How do you tell the difference between real artifact arrow heads?

[icedgold10]

I saw some at an antique flea market recently but don't know if they are just random shaped stones or really arrow heads. How do you tell the difference?

 

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[SCrocks]

A lot of fake stuff/reproductions at flea markets and e-bay with a few good pieces mixed in every now and then. Education is the key. Look at as many real artifacts you can from local collectors, museums and books. There are arrowhead shows around that you can talk with experienced collectors and learn a lot from.

 

[GaRebel1861]

A lot of fake stuff/reproductions at flea markets and e-bay with a few good pieces mixed in every now and then. Education is the key. Look at as many real artifacts you can from local collectors, museums and books. There are arrowhead shows around that you can talk with experienced collectors and learn a lot from.

Good advice!

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I wouldn't recommend buying from flea market, too many repos sold there.

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[rock]

I have seen allot of reproductions that look to be actually stamped almost like a cookie cutter effect. Different colors but the same flat edges. Those are the easy ones to spot.

 

[trevmma]

dude u will just learn overtime, just study ur brokes and flint u want to collect, ps. buy some fakes and play with them as well and try to fake patina them, u will learn lots to pin point in fakes doing this

 

[trevmma]

ps. dont buy crap if u cant tell yet

 

[NC field hunter]

Trev gives the best advice in his last response. However, I read about a guy that made 3 or 4 repo Clovis points, took them to a reputable authenticator, and he passed them. The creator told him after the fact that he made them weeks earlier. You really can't tell. Certain lithic would be harder to repro. I would guess, so look on the net for lithic for sale. Stay away from pieces made of those lithic types. What I'd do If I were in the market end of this hobby. Treasure hunter makes a valid statement as well. However, at a local Flea market, a guy sells artifacts here. He supposedly is certified to authenticate as well. I go in and look at his inventory, but never buy. I'm just too skeptical. He has some pretty stuff.

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Flea Markets are notorious for having bad pieces, but if you know what you are looking for and how to spot Repros you can actually find some nice pieces at the Flea Market. I have bought some really nice pieces at our local one over the years.

 

[icedgold10]

dude u will just learn overtime, just study ur brokes and flint u want to collect, ps. buy some fakes and play with them as well and try to fake patina them, u will learn lots to pin point in fakes doing this

That would be dudette to you sir.....

 

[Twitch]

Takes a little time. Spend time in the field, spend time finding authentic pieces. Put a magnifying glass to them. Back up and look at them from a distance. A lot of times you can tell something's not right. Don't know what it is, but it's not right. Good luck.

 

[GatorBoy]

It also helps to not miss the obvious .. like.. is that type even found where they said its from.
Don't even need to look close then.