Description:

RELICS OF COLUMBUS' SANTA MARIA
Two thin, small pieces of oxidized iron, each approx. 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/8", purported to be from an anchor from one of Columbus' vessels from the time of his discovery of the New World. The relics are contained within a small envelope bearing ca. 1935 handwritten provenance: "For Senator [Henry] Ashurst - Small pieces of iron from the anchor of Christopher Columbus' lead[?] ship, used when he discovered America. G. W. Blodgett". Ashurst's secretary in the Senate was Mary Elizabeth ("Betty") Haardt, who was later given these relics and from whose estate they emanate. She later became secretary to Leslie Biffle, Secretary of the Senate. An I.S.P. 8" x 10" b/w from Ashurst to Haardt is also included. We have been unable to trace Mr. Blodgett, but the anchor of Columbus' Santa Maria rests in the Musée du Panthéon National Haitien in Port-au-Prince, and it is not inconceivable that eighty years ago Mr. Blodgett chipped-off a few bits to send to his senator.

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September 11, 2013 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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