Mardi Gras Metal Artifacts

Spoons, buttons, coins, the ship's stove, and anchor are included in the metal assemblage, which contains many of the largest and smallest items recorded on the site.
Complementing the creamware table settings were three pewter spoons. Forks and knives are also represented by bone handles, but the pewter spoons preserverd better than other utensils.

The inscription on the pewter spoons indicates that they were manufactured in France, possibly by the Fabreguette family of pewter smiths.

This family operated in Bordeaux during the late eighteenth century.

As seen on the left, a cast-iron ship's stove was also found. The stove was rectangular in shape, measuring 19.3 inches by 26.8 inches, and stood 17.5 inches high.

The meals served and eaten from the creamware and utensils seen were most likely cooked on this stove.

Also found at the site were several small coins, including the two-reale coin seen at right. The coin contains approximately 6.766 grams of silver, and one side remains legible.

The inscription reads "HISPAN ET INC REX 2R F M." During the nineteenth century, Spanish coins were used throughout the Gulf of Mexico region.

The Mardi Gras wreck was armed with at least one cannon, which was recovered and can be seen in situ, at left, and as it begins conservation treatment, below.

In addition to the cannon, the Mardi Gras Shipwreck carried a box of mixed arms and edged weapons.

This box was not recovered from the site, but video images and still photography have provided some information about its contents. The box still holds a number of longarms, pistols, and edged weapons.