The Flaming Kirk!

bmartin0693 · Apr 26, 2013

Here's the "Flaming" Kirk. It glows fire! I'm not real familiar with arrowheads from Florida and I'm not even sure what this material is, chert? It actually, kinda looks like a piece of candy in your hand. I'll have to show some more pictures of it later. It's a nice'n!

GatorBoy · Apr 26, 2013

You will have to post more pictures.
There is translucent Flint and there is also agatized coral here in Florida.

bmartin0693 · Apr 26, 2013

Alright, I will. I would really like to know more about this Kirk. I wanted to see if anyone was interested with this first. I'll show ya some more pictures tomorrow. I have some more arrowheads from FL on another thread. Take a look at 'em too, if you don't mind. I know their types, but not the material used. I would really appreciate any help you can offer.

GatorBoy · Apr 26, 2013

You got it. I will help however I can.

centfladigger · Apr 26, 2013

also take a sunlight backlit pic of this, it will show up better

bmartin0693 · Apr 26, 2013

Alright, I get yall some better pictures posted tomorrow. Thanks! 8-)

bmartin0693 · Apr 27, 2013

Here's the extra pics. Sorry I couldnt take a backlit picture, it has been too cloudy. What I really like about this arrowhead is the appearance. When I first bought it, I never knew the material had translucence. I was thinkin it was a type of chert/agate. I am also not real familiar with what arrowheads look like, being found in the FL environment. What is river polishedf? I'm sure you guys can help me out here. I would really enjoy learning more about this piece. Thanks! 8-)

GatorBoy · Apr 27, 2013

Ahhh.. we can see it now.
Looks like a quality piece of Florida Flint with some nice translucence.
I think I have some pieces of basically the same material.
Just using a cellphone at the moment..who knows how the photos will look.

bmartin0693 · Apr 27, 2013

Nice! That material really flames up in a lot of light. Would you think that this piece is archaic in age? I see some patina but it has a real vitreous luster. You think it's river polished?

GatorBoy · Apr 27, 2013

It looks like river Polish and patina to me. Archaic.. yes..it's a Kirk.
Early Archaic. 6,000-9,000 BP.
Beautiful point. How did you wind up with it? If you don't mind?

bmartin0693 · Apr 27, 2013

I like collecting any exotic rocks and materials. My collection consists of various rare lithic materials, rocks & gems. Kirks are one of my favorite arrowheads too. The 1st whole point I found was a thin Kirk. I mainly enjoy collecting the arrowheads only, but if I can find another historic piece, I'll gladly accept it. I ended up buying it on ebay. I saw this piece of eye candy and actually won it. I paid about $35. When I buy arrowheads on ebay, they have to atleast look fine for me to pay $20. I'm really picky. I've ended up winning some real nice pieces. I've never paid over $75 for an arrowhead on ebay, some w/ COAs.

wvwildman · Apr 27, 2013

very nice point

GaRebel1861 · Apr 27, 2013

I think that you have a fine looking river point! And although I do not sell artifacts, I think you got it for a good price.

GatorBoy · Apr 27, 2013

bmartin0693 said:
I like collecting any exotic rocks and materials. My collection consists of various rare lithic materials, rocks & gems. Kirks are one of my favorite arrowheads too. The 1st whole point I found was a thin Kirk. I mainly enjoy collecting the arrowheads only, but if I can find another historic piece, I'll gladly accept it. I ended up buying it on ebay. I saw this piece of eye candy and actually won it. I paid about $35. When I buy arrowheads on ebay, they have to atleast look fine for me to pay $20. I'm really picky. I've ended up winning some real nice pieces. I've never paid over $75 for an arrowhead on ebay, some w/ COAs.

I just want to say.. I would be careful doing that.
People have got really good at putting modern knapped points in rock tumblers with sand and fine polishing powder to achive a river Polish effect then rub them with an artificial patina.
Getting a point papered alone from anyone credible will cost more than 20 dollars... what money would the seller make?
ebay..at your own risk

bmartin0693 · Apr 27, 2013

Now that I have it, I won't be sellin it. This is my favorite arrowhead, besides my NC ones. Thanks for all your compliments!

bmartin0693 · Apr 27, 2013

Yea I see what your saying. I am definitely skeptical too. I bought this from a seller with 100% feedback and a rating in the 1000s or more. If I seen something fishy at the begining, I was gonna automatically return it. I don't buy if I can't return it. Can artificial patinas be removed though?

GaRebel1861 · Apr 27, 2013

GatorBoy said:
I just want to say.. I would be careful doing that.
People have got really good at putting modern knapped points in rock tumblers with sand and fine polishing powder to achive a river Polish effect then rub them with an artificial patina.
Getting a point papered alone from anyone credible will cost more than 20 dollars... what money would the seller make?
ebay..at your own risk

Gator is right about the fakes. I too would stay away from e-bay or any other site that sells artifacts and only buy from people I know & trust. It's only a matter of time with e-bay items until you get burned with a fake. JMO.

bmartin0693 · Apr 27, 2013

Ok I agree. I've bought one and returned it immediately before. I can spot a rigid fake or the lack of obvious patina. The arrowheads I do buy are usually from NC. I'm real familiar with environmental changes on NC arrowheads and know the main faked NC types are clovis, dalton & hardaway. I did take a gamble there, I knew I did. As the collector I am, I just really enjoy the material compositions also. Sometimes I'd rather buy a scraper with a material I like on ebay, besides just buying a whole arrowhead.

GatorBoy · Apr 27, 2013

I see where your coming from and you seem on the ball.. just keep those you buy seperate as I'm sure you do.
Having a good hands on knowlage of your local material and patina is a big advantage.