But if analysis shows minerals unique to Nantes, France, where the Concorde first floated, the ballast could point to Blackbeard. While awaiting the results of such studies and combing archives for more overlooked records, experts contend everything they know so far supports the theory the wreck is what's left of Queen Anne's Revenge . And nothing contradicts it. All items identified so far predate the 1718 sinking. The bronze bell, one of the first items brought to the surface, is inscribed with the date 1709, and the name IHS Maria .
Historians theorize the foot-tall bell was taken from a captured vessel or a plundered port town.
Pewter dishes made by London pewterer George Hammond date to the early 1700s. Two onion-shaped English wine bottles are circa 1714. A pewter syringe brought up last fall could be the renowned pirates mark. Blackbeard had blockaded Charleston's port for a week before heading up the coast toward Beaufort. Some accounts say syphilis was widespread among the men.