A cast bronze church or ship's bell was recovered from the Beaufort Inlet site in 1996. The bell is dated 1705 and was one of the first clues that divers discovered an early eighteenth century shipwreck. The bell features the Roman Catholic invocation IHS MARIA [ Iesus Hominum Salvator], perhaps indication a Spanish or Portuguese origin. The bell may have been obtained when Blackbeard captured a Spanish sloop off the coast of Cuba.

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Bronze bell, before conservation
Drawing of Bronze bell, 0003BUI, showing 1705 date.
Side view drawing of Bronze bell

This wrought iron hook was completely corroded and only a hollow mold of the original artifact survived in the surrounding concretion. Conservators cleaned and filled the natural cavity with epoxy resin in order to replicate the disintegrated artifact. The parina on the exterior of the cast is actually the metallic remnants of the original artifacts surface. Hooks such as this were used extensively in ship's rigging and tackle, as well as in the manipulation of cargo and heavy ordinance.

Variously shaped river cobbles were stored in the ship's hold to enhance stability. Wooden sailing vessels were inherently buoyant, and tall masts made them extremely top-heavy. Tons of ballast stones were added or removed as the weight of cargo, supplies, or ordinance changed. Anchors and extra cannon were also sometimes used as ballast.The ballast stones from the QAR have been the subject of intensive analysis by geologist.

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Ballast stones at the wreck site, - ©UNC-TV

Samples from frames, hull planking, sacrificial planking, and anchor stocks were recovered by archaeologists. The samples have been subjected to a battery of tests including species identifications, radiocarbon dating, and tree-ring analysis. The frames, hull planks, and anchor stocks are all White Oak, while the sacrificial planking is Red Pine.

This collection of iron nails was attached to cannon C-4. The nails vary from 1.5 to 4 inch in length, and all are square in section. The nails probably were contained in a box or bag that has since deteriorated, and were available for shipboard repairs, or possibly as anti-personal shrapnel.

About a dozen decorative lead tacks (length 1 inch) were recovered from the south end of the site. The shanks are square in section and taper to a point, while the heads are decorated with a rosette or flower with a central boss. The tacks, too soft to be hammered, were likely used to decorate upholstery, furniture, leather-lined boxes, or chests. Identical tacks are reported from the Whydah Galley.

A perforated semi-circular lead bilge strainer with three flanges was found in 1996. The strainer prevented debris from entering the pump used to remove water from the bilge. Pumps were also used to transport water to hose down the decks and to fight fires.