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Bronze HMS Winchester Ships Bell # FO-0001
We strongly prefer to keep the major pieces of this collection together, but realize that may not be possible. If you are interested in other pieces please see our other auction for the main collection. If this bell sells alone, we will either remove the main collection auction, or adjust the price without it. If you purchase this bell, we will provide access to additional pieces at a discount.
Very few people have a chance to own a piece of history like this. This shipwreck is special. Being salvaged in the 1950's and stored all of these years brings us back to a time when most people only cared about gold and silver, but one man knew the value of history and we benefit from that today.
The HMS Winchester
The 944 ton, 4th Rate 60 gun British man-of-war Winchester was built in 1693 at Bursledon by William Wyatt. She was 121 feet long, and she had a 38 foot beam. The Winchester was originally commissioned in 1693 under the command of Captain Edward Bibb. While en route from Jamaica to England, a plaque on board quickly spread throughout her crew, rendering them unable to perform their duties. Her Captain, who was also sick, was put ashore in Jamaica. The Winchester's command was turned over to Captain John Soule. After leaving Port Royal, the crew continued to drop like flies from the scurvy. One report lists only eight able bodied seamen still standing when she was sailed onto a reef on September 24, 1695. A few of her crew including Captain Soule were transferred to another vessel. Captain Soule died later, and unfortunately almost all 400 of her crew were lost.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PROJECT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN!!!!
Your purchase is a responsibility to care for this item and share its story. In the days of cell phones and electronics it is remarkable that an artifact like this still captures the interest of almost everyone, especially children. This is the coolest thing you could ever do with your kids, and we have plenty of other items available only to current owners of artifacts from this wreck! You can become an owner of this important history right now!
This artifact is registered at foreveronline.us to be sure the history, and value, is never lost. In addition a Certificate of Authenticity accompanies each piece.
