Treasures of the Santa Clara By Lewis D. Kent

Treasures of the Santa Clara

By Lewis D. Kent

crossbows encrusted.

The question was asked, “What do you think this is?” Looking into the large gray tub filled with water and encrusted artifacts, I guessed barrel rings. When the answer came back as crossbows, I was hooked. I should back up and start from the beginning.

I recently traveled to Key West, Florida by sailboat with my son and some friends. Having a full day to explore the island city, I put on my sunscreen and set out on foot. After walking through t-shirt shops, art galleries, and the maze of streets, I found myself standing in front of The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum (MFMM) at the intersection of Whitehead and Greene Streets. I had always heard of the vast treasures held inside and thought here is my chance to see it firsthand. After paying the $15 entrance fee I was asked if I wanted to add the behind-the-scenes tour to my visit. “It starts in 10 minutes.” I handed over $10 thinking, this better be good.

Corey Malcom, the Director of Archaeology

Corey Malcom, the Director of Archaeology for MFMM met me and a friend near the gift shop and led the two of us through security and up to the third floor. I was about to see riches beyond belief but instead found myself looking into a large gray tub filled with water and coral-encrusted artifacts. When Corey told us we were looking at encrusted crossbows from before 1564, I knew I was looking at a different kind of treasure.

These crossbows came from the wreck of the Spanish sailing vessel, Santa Clara, which sank in the Florida Straits in 1564. This is believed to be the largest collection of shipwrecked crossbows in the world, and it appears that no two crossbows are the same. Corey explained that there are many old crossbows in the world, but they mostly come from lords, kings, and wealthy estates. The crossbows from Santa Clara are the type militaries would use and there aren’t many around for us to study anymore. 

When x-rays show too much damage has occurred to the artifact. The artifact is removed from the encrustation and the encrustation is carefully assembled and filled with resin. The resin in the void of the encrustation reveals remarkable details long since destroyed by time and nature.

https://sketchfab.com/models/72a68426822e490386ebdf7d4f56e294  3D Crossbow Bolt Point

To study these artifacts, MFMM is going thru the long and expensive process of stabilizing and protecting the crossbows from further deterioration. This process involves the use of specialized treatments to physically and chemically stabilize the artifact. They include desalination in water baths and chloride removal by electrolytic reduction which may take a few hours or as long as several years. The staff, volunteers, and interns at MFMM preserve about 150 to 200 artifacts each year. The goal is to preserve the object in its present condition and not to restore it to its original condition.

Crossbow Cocking Mechanism

Crossbow Cocking Mechanism

Display crossbow in the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society now surveys, documents, and researches many wrecks other than treasure ships. Their tireless work also includes analysis, documentation, and long-term care of the artifacts. If you are interested in seeing these crossbows or knowing more about shipwrecks, visit the museum at:

MEL FISHER MARITIME MUSEUM 
200 Greene Street 
Key West, Florida 33040
305.294.2633 

Email: office@melfisher.org

Website: http://www.melfisher.org/index.htm