Incredible historic find

[Flasks]

The laws are becoming very strict about removing ANY artifact in the state of FL. If it weren't for us "pot" hunters, the historic knowledge of FL wouldn't amount to 1/3rd what it is now. Before I retired and left FL, I contributed 3 substantial collections....25% of the artifacts from a gold laden Galleon off Ft. Pierce., a paleo Indian collection of artifacts from mid state and I also located and assembled a large collection of artifacts from the original fort for which Ft. Pierce is named. No one knew where the fort actually was located until I found it...fortunately it was on the edge of the city and hadn't been overtaken with concrete and asphalt. It took a long time for me to learn to keep my mouth shut when I find something but now that I'm in my 80's I don't worry about it as I can't hunt as I did all those prior 60+ years. I'd love to see some of your finds, why don't you post some?

 

[sandchip]

I think you're being too generous with your estimate of ⅓. Many indoctrinated, ivory tower archs today give little credit to collectors who are responsible for them even knowing about roughly 90% of the sites known today. Their love of history only goes so deep. When the funding dries up, they mysteriously dissapear. Lack of appreciation is one thing, but to actively lobby against collectors is another. With that said, there are a few genuinely good archaeologists out there. Sorry for my tirade. Here's a few pictures to get this thread back on a more enjoyable track.

 

[Flasks]

Nice pieces..always like the agatized coral points.thanks for the pictures.

 

[sandchip]

Beautiful material!

 

[stc1993]

Back in the late 80s I found a giant megladon tooth. It was bigger than my hand.

We were digging a pit for a 70' truck scale at a phosphate mine in Tampa.

I sold it for $75 they're worth around $1000 today.

 

[Flasks]

I think most of us are guilty of selling one of our "treasures"...but at the time we did what we felt was right. After all, none of us will be taking any of these items with us but were blessed to be a caretaker for awhile. Picture, when I was young, shows me holding one of 4 mammoth teeth I found that day, my hand is holding a tooth and the other the joint of a femur, tibia ?? from that animal.

 

[sandchip]

I think most of us are guilty of selling one of our "treasures"...but at the time we did what we felt was right. After all, none of us will be taking any of these items with us but were blessed to be a caretaker for awhile...

That pretty much sums it up. Well said, brother.

 

[Bufflehead]

I think most of us are guilty of selling one of our "treasures"...but at the time we did what we felt was right. After all, none of us will be taking any of these items with us but were blessed to be a caretaker for awhile. Picture, when I was young, shows me holding one of 4 mammoth teeth I found that day, my hand is holding a tooth and the other the joint of a femur, tibia ?? from that animal.

!

 

[Flasks]

I think you're being too generous with your estimate of ⅓. Many indoctrinated, ivory tower archs today give little credit to collectors who are responsible for them even knowing about roughly 90% of the sites known today. Their love of history only goes so deep. When the funding dries up, they mysteriously dissapear. Lack of appreciation is one thing, but to actively lobby against collectors is another. With that said, there are a few genuinely good archaeologists out there. Sorry for my tirade. Here's a few pictures to get this thread back on a more enjoyable track.

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I don't know if you're aware of this book but if you aren't, it is a MUST HAVE, if you have any interest in early Fl inhabitants. This is a hardback book with many photos and the paper is highgrade gloss. Mr. Brown (author) is highly accurate and detailed in his writing of this book and if you dive there is a section that "diver" hunters will find much interest. I hope you get this message, if so please acknowledge. By the way....ABE'S books will probably have this book and you can usually save quite a bit over retail. Good luck, Don

 

[sandchip]

Yessir, I have that book. It's a good one, for sure.