17th century shipwreck reveals a treasure trove of luxury goods

By Ashley Strickland, CNN

Updated 2:09 PM ET, Sat February 18, 2023

The Palmwood Wreck, a Dutch merchant ship that wrecked off the coast of Texel in 1660, was full of luxury goods. Divers retrieved them, and after years of study, the finds are on display at the Netherlands' Museum Kaap Skil. One of the most striking discoveries was a virtually intact silk satin dress with a woven floral motif.
Photos: Investigating the Palmwood Wreck
The Palmwood Wreck, a Dutch merchant ship that wrecked off the coast of Texel in 1660, was full of luxury goods. Divers retrieved them, and after years of study, the finds are on display at the Netherlands' Museum Kaap Skil. One of the most striking discoveries was a virtually intact silk satin dress with a woven floral motif.
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Multiple leather book bindings were found inside a chest, including this calf leather bookbinding with stamp showcasing the coat of arms of the Scottish-English Stuart royal family.
Photos: Investigating the Palmwood Wreck
Multiple leather book bindings were found inside a chest, including this calf leather bookbinding with stamp showcasing the coat of arms of the Scottish-English Stuart royal family.
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A silk wedding dress interwoven with pieces of silver was recovered from the same chest as the other silk dress. The two dresses are different sizes, suggesting the clothing belonged to a family rather than one person.
Photos: Investigating the Palmwood Wreck
A silk wedding dress interwoven with pieces of silver was recovered from the same chest as the other silk dress. The two dresses are different sizes, suggesting the clothing belonged to a family rather than one person.
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Individual pieces of silver were woven into the wedding dress to give it a sparkling effect.
Photos: Investigating the Palmwood Wreck
Individual pieces of silver were woven into the wedding dress to give it a sparkling effect.
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A velvet robe made with expensive red dye was found in the same chest as the gowns.
Photos: Investigating the Palmwood Wreck
A velvet robe made with expensive red dye was found in the same chest as the gowns.
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