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Christopher Columbus

Bell from Columbus’ Santa Maria will toll at Affiliated auction, March 2

Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Sheila Gibson Stoodley
The naval bell that was once aboard the Santa Maria, one of the three ships Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World, will be auctioned on March 2. It is estimated at $2.5 million-$5 million.
The naval bell that was once aboard the Santa Maria, one of the three ships Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World, will be auctioned on March 2. It is estimated at $2.5 million-$5 million.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Affiliated Auctions and Realty, LLC landed “the historical object of a lifetime” when the bell of the Santa Maria arrived at their auction house last month. The naval bell reportedly was aboard the largest of Christopher Columbus’ fleet of ships used during his first voyage of discovery and new lands in 1492. The auction house will offer the bell for public sale on Wednesday, March 2. Its estimate is $2.5 million-$5 million. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

In 1555, Luigi Columbus requested that his grandfather Christopher’s personal belongings be transported back to Portugal via the San Salvador. While it was on its return, the San Salvador wrecked off the coast of Portugal. The bell from the Santa Maria lay undisturbed on the ocean floor until diver Roberto Mazzaro and his team discovered it during their search for the wreckage in 1994.

Detail of the naval bell that was once aboard Christopher Columbus’s ship, the Santa Maria, which will be auctioned on March 2. It is estimated at $2.5 million-$5 million.
Detail of the naval bell that was once aboard Christopher Columbus’s ship, the Santa Maria, which will be auctioned on March 2. It is estimated at $2.5 million-$5 million.

Mazzaro and the bell arrived in Tallahassee from Miami and shared the origin of the antique naval tool with the Affiliated Auctions team. The story features a kidnapping, legal battles and other adventures that characterize this piece of history.

The Santa Maria bell was recovered from the wreck of the San Salvador, which sank off the coast of Portugal in the mid-16th-century.
The Santa Maria bell was recovered from the wreck of the San Salvador, which sank off the coast of Portugal in the mid-16th-century. It will be auctioned on March 2 with an estimate of $2.5 million-$5 million.

“The bell plays such a crucial part in the discovery of the New World. We are honored to be given the opportunity to ensure this important artifact is preserved and enjoyed for generations to come. We thank Mr. Mazzaro for entrusting us with such an amazing piece of history.” said auctioneer Kathleen Whitworth.

Click to view a short video about the bell.

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Christopher Columbus