Made my first donation

[pcolaboy]

A few weeks ago I found the ring in the image below at a public park and I I posted it in the "Today's Finds" section. I took the ring to several different Antique Dealers that specialize in jewelry. In each case I was offered around $150 for it.

Even though I could really use this cash at Christmas, I decided to take it to our local Historical Resource Center and had them evaluate it. The curator of our largest historical museum, T.T. Wentworth Museum, examined it in detail and said that it was most likely from the last Spanish colonial period in our area(1781-1821) and was hand made. I asked her if she felt like it would be desirable for the museum. She nearly fainted and said that it would be a wonderful addition. Therefore, I donated it to the museum and it will be placed among other personal relics from this period in January.

Pcolaboy

 

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[ramjet2187]

Congrats! That's what this is all about. Not being selfish. You done GOOD.

Roger

 

[TreasureTales]

Very nice gesture. I suggest, however, that you should have LOANED the ring to the museum, for a set period of time, and thereby the ring would still remain your property. As much as I think donating items to museums is admirable (and it is!!), there exists the possibility that the museum at some point in time might SELL or DEACCESSION your donation. This is a fairly common practice, for various reasons. So by loaning the item to the museum, you retain the right to do with it as you wish once the term of the loan is reached.

By the way, that was a great find. The workmanship on that ring was exquisite.

 

[pcolaboy]

Very nice gesture. I suggest, however, that you should have LOANED the ring to the museum, for a set period of time, and thereby the ring would still remain your property. As much as I think donating items to museums is admirable (and it is!!), there exists the possibility that the museum at some point in time might SELL or DEACCESSION your donation. This is a fairly common practice, for various reasons. So by loaning the item to the museum, you retain the right to do with it as you wish once the term of the loan is reached.

By the way, that was a great find. The workmanship on that ring was exquisite.

It is still mine. I should have clarified that a bit. They gave me a "receipt" saying that they are only taking stewardship of the item and that it is still my property. I in return agree to give them a 30 day notice in writing when i wish to have the ring returned to me.

Pcolaboy

 

[TreasureTales]

Very nice gesture. I suggest, however, that you should have LOANED the ring to the museum, for a set period of time, and thereby the ring would still remain your property. As much as I think donating items to museums is admirable (and it is!!), there exists the possibility that the museum at some point in time might SELL or DEACCESSION your donation. This is a fairly common practice, for various reasons. So by loaning the item to the museum, you retain the right to do with it as you wish once the term of the loan is reached.

By the way, that was a great find. The workmanship on that ring was exquisite.

It is still mine. I should have clarified that a bit. They gave me a "receipt" saying that they are only taking stewardship of the item and that it is still my property. I in return agree to give them a 30 day notice in writing when i wish to have the ring returned to me.

Pcolaboy

That's a relief. Apparently you have a very ethical museum curator, or you were aware of the deaccession that occurs at museums at times. Either way, congrats on retaining ownership of the ring.

 

[EDDE]

A few weeks ago I found the ring in the image below at a public park and I I posted it in the "Today's Finds" section. I took the ring to several different Antique Dealers that specialize in jewelry. In each case I was offered around $150 for it.

Even though I could really use this cash at Christmas, I decided to take it to our local Historical Resource Center and had them evaluate it. The curator of our largest historical museum, T.T. Wentworth Museum, examined it in detail and said that it was most likely from the last Spanish colonial period in our area(1781-1821) and was hand made. I asked her if she felt like it would be desirable for the museum. She nearly fainted and said that it would be a wonderful addition. Therefore, I donated it to the museum and it will be placed among other personal relics from this period in January.

Pcolaboy

you have made a valuable Allie smooth move dude!!!

 

[Ramapirate]

That is too cool! I'd love to find something worthy of a museum. My brother found a slave ankle cuff/bracelet that was used during slave auctions in the late 1700's and donated it flat out to The Mint Museum of History in Charlotte. They flipped out over it. This was back in the 1970's.

Nice going Pcolaboy!
HH,
Ramapirate

 

[Farmercal]

8) You are a credit to this hobby.

 

[diggummup]

That's a great story! you should've asked her if you could detect the Museum grounds now? I would've! Cool story and you did a good thing,hopefully it won't go unnoticed.

 

[Night Stalker]

Way to Go! Actions of this caliber really give our hobby a great name, well done and thanks for sharing. Excellent pic too

 

[pcolaboy]

That's a great story! you should've asked her if you could detect the Museum grounds now? I would've! Cool story and you did a good thing,hopefully it won't go unnoticed.

Oh now I would never even conceive of asking any 'favors' from these folks in the future

Pcolaboy

 

[bogeymcq]

What a wonderful deed/gesture you have done!
Kudos, kudos, kudos to you!​

I think if you are ever needing info on any other items you have found, they will surely be of a great assistance to you!


Bogart

 

[Blind.In.Texas]

That was a great gesture and a secure move as well. I myself would not have been able to do that. For one thing I get attached easily, because well, I like to collect, duh.... The other thing is I just don't trust others with my stuff. I don't care what kind of receipt I get for it. That piece of paper doesn't stop someone from walking off with it. I have worked construction for many years and the one thing I have learned is that nothing can be proven without the photographic evidence and that some people are all-too-willing to take advantage of that. I admire your spirit.

Good luck with that loan. I hope many people get to enjoy it.

Laater...

 

[button]

Super story!! You made us all proud!

 

[Woodsie]

Tht's exactally why I love this hobby....Congratulations on your contributation...Santa will be good to you this year. It's what's in your heart that counts.

Woodsie