Special thanks to Kari Cobham of the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum for this release
ST. AUGUSTINE — The 17th century chest attributed to Captain William Kidd has had a nomadic and storied history, almost as itinerant as its legendary former pirate owner. Now, it finds its way from the UK to a new home at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.
The chest — acquired by museum founder Pat Croce from George Edmunds, a historian, collector and author of Kidd: The Search for His Treasure — will be exhibited in the museum’s Captain’s Cabin alongside the 1699 ship’s log of Kidd’s final voyage to Execution Dock.
“Finally, after a decade of pestering Mr. Edmunds to sell me Kidd’s Chest, the dream has come true!” Croce said.
Research conducted by Edmunds and another previous owner, Hubert Palmer, in the 19th century suggests the chest was once in Kidd’s possession. The beautifully crafted wooden chest features a brass plate around a worn keyhole inscribed with ‘Captain Kidd, Leith, Scotland’, and a 1668 King Charles II silver shilling. The interior of the wooden chest is lined with worn pages from a 17th century book. And it is rumored to have once had a false bottom that concealed sea charts and maps.
“This is really a priceless addition to our extensive collection of authentic pirate artifacts, especially since it’s from one of the most infamous pirates of all time,” said executive director Cindy Stavely.
Kidd’s Chest once belonged to brothers Guy and Hubert Palmer before WWII. Hubert Palmer, a collector and recognized authority on piracy, acquired the chest during his investigation of four of charts found among Kidd’s belongings.
After Palmer's death, the chest was held by barrister Anthony Howlett before it was gifted to Edmunds and then acquired by Croce after much perseverance. Croce met Edmunds through Phil Masters, who discovered Blackbeard's ship off the North Carolina coast in 1996.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
Launched in December 2010, the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum has one of the world’s largest collections of authentic pirate artifacts dating back to the 16th century. Originally located in downtown Key West, founder Pat Croce moved the museum to historic St. Augustine where pirates once plundered. With a fun mix of authentic artifacts, state-of-the-art interactive technology and real Florida treasures, The Pirate Museum has been rated as a top national attraction by the prestigious Budget Travel magazine.
Special thanks to Kari Cobham of the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum for this release
Pat's book on pirates: The Pirate Handbook: A Rogue's Guide to Pillage, Plunder, Chaos & Conquest
Croce's passion for pirates: http://youtu.be/DUZQfinzfBM
For more about Croce's recent Sir Francis Drake expedition:
Hunt for Drake's lead-lined coffin on the ocean floor: http://youtu.be/ZySvEhJdRjE
More: http://thepiratemuseum.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=55&Itemid=25
Croce Video of pirate museum collection: http://youtu.be/35Amq-QUu0g
Another very cool pirate treasure hunter vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjyvGE8p2R0&feature=related
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