SOLD
13,000.00USDto b********8+ buyer's premium (2,275.00)
This item SOLD at 2017 Sep 15 @ 22:55UTC-7 : PDT/MST
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Weight: 22 pounds with original clapper
Size: 10.25” diameter base, 8.5” tall, 5” diameter top
Inscribed: Winfield Scott/ New Your 1851
Constructed of early gold rush bronze with hand lettering typical of that era.
The present lot is a singularly important artifact from one of the great shipwrecks of the California gold rush. At 225 feet long, boasting three decks, the SS Winfield Scott is believed to have taken its maiden voyage some time in 1851. It was a large, modern vessel that was designed and built by Westervelt & Mackay to accommodate over 300 passengers, and was the first ship of its type to ply the route from New York to New Orleans. Its engines were from the Morgan Iron works of New York. I was originally launched October 22, 1850, but awaited “heavy equipment” to be installed before it was seaworthy.
In January of 1852, the Winfield Scott set sail for California, arriving on April 28th. San Francisco would become its base of operations, where The New York and California Steamship Company and later The Pacific Mail Steamship Company would sail it from San Francisco to Panama and back. Both companies pushed the ship’s limits: manifests from 1853 show the number of passengers and crew at more than double what the ship had been designed to carry. Sometime in 1851 it became the first steamer to ply the New York—New Orleans route, but by January 26, 1852 it set sail for the gold fields of San Francisco arriving on April 28,1852.
On December 2nd, 1853, the Winfield Scott was carrying around 450 passengers when it ran aground near Anacapa Island, 30 miles West of Santa Barbara. The ship did not sink immediately, and on the morning of December 4th, the Steamer California arrived to take on any ladies in distress, transferring around $800,000 in gold bullion from the foundering vessel while they were at it. Within days, the rest of the passengers were rescued, and any cargo that could be salvaged was brought ashore. A later, more extensive salvage operation was mounted in 1894, and much of the ship’s metal fittings were recovered, including the ship’s bell. Sometime shortly thereafter, a member of the Marklee family in Alpine County, California, purchased the bell, and it remained property of the family until around ten years ago when an advanced collector of gold rush and shipwreck numismatics purchased it in a Nevada auction.
[INSERT Close up of the bill lettering Image here]
Interest in the Winfield Scott shipwreck never really waned, and by the mid-20th century, it had become a haven for skin divers and scuba enthusiasts. In 1967, an article entitled “Ghostly Gold” was published; it claimed that ‘49er gold had been found by divers exploring the wreck. Two years later, an expedition uncovered a handful of California Fractional Gold, and an 1850 $5 Moffat (quite probably the example found elsewhere in this sale, although the only known photo of the coin is out of focus). Further dives uncovered more gold coins, as well as a gold ring inscribed from George Washington Stinson, father of the founder of Stinson Beach California.
Weighing 22 pounds, this hand-lettered bronze bell is a substantial and fascinating reminder of California gold rush history. Only two other ships—the S.S. Central America and the S.S. Republic (both of which have coins represented in this sale)—offer such treasure. The S.S. Central America is known for its ingots, pioneer gold coins and 1857-S double eagles and the S.S. Republic is known for its tens of thousands of silver coins. But there are no other bells recovered from any other ship than the SS Winfield Scott. As the only ship’s bell available from any significant gold rush shipwreck, this unique piece of Western Americana should inspire spirited bidding.
Ex: Holabird Western American 11/05:406 for $25,000
The winner of this lot will also receive a framed print of the S.S. Winfield Scott
[INSERT Ship Image here]
Auction Location:
5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, California, 95051, United States
Previewing Details:
auctions.kagins.com
Sales Tax on currency to non-dealers and coins under $1500 shipped to CA or $1000 to MD per tax accountant
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| CA |
6% |
California Sales Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
17.5% |
Additional Fees:
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00_Sep2017_WCA_FrMatter.indd 11 8/25/17 7:41 PM
xii Kagin’s Auctions
Terms and Conditions of Sale (Continued)
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