Well, I'm curious too.
I contacted both the seller and the person who purchased the cob in question. I'm curious to learn from where this cob is supposed to have been recovered. Hopefully the person who purchased the cob has the ability to authenticate it. I'll post what I learn.
Antiquities fraud in China is a cottage industry. When transacting with Chinese dealers on-line, the old Latin doctrine regarding property law, "caveat emptor," should be applied. However, during a two hundred year period (mid 16th - mid 18th century), Spanish merchants sailed each year to the Spice Islands (Malay Archipelago - Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia). The Spanish fleets sailed from a port located at present day Acapulco; traveling in a westerly direction. The return voyage was along the 40th parallel then south along the west coast of North America. Due to the vastness of the Pacific ocean, this trade rout went uninhibited by British navel forces till the capture of a Spanish ship in 1750 (or there about). Captured along with the ship and crew was a map of the trade rout. After that, the British attacked the Spanish trade vessels unmercifully, season upon season, till the rout was abandoned by the Spanish.
The Spice islands is fare more difficult to navigate then are the Caribbean islands. There are countless Spanish ship wrecks in the Caribbean so it seem likely that as many Spanish wrecks lie undiscovered in seas around the Spice Islands. Some of these ships would be carrying silver and gold. Some would be carrying Chinese porcelain and various other trade goods bound for Mexico. Who's to say that one or more Spanish wrecks have not been located in this region and it's treasures sold at Chinese markets?
That's my 2 cents worth.
Tom
