1733 Fleet Shipwreck Cross in Shipwreck Silver or Bronze

This Double-Sided Crucifix is a Rare Survivor of the Legendary Spanish 1733 Fleet of Shipwreck Galleons

Please Note: This item includes a black leather necklace in your choice of lengths! 

The small cross from which your cross was cast was recovered from the 1733 Fleet vessel El Capitana El Rubi by treasure-hunting pioneer Art McKee. It was displayed in McKee's museum in the Florida Keys for many years.

The 1733 Fleet Cross

• Size: 3/4" Across, 1 1/2" Tall
• Original Artifact Date: circa 1730
• Metal: Bronze or Shipwreck Silver - click here to learn more about our blend of 4 shipwreck's silver treasure that is in this pendant
• Description: On one side, the cross depicts a haloed Christ on the Cross with the letters INRI, an abbreviation for the Latin: Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum. In English: “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews,” posted on the cross by order of the Roman procurator, Pontius Pilate. The skull under the feet of Christ represents the mortality of man, and that Christ’s blood washes away man’s sins. The other side depicts Mary with hands pressed in prayer, the Latin inscription: Vir Imm Maria Mater Gracie translates to: Immortal virgin: Mary, Mother of Grace.

Shipwreck Silver

The silver version of this cross is cast with our exclusive blend of shipwreck silver from four shipwrecks: Atocha - 1622, the 1715 Fleet, Le Chameu - 1725 and Santa Leocadia - 1800. To read about how we blend our authentic shipwreck silver, where the treasure came from, and the history of these shipwrecks, check out Robert's Blog "Shipwreck Silver - the Story Behind the Story."

Of Special Note: Our exclusive Empires Collection features Museum-Quality Castings that are produced by hand, in the USA, and to exacting standards, creating jewelry pieces that are amazingly faithful to the original artifact.  Each is hand-finished here in the studio - toned, hand-rubbed and polished - making the best of ancient art affordable and wearable for a life-time.

History of the 1733 Fleet

On Friday the 13th of July 1733, the New Spain Fleet left Havana harbor on its return voyage to Spain. Commanded by Lieutenant-General Rodrigo de Torres aboard the 60-gun galleon, Capitana El Rubi, the flota consisted of three other armed galleons, 16 merchant naos, and two smaller ships carrying supplies to the presidio of St. Augustine.

As the ships began the passage up the Florida Straits past the present-day Florida Keys, the wind shifted abruptly from the east and increased in velocity. Lieutenant-General Torres knew a hurricane was imminent and ordered his captains to turn back to Havana, sailing as close to the wind as possible... but it was too late. By nightfall of the 15th, most of the ships had been driven westward and scattered, sunk, or swamped along eighty miles of the Florida Keys. Only four ships made it back to Havana, and the galleon El Africa, managed to sail on to Spain undamaged. Robert made hundreds of dives on the 1733 Fleet during his time in the Florida Keys.

Your Empires Collection Pendant Comes Complete with:

1. A Detailed, Two Page Historic Brief Researched and Written by Robert Lewis Knecht
2. A Black Leather Necklace with 2" Extender in the Length of Your Choice
3. A Linen Gift Pouch
4. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card

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