Drilled antler atl-weight?

[figgins diggins]

This is the second of these we have found while fossil hunting. I sold one almost exactly like this one last year. Regretted it of course, because I thought it had the potential to be a pretty significant find, and figured I would never see another. Needed the extra $$$ a little more at the time if you know what I mean.

My son found this one day before yesterday. Unique in itself but practically identical in size, shape, weight, and was found within a few hundred yards of the first. Any information greatly appreciated. Can't find much on the internet about antler artifacts. Don't think the hole got in one, much less two alike, by accident.

My theory is that it has the potential to predate the stone spearthrower weights, simply because antler would have been easier to drill. We find many bones from animals such as bison antiquus, camels, and even mastodon that were part of the mass extinction around 10,000 years ago in this exact area. I will include some of our fossil finds over in the fossil department for comparison.

 

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[figgins diggins]

Hey Everyone, thanks for the replies. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, been to Louisianna for work. No access to computers where I was, McDonald's was barely back up and running. Very nice to know my son's little antler tool raised so much interest. Really liked the disc pictures too. Especially attracted to the line designs on the white one.

Now for the 60,000 dollar question: anybody want to make a guess as to possible value of the antler tool or the drilled disc? Anyone have a suggestion on getting the antler dated? Would a school be willing to do that kind of thing?

I value everyone's opinions on any subject, and though we do not have to agree on any one final outcome, everyone should be heard. Someone who has been collecting for a month can easily have a better feel for the native american way of life than someone who has been collecting for their entire life. We can all get trapped by our own ideas. Example: when I was a kid I volunteered to do a display at a local library. I labeled my artifacts to best of my knowledge and had them displayed beautifully in glass cases. The man who was to give the talk on native americans was a self-proclaimed life long expert and mountain man. He had a few skins and in a display case he had some glass trade beads and a silver pipe-tomahawk he had bought. First thing he did when he came in was slam his car keys and an arm-full of books and furs on top of my displays. I guess he was thoroughly unimpressed with the items I had found. The children in attendance were more interested in mine than his though. I had many more questions and lookers than he. I had a lot of working and walking in my displays. I wouldn't want to guess how much money he had invested, but no working or walking in his displays.

So money doesn't mean everything when it comes to collecting, but for some, who like myself do not have a lot of money, it is nice to know that we can supplement our income with these items if need be. Any info appreciated. And yes I have already had the sermons about appreciating artifacts for their historical and educational values and not the monetary value. I have found most preaching this sermon already have lots of money and can afford to keep everything they find. Easy to forget some do not have that luxury. I have even heard this speech in the bottle collecting circles.

I am not one of these guys who is solely about the almighty dollar, but practically everything I own is for sale if the price is right. Times have been tough around these parts for a long while now. I also have some fossils over in the fossil thread I would like to get some value ideas on. appreciate you guys!!!

 

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[archaeon]

drilled antler probablyworth about 50 bucs, the disk is hard to tell, if its a modern wheel of somekind, not worth anything, if it's a discoidal/gorget, maybe a couple hundred.
these are just guesses. i am a collector of personal finds and i do not buy artifacts. i don't sell them either. i mad the mistake of selling one thing i found and i regretted it. but i have been to alot of shows and have been around sellers for a long time.

i don't have alot of money either, but some things are just worth more(to me) than money. i'm not knockin sellers or buyers at all, just my personal feelings

 

[figgins diggins]

Those sound like pretty reasonable guesses. I have already sold one drilled antler for 100 dollars. I thought I had sold it a little short, maybe not.

As far as some things meaning more to an individual than money, I agree. I absolutely despise money and the concept of money. Every artifact I ever sold meant more to me than money. A lot of regret comes with selling artifacts. Part of their curse, I think. I was just never fortunate or wise enough to see any other choice at the time. The money I have made working has never been enough in itself. My fault? More than likely, yes. Result of my bad choices? without a doubt, Yes.

But anyhow, things like money and value are all relative to the individual and what kind of situation that individual may find himself in, whether by his own choice or not.

It is good that you don't knock buyers or sellers. Many of the more fortunate folk who can afford to hang on to all their finds like to look down their nose at anyone who would sell an artifact as maybe not being quite as morally sound.. I would hope that even these folk, given a choice between keeping their artifacts, or providing a month's worth of good meals for their family, would opt to feed their family. The chances being that most of these will never face such a choice, allows them to retain this perceived "dignity" of ,as I heard it once spoken, "never bought one never sold one".

Like I said, hats off to them, and you, but my world is a completely different place. What one man may see as not a lot of money, another man may see as a fortune. I appreciate your reply and ideas as to value. Here's hoping that no one here will ever have to make the choice between keeping an artifact or paying a bill!!!

Dan

 

[Shemanese]

Well said figgins--Apply that to anything and it makes sense. I've sold a few toys I regret every day. But not because I wanted to. Circumstances demanded it. Good Luck