve & Co.” Today, the company survives as one of the most successful jewelry firms on the West Coast, though family ownership came to an end years ago. Shreve & Co. became famous under George’s management, and they became the “go to” jewelry house in all of California for over 100 years. Precious metal ingot collectors remember them today because of the ornate large silver ingot “menu” that they made for Senator William Sharon, of which per- haps half a dozen survive. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 133

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1118 Opening Bid $1,500 HWAC# 146637 SSCA# 14246 Gold and Diamond Pinback, S.S. Central America Treasure Dome-shaped gold pinback with 15 irregularly shaped, clear diamonds (generally round). Largest central diamond is surrounded by seven slightly smaller di- amonds, and these are surrounded by another seven smaller diamonds. Electronically tests as 18K. This is a sparkling piece in excellent condition except that the hinged pinback is missing. This brooch probably had enamel filling the interstices, which disappeared through time and the elements. It has old, cushionee mine cut diamonds, and may have been of the Newark diamond markets of the 1850s. Recovered in 2014 from an unspecified coin pile in the port-side debris field of the S.S. Central America ship- wreck shown in this in-situ photograph. Page 134 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1119 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1120 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1121 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 146628 SSCA# 14245 HWAC# 146623 SSCA# 13853 HWAC# 146614 SSCA# 14492 Gold Coin ($1 Type II) Stickpin, Gold Leaf Nugget Brooch, Gold Nugget Brooch / Lapel Pin, S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure Stickpin made from a Type II $1 gold coin in beauti- Brooch made of gold leaf with white quartz inclusions, Made of a single gold nugget, 20 x 13 mm, 4.1 grams ful condition, total weight 2.31 grams (0.074 ozt) with 18 x 14 mm, 5.22 grams (0.17 ozt). C ring and hinge on (0.13 ozt). Complete and working pin clasp on the a firmly attached stickpin. Total length is 50 mm. Pin reverse. Displayed horizontally. Recovered from the back. Recovered in 2014 from an unspecified Coin Pile shaft has spiral serrations to help the pin stay in place debris area 2014. Recovered in 2014 from an unspec- in the port-side debris field of the S.S. Central America when worn. Recovered in 2014 from an unspecified ified Coin Pile in the port-side debris field of the S.S. shipwreck. Coin Pile in the port-side debris field of the S.S. Central Central America shipwreck. America shipwreck. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 135

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1122 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1123 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1124 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 146622 SSCA# 13853 HWAC# 146629 SSCA# 14492 HWAC# 146630 SSCA# 14493 Gold Nugget Lapel Pin Gold Leaf Lapel Pin, Gold Nugget Lapel Pin, S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure with White Quartz Inclusions, S.S. Central America Treasure Pinback made of a single gold nugget, 27 x 18 mm, 6.16 Stickpin made of a single large gold nugget, 20 x 12 grams (0.198 ozt). Recovered in 2014 from an unspec- mm, 5.98 grams (0.192 ozt). A hinged stickpin was Pinback recovered in 2014 from an unspecified coin ified Coin Pile in the port-side debris field of the S.S. originally attached to a gold hinge onto the back, but pile in the port-side debris field of the S.S. Central Central America shipwreck. Complete and working pin the tiny hinge pin holding it together and the stickpin America shipwreck. It is made of a single gold nugget clasp on the back. Euhedral gold crystalline form still itself have been lost. Recovered in 2014 from an un- with white quartz inclusions, 17 x 11 mm, 3.34 grams present, folded over at top with minor river erosion. specified Coin Pile in the port-side debris field of the (0.11 ozt). A hinged stickpin was originally attached to This was at one time a spectacular leaf gold specimen S.S. Central America shipwreck. a gold hinge onto the back, but the tiny hinge pin hold- and may have been a trophy to the person who origi- ing it together and the stickpin itself have been lost. nally found it. This specimen is high-grade crystalline native gold with quartz, often referred to as a nugget, though it really is not because it shows no river wear. It would have been a real prize for its owner. Page 136 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1125 Opening Bid * * * Lot# 1126 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1127 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 146627 SSCA# 14236 HWAC# 146616 SSCA# 700 HWAC# 146617 SSCA# 701 Gold Nugget Stickpin and Brooch, S.S. Gold Nugget Stickpin, Crystalline, Gold Nugget Stickpin, S.S. Central Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure America Treasure Two gold nuggets originally fashioned into a stickpin Stickpin made of crystalline Gold. 12 x 12 mm, 1.38 Stickpin made of a single gold nugget, 14 x 10 mm, 2.84 and a brooch joined by a gold chain recovered in 2014 grams (0.04 ozt). Pin is firmly attached, and the overall grams (0.09 ozt). Pin is firmly attached, and the overall from an unspecified Coin Pile in the port-side debris length is 39 mm. Pin shaft has spiral serrations to help length is 68 mm. Pin shaft has spiral serrations to help field of the S.S. Central America shipwreck. The stickpin the pin stay in place when worn. Recovered in 2014 the pin stay in place when worn. Recovered in 2014 is the smaller of the two at 18 x 14 mm, 3.6 grams (0.115 from the port-side debris field, Coin Pile #2, of the S.S. from the port-side debris field, Coin Pile #2, of the S.S. ozt) with a firmly attached pin and an overall length of Central America shipwreck. Central America shipwreck. 41 mm. The brooch is 33 x 28 mm, 12.83 grams (0.413 ozt), and the pin on the back has been lost. The chain that used to join these two nuggets has broken into two pieces. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 137

