Authentic???

[jhamner]

I recently purchased this grouping of artifacts from a guy who was teling me that they were found over the years on his farms in Hanover and New Kent County, Virginia. I have no reason to refute his claim other than the fact that after much research I have been unable to find any similar stone objects like the squiggly snake-like forms in the display. I know it is probably extremely hard to authenticate this sort of thing hands on, let alone from a photo, but I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on whether these relics are authentic or not, and if authentic, a ball park value for them.
Thanks so much!

 

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[sandchip]

I'm gonna leave most of your items up to those members who I feel are better qualified to assess, but I will say that the four dark red points look sho'nuff fake.

 

[Huzzah!]

Hammer-- don't know the value but I see 9 points in that frame that are not native to Va, and the squiggly looking things I've never seen before in a collection from Va. And I think sandchip is on to something.

 

[smokeythecat]

I agree on the dark red ones. They are being mass produced in India. At least two look like the points from the Sahara area. Tons of those have been imported. They are genuine, just not from around here. Some of the points look good.

 

[antmike915]

I see a mixture of modern mixed in with maybe ancient, there's definitely more modern than possible ancient pieces in that group.

 

[jhamner]

Many, many thanks to all who responded to help me out with these pieces! Needless to say, I am disappointed that I was not knowledgable enough on Native American relics to be able to tell the difference. One final question--I am into these for a buck 75--how badly did I get burned? I'm already guessing in advance that it was pretty bad! Is there ANYTHING of value here, or should I just accept the loss, move on, and know better next time! Thanks again for taking your time to educate me!

 

[Indian Steve]

I would ask for my money back.

 

[antmike915]

Same here

 

[Tdog]

Squiggly snakes and dark colored pieces look modern. Beads possibly African trade beads.

 

[Quartzite Keith]

Also in central Virginia and none of that stuff looks even close to right for the area.

 

[crj1968]

I've seen those same things in antique stores both in Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming....

Usually in a frame with one or two possibly authentic pieces.... Value = zilch sorry.....

 

[smokeythecat]

I would guess you have 18 from Virginia, plus the little beads. Red ones are $1.25 each at flea markets. The fancy bird points can still get $3-5 each on them, but it would be up to you. It is worth what you paid, but not as described. You have stuff from everywhere.

 

[jhamner]

Thank you ALL--I have learned a lot from this deal but most of all--buyer beware! Many thanks to all!

 

[sandchip]

That's why I've bought only 3 artifacts in over 30 years, and that's only because they were from people I knew well and the local provenance was airtight. The rest of my collection is all personally found. I don't feel knowledgeable enough to be able to spot a well executed fake, so I just stay away.

 

[smokeythecat]

I have only purchased a few artifacts. Ever. I don't think I was taken on any of them. Fortunately.

 

[fyrffytr1]

I would take the fakes out of that frame so they don't cast doubt on the real ones. Then I would probably frame the fakes and use them as examples to show others. I am looking at doing just that with some buttons I know are fakes if the seller will take my offer.

 

[jhamner]

That's why I've bought only 3 artifacts in over 30 years, and that's only because they were from people I knew well and the local provenance was airtight. The rest of my collection is all personally found. I don't feel knowledgeable enough to be able to spot a well executed fake, so I just stay away.

Great advice!

 

[jhamner]

I would take the fakes out of that frame so they don't cast doubt on the real ones. Then I would probably frame the fakes and use them as examples to show others. I am looking at doing just that with some buttons I know are fakes if the seller will take my offer.

That's a great idea==will do! Thanks!

 

[jhamner]

I have only purchased a few artifacts. Ever. I don't think I was taken on any of them. Fortunately.

Cood for you. I wasn't knowledgable enough to know this time but you can bet I have learned a lot since then.

 

[IAMZIM]

I've seen those same things in antique stores both in Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming....

Usually in a frame with one or two possibly authentic pieces.... Value = zilch sorry.....

They show up here in Montana too.