- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Stories
Lot 270:
Description
Four antique metal plates recovered from an underwater site, including Chinese export pewter, English pewter, and copper alloy examples. The Chinese export pewter plate is constructed with a wide flat rim and shallow well. The underside bears an impressed circular mark containing a stylized bird or dragon surrounded by the word SHANGHAI, positioned above four rectangular stamps containing Chinese characters. The English pewter plate is of similar form with a slightly reinforced rim. The underside features two distinct impressed marks: a circular stamp containing a griffin-like animal under a crescent moon with the letters RUNOT, and a shield-shaped stamp containing a Tudor rose surmounted by a crown. A third plate, likely composed of a copper alloy, is in a highly degraded state with significant material losses and bright green verdigris oxidation. The remaining plate is covered in a thick, dark mineralized encrustation that obscures the original surface. One of the plates is marked silver. 9 1/2" diameter.
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Condition report:
Condition is consistent with long-term immersion in water. The copper-alloy plate is in poor, fragmentary condition with large losses and fragile edges. One plate shows heavy mineral encrustation and significant surface pitting. The two pewter plates are in fair condition, exhibiting overall surface scratching, darkening, and minor pitting throughout.
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