The year is 1936. San Francisco bustles beneath its iconic fog, while north across the Golden Gate Bridge (still under construction), Greenbrae Ridge basks in the summer sun. This seemingly ordinary day takes an extraordinary turn for Beryl Shinn, a man on a casual picnic. Amidst the rocks, a glint catches his eye. He retrieves a small, flat piece of metal encrusted with grime and curious markings, igniting a historical debate that would last for decades.
Driven by curiosity, Shinn cleans the object, revealing an intriguing inscription and setting in motion a series of events that would propel him into the spotlight. The artifact finds its way to Dr. Herbert E. Bolton, a respected historian, who examines it with keen interest. Months later, Dr. Bolton makes a proclamation that sends shockwaves through the historical community: the object, he declares, is none other than Sir Francis Drake’s legendary “Plate of Brass.”
The Plate of Brass, according to historical accounts, was a marker left by Drake during his voyage of exploration in 1579, claiming the land for the English crown. The news of its discovery creates a frenzy. The California Historical Society hails it as “one of the world’s long-lost historical treasures,” and Shinn becomes an overnight sensation. He sells the Plate for a considerable sum, solidifying its historical significance in the public eye.
However, the story takes an unexpected turn just days later. William Caldera, another individual, emerges, claiming he had found the same object years earlier near Drake’s Bay. This conflicting narrative casts a shadow of doubt on the discovery. While Caldera’s claim lacked concrete evidence, it served as a reminder of the inherent challenges in historical authentication.
Undeterred, the California Historical Society commissioned a thorough scientific analysis of the Plate. Three renowned scientists, armed with the most advanced technology of the time, started a seven-month investigation. Their meticulous report delved into the Plate’s composition, surface features, and even the possibility of tools used for its inscription.
The analysis revealed intriguing details. The Plate displayed characteristics consistent with its age, including a natural patina, imperfections typical of old brass, and microscopic traces of mineralized plant matter embedded within the surface – evidence of extended exposure to the elements. Additionally, the presence of magnesium, an uncommon element in modern brass but prevalent in Drake’s era, further strengthened the argument for its authenticity.
Drawing upon their findings and historical context, the scientists concluded that the Plate was indeed the genuine “Drake Plate” mentioned in Drake’s nephew’s historical record, “The World Encompassed.” This conclusion solidified the Plate’s status as a historical treasure and a key piece of evidence supporting Drake’s exploration of the California coast.
For decades, the Plate of Brass has held the title of the most significant historical artifact discovered in the Western United States. It was displayed worldwide, a tangible link to a bygone era and a testament to Sir Francis Drake’s daring expedition. However, the controversy surrounding its discovery continues to linger.
Did Beryl Shinn truly discover the Plate in 1936, or does William Caldera hold a grain of truth yet to be revealed?
Until now!
From daily encounters with danger and digging tunnels deep below ground to escaping deadly traps designed to thwart treasure hunters, Robert L. Stupack’s daring quest to find the lost treasure of Sir Francis Drake in “Nova Albion and the Treasure of Sir Francis Drake,” is not to be missed.
“Nova Albion and the Treasure of Sir Francis Drake” takes us on a real-life journey filled with dangerous discoveries as Robert L. Stupack embarks on a relentless quest for buried treasure beneath his own property. Starting off with a typical day of lawn mowing, Stupack discovers the set of missing tools used to create the controversial artifact, Sir Francis Drake’s Plate of Brass, and shows how the world has been deceived about its authenticity, adding layers of intrigue to the captivating tale.