History buff brings rare artifacts to Lowcountry

Sitting on one of Bali's beaches in 1985, Rich Mutschler was approached by a local who had a collection of gold coins for sale.

As the local man on the red bicycle rode away, Mutschler held in his hand gold coins that he said changed his life forever.

Nearly 25 years later, Mutschler is the founder and president of the Interisland Trade Cooperative of Indonesia. Mutschler also created the Voyager International Group, a world acquisition and trade service organization that specializes in maritime treasures.

Trading and collecting authentic artifacts, rare objects and ethnographic art from the 16th and 17th centuries, Mutschler recently opened his first retail shop, Galleons Lost, in April.

The King Street gallery offers art, ship wreck coins, gold doubloons, black pearls, gold treasure, fine jewelry, family heirlooms passed down from generations of Indonesian families.

The items scattered throughout Galleons Lost are representations of what Mutschler has found on his travels to Bali.

Mutschler said he choose to open his gallery in Charleston because of the city's historical context and its artistic foundation.

History buff and master trader, Mutschler said there are so many undiscovered items out there. By opening Galleons Lost, Mutschler said more people can have access to rare and beautiful items.

Mutschler, who returns to Bali on a regular basis, has an eye for what is real and what is fraudulent. His company specializes in trade and identifying authentic items. Making a career out of working in the Bali trade industry, Mutschler hasn't become overly attached to any collectable items.

"We all die," Mutschler said. "All antiques belong to the dead. They meant something to someone and it is our responsibility to pass them down."