Double ended spring shot excavated from the wreck site of the BATAVIA

Datebefore 1629

Object number00048760

NameSpring shot

MediumLead, metal

DimensionsOverall: 40 mm, 60 g, 14 mm (diameter)

ClassificationsArmament

Credit LineANMM Collection Transferred from Australian Netherlands Committee on Old Dutch Shipwrecks

Terms

DescriptionA lead spring shot with curled wire attached excavated from the wreck site of BATAVIA. The shot is molded and the join lines for the two pieces are evident.HistoryShips from the Netherlands and the VOC were often loaded with what was known as 'paid ballast', such as bricks, on their way to Indonesia or other Dutch outposts. This type of ballast fulfilled the purpose of achieving some financial recompense at the ships destination as Dutch bricks were in demand and known for their high quality. 'Paid ballast' also provided some stability for the ship whilst at sea. The BATAVIA was carrying thousands of bricks as ballast which were intended for use in Java on her ill-fated journey in 1629. Some of these bricks that were recovered from the wreck site have been used as part of a memorial built in Geraldton, Western Australia, to those who died as a result of the wreck of the BATAVIA and the subsequent tragedy that occurred after.SignificanceThis spring shot is associated with the oldest Dutch shipwreck discovered on the Australian coast and part of a collection of ballast bricks that are representative of European presence near the Australian continent in the 17th century.