- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Stories
Lot 61:
Description
Three distinct ethnographic items comprising a bone necklace, a lithic tool, and a mineral collection. The necklace is constructed from numerous natural snake vertebrae, interspersed with three decorative bead clusters. Each cluster features a central black glass bead flanked by two light-colored, teardrop-shaped natural seeds or stones, all strung on a fine white cord. The hand-held lithic tool is a smooth, water-worn cobble of roughly triangular form with rounded edges, showing linear striations and a central area of dark impact wear on one face consistent with use as a grinding or hammerstone. The third item is a dark brown soft leather drawstring pouch with a scalloped edge and black cord closure, containing various mineral specimens including botryoidal hematite in reddish-brown hues and grayish-green crystalline clusters. Unsigned. Necklace: 11" x 3/8". Stone: 3 3/4" x 3 1/4".
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 snake vertebrae and seeds show a natural aged yellowish patina. The leather pouch remains supple with minor surface wear. Several mineral specimens exhibit internal fracturing and minor crumbling into a fine gray powder. The stone tool shows surface abrasions and dark mineral streaks consistent with use and age. The paper label on the stone is heavily worn and partially lost.
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