- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
Peter Benchley Collection - Jaws - A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Stories
Lot 37:
Description
An assortment of five items comprising a silver-plated chalice, a brass wax seal stamp, a marine concretion, a natural whetstone, and a decorative metal fitting. The chalice features a bell-shaped bowl on a simple turned stem with a circular, spreading foot, designed for hotel-ware use. The brass seal stamp is constructed with a tapered handle decorated with foliate scrolls in relief and a shield-shaped matrix. The columnar marine concretion consists of a core of twisted metal wire heavily encrusted with orange-hued calcified growth and oxidation. The elongated rectangular whetstone is composed of cream-beige stone with prominent natural iron oxide veining. The dark metal fitting displays a shell-shaped plate with vertical ribbing and a slender, curved C-shaped arm ending in a point. The chalice is marked on the underside Ove C.P. Bjerregaard and Frascati. Largest: 8″ L x 1 1/2″ W x 1/2″ D. Cup: 2 3/4″ H x 1 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:
The collection exhibits extensive age-related wear and environmental degradation consistent with underwater recovery. The chalice and seal stamp show a darkened, aged patina with recurring spots of verdigris. The marine concretion is fossilized with heavy calcification and severe oxidation throughout. The decorative metal fitting shows significant rust encrustation, particularly at the mounting aperture. The stone whetstone is smoothly worn at the edges and ends from environmental exposure.
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