[GSlob]

Isn't any treasure trove a Crown property?

[The Shrew]

IIRC Maritime law has that ANY shipwreck is a "finders keepers - losers weepers" scenario. There was a case in the late '80's in which a modern container ship ran aground off of Land's End, England. The locals stripped it while the crew was off seeking assistance. Her Majesty's Court supported the locals.

Regards,

TS

[Androcles]

I think they modernised it recently so that instead of the crown seizing it and paying a pittance, the goods had to be independently cvalued and a large percentage of value paid to the finder. Unsurprisingly, finds soared as people stopped concealing them...that's from memory and anecdote though.