Page 306 - Treasure, World & U.S. Coin Auction 17

1557. Large bronze plaque made from the remains of the
USS Maine, sunk during the Spanish American War in
1898, cast by Charles Kech in 1913 (when the ship was
raised), limited edition #71/1000 (rare and desirable low
number). 5120 grams, 17-1/2” x 13”. A rectangular plaque with Lady
Liberty in relief holding a Federal shield with the sinking ship in
the distance to left, with IN MEMORIAM at top, PATRIOTISM
/ DEVOTION on shield and U.S.S. MAINE / DESTROYED IN
HAVANA HARBOR / FEBRUARY 15TH 1898 in lower field and
THIS TABLET IS CAST FROM METAL RECOVERED FROM
THE USS MAINE across the bottom, signed in bottom-right corner
with copyright and “C. KECK SC. / 1913. Cast by / Jno. Williams
Inc. / NY,” with sturdy hanger on hollow back. Nice light color, un-
damaged condition, light verdigris here and there. Note that Kech was
an assistant to Augustus Saint Gaudens, who of course was famous
for designing the US $20 at the time. Estimate: $1,750-$2,500.

1558. Parker 75 fountain pen made in 1965 from 1715-Fleet silver, in original presentation box, with matching mechanical
pencil. 238 grams, 6-5/8” x 3-3/4” x 1-1/2” (in box). As mentioned in his book Pieces of Eight, Kip Wagner’s Real Eight Co. was badly in need
of money when investor Ken Parker came forward with the idea to melt down 4,000 oz. of silver cobs from the 1715 Fleet and turn them
into popular fountain pens (limited to 4,821 units) to sell at $75 each (triple the normal retail price for their pens), a small fortune in 1965
for anyone but wealthy executives. But it is not just the pen that makes these collectibles valuable: You have to have the whole package, with
the box and certificates and booklets, and this offering has it all, including the green-felt pouch that is often missing. The pen itself shows the
normal Parker 75 crosshatch pattern on the outside but with the all-important “SPANISH TREASURE FLEET - 1715” embossed around
the center and also with the oM mintmark for Mexico and the Mexican eagle in the gold accents at either end. Also included with this set is
a pencil from the same series but without the Fleet- silver wording and Mexican symbols, as well as a replacement ink cartridge. (For more
information, see http://www.parker75.com.) With hinged box that shows a map on top, a diagram of a galleon inside, inspection certificate/
guarantee #85699, small booklet, and a notarized certificate signed by Kip Wagner. Estimate: $1,250-$2,000.

1559. Parker 75 fountain pen made in 1965 from 1715-Fleet silver, in original presentation box, pedigreed to original
Real Eight member Bob Johnson. 224 grams, 6-5/8” x 3-3/4” x 1-1/2” (in box). As mentioned in his book Pieces of Eight, Kip Wagner’s Real
Eight Co. was badly in need of money when investor Ken Parker came forward with the idea to melt down 4,000 oz. of silver cobs from the
1715 Fleet and turn them into popular fountain pens (limited to 4,821 units) to sell at $75 each (triple the normal retail price for their pens),
a small fortune in 1965 for anyone but wealthy executives. But it is not just the pen that makes these collectibles valuable: You have to have
the whole package, with the box and certificates and booklets, and this offering has it all, including the green-felt pouch that is often missing.
The pen itself shows the normal Parker 75 crosshatch pattern on the outside but with the all-important “SPANISH TREASURE FLEET -
1715” embossed around the center and also with the oM mintmark for Mexico and the Mexican eagle in the gold accents at either end. Also
included with this set are a replacement ink tank and four ink cartridges. (For more information, see http://www.parker75.com.) With hinged
box that shows a map on top, a diagram of a galleon inside, inspection certificate/guarantee #85374, small booklet, and a notarized certificate
signed by Kip Wagner. Estimate: $750-$1,100.
304