the galleon body enamelled in white and blue with sejant lion prow, the stern with filigreed enamelled scrolls and decoration, five pendant pearls below, the three masts and double fore sail rigged with white enamelled sails decorated with sun bursts, the rigging held at the top of the masts by seed pearls. 

Sotheby's London, July 6, 1995, lot 224

RELATED LITERATURE

A. S. Cocks and C. Truman, Renaissance jewels, gold boxes and objects de vertu, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, London 1984, cat. no. 11.

Some rigging lacking. Two front sails loose and need reattachment. Some standard wear, dents and some losses to enamel throughout. One pendant pearl lacking. One scroll lacking on reverse.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Ship pendants were popular from the second half of the sixteenth century, particularly in the Mediterranean.  The use of filigree enamel and the colors used indicate an eastern Mediterranean origin.  Often attached to long necklaces, they served as signs of the social status of the bearer.  Compare a similar pendant with gold necklace in the Benaki Museum, Athens, attributed to the island of Patmos (in.no. 9317).