Some colorful Pa. jasper

[Th3rty7]

for your viewing pleasure.

[uniface]

That is some seriously pretty stuff, thirty7 !

A factoid of possible interest : the Pennsylvania Jasper area (Berks & Lehigh Counties) were settled pretty early on by German farmers. One of the first things they did was to fill in the quarry pits. The result is that nobody has any idea where a lot of the oddball jaspers came from, exactly.

The red tip on your one piece, as you'll know, came from being close enough to a fire to bake that end of it without being close enough to shatter or potlid it.

[mamabear]

gorgeous. I love jasper & in a point? wow

[shopdog]

awsome colors in that material

[Th3rty7]

Appreciate the comments folks,

Are these found points or did you do the flaking yourself ?

Very pretty either way, and good to know since I live so close to Pa.

I purchased these in a collection from Pa. they are authentic . Here's a couple more.

[SoIll]

Sweet I like it all.

[Th3rty7]

Ok, loaded question no doubt. But how do you know if they are authentic vs modern knapped in someones back yard ? Not that I am passing judgment on you or anyone as I wouldn't know a real point from a bugger. But so maybe I could buy some points without getting taken as I would like to buy authentic ones for my grand kids. So please take no offense at my question I just don't know how to ask such a thing without pissing someone off so I tend to shy away.

No offense taken Bull59, it's a very important question as far as this hobby is concerned, and one that not enough collectors research imo.

The very first thing I look for when i see a questionable piece is patina. Patina is the natural surface film produced by exposure, age, wear , the elements. Patina also refers to accumulated changes in surface texture and color over time. Be careful here because there are unscrupulous artifakers putting bunk patinas on artifacts. Second I look for mineralization, especially in the flake scars of an artifact. Then I run my fingers along the blade edges, many reproductions have uniform edgework that can give them away easily. Most importantly before buying any artifact do your homework. Research types and materials in the area you're buying the artifacts from, learn the materials used in the area, and point types associated with them. Also look at some pictures of similiar pieces and study the patina on authentic stuff.

I tend to only buy artifacts that are within the general area of my location, and materials that I'm familiar with. hope this helps some.

[MANCHU]

Great Artifacts ! Very nice pics.

[Tnmountains]

Each one has great character. Love the colors. Nice additions thirty7
TnMountains

[Americus]

Nice points and wonderful material. Thanks for sharing.