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.