Old vase

[omerta22]

I bought this vase at an antique auction. The vendor told me it had been recovered from a sunken Spanish galleon somewhere off the Gulf Islands. I believe it may be an example of early Moorish enamel ware. I would love to know more about it. Thanks!

 

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[Mackaydon]

This intrigues me.
First, Welcome to TreasureNet!!
Second, Playa Gemelas, PV; I first got to PV in 1965; then it was beautiful and 'native'.
Third, I know you have shown this piece around. Did you ever get the piece assayed for gold enlay?
Fourth, the Gulf Islands you refer to may be Charlotte's Island in British Columbia, Canada--right?
If so, the story of a Spanish galleon may have been 'expanded' from this story:
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.
Don,.......

 

[omerta22]

Hi Don,

I have already spent countless hours on TreasureNet...what a great site!

Alas, Puerto Vallarta used to be beautiful and native but it has turned into a yucky tourist trap, which is why I live at Playas Gemelas. It is a beautiful and clean beach and I love it here.

I have been trying to find information about this vase for years but have never heard the story you mentioned. How intriguing! Thank you so much for sharing it with me.

I have not yet had the vase assayed although an Antiques Roadshow representative thought that the metal around the enamel was gold. He also thought the body of the vase was hammered bronze, and the vessel was probably used for serving wine. Quien sabe. Hopefully some TreasureNet members will be able to provide more information.

Cheers,
Patricia