Stone points and tools collection

[JW_Halverson]

I was recently contacted by someone that is donating a collection of stone points, tools, and artifacts to the nonprofit Black Hills Raptor Center.  He has asked we sell it to raise money for the construction of our new facility.  Since I have little or no experience in dealing with artifacts I thought I'd ask for some pointers here. 

Who or where should I be looking to get the best price for this collection.  I'm not offering this for sale here of course, because that would violate one of the basic rules, so please do not send me offers. 

(And yes, I will happily post pics of it once I have access)

[mullet]

John;

I'm not sure they are still in business but if they are try First Mesa in South Bend. In, (219) 232-2095. Another source is a friend of mine but mostly deals in Florida Artifacts and fossils, Jim and Carlos Tatum. Their site is Paleo Enterprise. I'll do a little more digging for you tomorrow.

[Jimbob]

PM sent

[sadiejane]

morning JW-sorry, cant help ya with appraisal and authentication,
but i sure do look forward to seeing pix when ya have the opportunity.

[JackCrafty]

It's a shame that you have to sell the artifacts.  You might want to reconsider and charge admission to view the artifacts when the center is built.  Assuming that the collection contains only authentic pieces, selling it would essentially "kill" the collection and remove it from public view.

Some collections are worth tens of thousands of dollars.  Most are worth much, much less.  You may get more from it in the long run by charging admission.  Be patient and do as much research as possible.  DO NOT SELL IT TO THE FIRST PERSON WHO MAKES AN OFFER.  And make sure you keep it locked up.  There is a network of artifact thieves and shady collectors out there.

[YosemiteBen]

Try a local university archaeology department, a Local National Park Service Archaeologist, an Overstreet manual, Noel d Justice's books,  and try to keep them in the center to raise funds that way. Otherwise I have ssen a few cases of points from estate sales at HewlettsAuctions.com or try Bryan Taylor at the American Indian Shop in Fresno CA.

[YosemiteBen]

P.S. - try to get as much information about the pieces as you can. It will help in IDing and aging them and if necessary, provide information on how much to ask for them.

An artifact without provenance is perhaps worth it weight in what it is and nothing more and quite possibly less.

[mullet]

Indian Artifact Magazine is a good place to start also. Fogleman the owner is a good source of information.