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Order By Fax 239-949-9537
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Atocha Coins Atocha Jewelry Atocha Rings Atocha Bracelets
| poorly prepared. The paste itself shows evidence of reduction, with oxidation on the exterior and interior. The pieces appeared to be wood fired at a low temperature. A rough guess at 1SOO—1900°F. is suggested. There was no indication of glaze on any of the recovered olive jar material. Three samples were sent to the Geology Department of University of California, Berkley, for an X-ray diffraction analysis for mineralogical composition, along with three samples recovered from wrecks of the Spanish Armada. | |
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The samples were prepared as follows. Each of the samples was pulverized and suspended in water. The suspensions were then settled onto glass slides and air dried. This technique should separate the clays over the denser materials such as quartz...quartz predominates in all samples. And in one sample clay is completely absent. Samples 1-3 (Atocha) are not minerological distinguishable from 4-6(Armada) , nor is there any characteristic similarity between the two sets, Although the diffraction analysis may aid in the minerological composition, for paste origin tests, (he use of X-ray flourencence (XRF) may prove more helpful. It is hoped that further testing of comparative shipwreck ceramics will aid in the search for manufacturing centers in southern Spain and the New World. |
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Members and friends of the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society have been sharing an enthusiastic approval of the most recent issue of the Society’s journal, the Astrolabe. Handsomely typeset, and sprinkled with a number of good halftone photographs and inked drawings to illustrate the topics discussed, this new issue featured several articles referring to the historical and archaeological significance of the construction data and the many artifacts recovered from the primary cultural deposit of the Atochca. The journal will continue to present that combination of scholarly research and lively writing designed both to inform and to engender a deeper interest in Hispanic maritime and colonial activity in the New World. The response of many Treasure Salvors investors and stockholders to the recent membership appeal, especially those who have chosen generous membership categories, has been largely responsible for the Society’s ability to enlarge its scope and continue the encouraging growth that has already taken place this year. Plans are underway, ii the necessary funds can be generated, for an in-depth research project to study the archival and museum-related materials which will shed more light on the history of coinage in the Spanish New World mints. Such documentation would greatly increase both the numismatic and the monetary value of sea-salvaged coins recovered from the Atocha and the Santa Margarita. |
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From The Archives Of
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