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1128 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1129 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1130 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 146618 SSCA# 702 HWAC# 146621 SSCA# 10880 HWAC# 146624 SSCA# 14024 Gold Nugget Stickpin, Gold Nugget Stickpin, S.S. Central Gold Nugget Stickpin, S.S. Central S.S. Central America Treasure America Treasure America Treasure Stickpin made of a single gold nugget, 21 x 14 mm, Stickpin made of a single gold nugget, 19 x 13 mm, 5.14 Stickpin made of a single gold nugget, 22 x 17 mm, 3.93 grams (0.126 ozt). Pin is firmly attached, and the grams (0.17 ozt). Pin is firmly attached, and the overall 9.29 grams (0.298 ozt). Pin is firmly attached, and the overall length is 57 mm. Pin shaft has spiral serrations length is 48 mm. Pin shaft has spiral serrations to help overall length is 83 mm. Pin shaft has spiral serrations to help the pin stay in place when worn. Recovered in the pin stay in place when worn. Recovered in 2014 to help the pin stay in place when worn. Recovered in 2014 from the port-side debris field, Coin Pile #2, of the from the port-side debris field, Coin Pile #10, of the S.S. 2014 from the port-side debris field, Coin Pile #20, of S.S. Central America shipwreck. Central America shipwreck. the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Page 138 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1131 Opening Bid $250 Lot# 1132 Opening Bid $250 HWAC# 152381 SSCA# 15906 HWAC# 152385 SSCA# 703 Gold Nugget Stickpin, S.S. Central Gold Nugget Stickpin, S.S. Central America Treasure America Treasure Stickpin brooch made with a single gold nugget, 4.03 Gold stickpin made of a single, natural gold nug- grams (0.130 ozt). Recovered in 2014 from the port-side get soldered onto a 1.5-inch gold needle. The needle debris field, Coin Pile #26, of the S.S. Central America is twisted to have a texture making it more likely to shipwreck. stay in place in whatever garment it was inserted into. Some have thought the nugget looks like a standing rabbit, 3.53 grams (0.113 ozt). Recovered from the port- side debris field, Coin Pile #2, of the S.S. Central Amer- ica shipwreck. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 139

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1133 Opening Bid $1500 HWAC# 152392 SSCA# 10882 Gold Two-Nugget Double Stickpin, S.S. Central America Treasure Two gold nuggets, each soldered to a 1.5-inch stick pin, then joined by a four-inch, gold curb chain. Re- covered in 2014 from the port-side debris field of the S.S. Central America shipwreck, Coin Pile #10, the same coin pile that the Brannan piece came from. Interest- ingly the chain is attached to the same, left side of each nugget, not opposite each other. One nugget still bears the shape of a natural gold crystal, though slightly de- formed, 8.05 grams (0.259 ozt). An image of Nemo pickin up this two-nugget double stickpin using the suction limpet at Coin Pile #10 Page 140 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1134 Opening Bid $250 Lot# 1135 Opening Bid $250 HWAC# 152364 SSCA# 11808 HWAC# 152399 SSCA# 14231 Gold Decoration, Strawberry?, Gold Masonic Emblem, S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America A gold decorative item resembling a strawberry (?) Gold Square-and-Compass Masonic symbol recovered recovered by a sediment trap of a dredge used at the from the S.S. Central America shipwreck in 2014 from S.S. Central America shipwreck in 2014. It weighs 0.22 an unspecified coin pile in the port-side debris field. It grams (0.007 ozt) and is 13 x 11 x 3mm. is 23 x 20 mm and in near-perfect condition. Traces of original adhesive on the back, 1 gram (0.032 ozt). 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 141

