>I don't think I ever really posted to the list before, so will
>introduce myself first.  I am an archaeologist working for the
>National Park Service in a small town in Alaska, Skagway.
>This is one of those queries you get from people in town
>knowing you are an archaeologist and hitting you up with an
>artifact question while standing in line at the grocery store.
>At least it wasn't about Roman coins this time.  But I would
>like to assist this person, if possible, so here goes.
>
>The query was about how to date harpoon points that have been
>in his family, he believes from a relative in the 1700 or
>1800s.  The man was from New England, and I assume he was in a
>commercial whaling occupation.  Destructive testing is not
>desired.  So, is there any bibliographic sources out there
>that this gentleman could access through inter-library loan
>that might help him further identify his family heirlooms?
>
>Thanks in advance for your help.  I will post a bibliography
>of any responses to the list
 
Dr. Cooper,
 
A faculty member here at our school recently received a great deal of
help from the Mystic Seaport Museum. Perhapse the gentleman could
contact them at the following address, http:/www.mystic.org
They should certainly know something about whaling harpoons.
 
 
William E. Allen, M.P.H., M.Ed
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
New Jersey Dental School
V. 201-982-4627
fx. 201-982-2916
E-Mail [log in to unmask]