>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]