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1136 Opening Bid $250 Lot# 1137 Opening Bid $1,000 HWAC# 152363 SSCA# 10884 HWAC# 149457 SSCA# 15941 Gold Pen Nib, Gold-toned chain, ~44cm, S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure Gold pen nib recovered from the port-side debris field, Small gold-toned cable chain, approx 44cm in length Coin Pile #10, at the S.S. Central America shipwreck in recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck in 2014. Labeled // Smith & Todd / New York / 1856 //, 2014. There is no clasp or hook on either end. Tests be- 0.41 grams (0.013 ozt). low 10K gold., 2.66 grams (0.086 ozt). Page 142 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1138 Opening Bid $500 HWAC# 146609 SSCA# 14-15880 Native Gold-in-Quartz from Gold Poke, S.S. Central America Treasure Four native gold-in-quartz specimens from one of the quartz jewelry. The other three specimens are raw, ex- that there may be less than two handfuls of original gold pokes found in the port-side debris field, Coin hibiting native gold in vein form or a spot here and high-grade gold quartz specimens from the gut of the Pile #23, of the S.S. Central America shipwreck. It is there. While we know prominent San Francisco jew- California Gold Rush period extant, the best of which probable that these four specimens were owned by a eler Samuel Shreeve was on board carrying invento- is the Fricot Nugget held in the California State Muse- jeweler heading east. One of the specimens has two cut ry, we don’t know if these rocks were owned by him um at Mariposa. The largest piece here, as well as the surfaces exposing a nice wide native gold vein. Slices or another man involved with the jewelry business. piece with the two cut surfaces is 1.25 x 1 x 0.75 inches. of this rock would have been used for California gold These four specimens are exceptionally important in 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 143

Under Water Image Gallery Gold watches in situ. Gold earring in situ. Gold ring, coins and gold poke Page 144 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1139 Opening Bid $250 HWAC# 152383 SSCA# 10877 Gold-in-Quartz Cufflinks - 1/2 set, S.S. Central America Treasure One cufflink (1/2 of a set) recovered from port-side de- bris field, Coin Pile #6, of the S.S. Central America ship- wreck. It is made with two gold-bearing white quartz ovals, each is ~17 x 13 x 3mm, 4.47 grams (0.144 ozt). 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 145

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1140 Opening Bid $1500 HWAC# 146633 SSCA# 14499 Gold-in-Quartz Cufflinks, One Set, S.S. Central America Treasure These cufflinks recovered from the S.S. Central Amer- ica shipwreck in 2014 from Coin Pile #6 are made with four 15 x 12 mm oval slabs of gold-bearing white quartz inset into the four oval bases. The bases elec- tronically test as 18K. One oval slab has separated from its base, but it should be relatively easy for a jeweler to re-attach it. Total weight is 9.04 grams. This is another beautiful format introduced to the world as California Gold Quartz Jewelry. A gold-in-quartz cufflink found at Coin Pile #6. Page 146 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511

The Ship of Gold Passenger Possessions Lot# 1141 Opening Bid $100 HWAC# 159491 SSCA# 14500 Gold-In-Quartz Gold Stud, S.S. Central America Treasure Gold-In-quartz gold stud recovered from the S.S. Cen- tral America shipwreck. These used in place of buttons on men’s shirts as a fancy token from the California Gold Rush period. This is the only one like this recov- ered from the debris field of the S.S. Central America. 1.7 grams, and about 3/8-inch in diameter. 775-851-1859 ● www.holabirdamericana.com ● [email protected] Page 147

Passenger Possessions S.S. Central America Lot# 1142 Opening Bid $500 Lot# 1143 Opening Bid $250 HWAC# 152373 SSCA# 14244 HWAC# 152365 SSCA# 13847 Gold Earring - 3 Pieces, Gold Earring Component, S.S. Central America Treasure S.S. Central America Treasure One gold earring in two pieces with a small wire loop, Component of a gold earring recovered from the S.S. 3.7 grams (0.119 ozt). Recovered from the S.S. Central Central America shipwreck in 2014 from an unspecified America shipwreck in 2014 from an unspecified coin coin pile in the port-side debris field. It weighs 0.37 pile in the port-side debris field. grams (0.012 ozt). The earring in Lot# 1161 as it was found on the seafloor. Page 148 Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC. ● 3555 Airway Dr., Suite 308 ● Reno, NV 89511