Gold Salver with hand-chiseled patterns recovered from the sunken Spanish galleon "Santa Margarita"
The term “salver” is derived from the custom of presenting food or drink to a servant who would ensure it was “safe from all treachery” by tasting it. By the 1600s, a salver, or serving platter, was a common part of tableware. This salver is far from common, however. It is made of gold and decorated with intricate patterns hand-chiseled by a masterful artisan. Two marks on the back of the platter establish the plate’s origin in the New World and indicate Spain’s “quinto” tax had been paid.
Exhibit at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Florida.
During the reign of King Philip II (1556-1598), wealth was worn. Long gold chains, intricately designed “cintas,” and extravagant garment decorations, proclaimed wealth and status. Skilled artisans who specialized in silver or gold were in high demand and gemstones from around the world were the rage. Gold utensils and plates, rare spices that required their own unique displays were also popular among the affluent of Spain.
By the time the 1622 Fleet sailed, however, such displays were no longer considered appropriate – in some cases they were even illegal. Spain’s debt was so great that the royal jewels were often pawned to leverage expenses. Never a good idea to out bejewel the King, nobility had their gemstones reset and their elaborate treasures reworked. As a result, Spanish gold pieces from this period are actually quite rare today.
Gold Salver with hand-chiseled patterns recovered from the sunken Spanish galleon "Santa Margarita"
The term “salver” is derived from the custom of presenting food or drink to a servant who would ensure it was “safe from all treachery” by tasting it. By the 1600s, a salver, or serving platter, was a common part of tableware. This salver is far from common, however. It is made of gold and decorated with intricate patterns hand-chiseled by a masterful artisan. Two marks on the back of the platter establish the plate’s origin in the New World and indicate Spain’s “quinto” tax had been paid.
Exhibit at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Florida.
During the reign of King Philip II (1556-1598), wealth was worn. Long gold chains, intricately designed “cintas,” and extravagant garment decorations, proclaimed wealth and status. Skilled artisans who specialized in silver or gold were in high demand and gemstones from around the world were the rage. Gold utensils and plates, rare spices that required their own unique displays were also popular among the affluent of Spain.
By the time the 1622 Fleet sailed, however, such displays were no longer considered appropriate – in some cases they were even illegal. Spain’s debt was so great that the royal jewels were often pawned to leverage expenses. Never a good idea to out bejewel the King, nobility had their gemstones reset and their elaborate treasures reworked. As a result, Spanish gold pieces from this period are actually quite rare today.