Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of treasurebeachesreport.blogspot.com.
Here is the stoneware bottle that I found yesterday, and below is a better view of the label.After a little quick research I found that the name "J. Bourne and Son" was used first in 1850. I found that a bottle of this type would probably be from the 1850-1880 period.
It is a master ink bottle. There are many varieties. This one, unlike most that I've seen, has a pouring spout.
They come in different sizes. You saw that if you went to the Odyssey Marine virtual museum. A lot of these bottles were found on the S. S. Republic.
It seems the British ink companies almost ran the American ink companies out of business in those days.
It is a lot easier to learn the history of an item when it is so clearly marked.
I listed a message from a dowser a few days ago, and it seems that it stimulated a lot of interest. Not only did the dowser receive emails almost immediately after the posting, but people have written to me about the subject. One diver said he will be testing it out this summer. I'll have more on this when the poll is complete.
Don't forget that the waterways of Florida are owned by the state of Florida. And there are laws pertaining to items, including fossils, found in the waterways. If you collect fossils, there is a permit that you should obtain. You can find the application for the permit by using the link below.
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/vertpaleo/permitapplication.htm
The officials are pretty understanding and friendly, but they have the right to ask to see your permit if you are collecting fossils. Of course there is the possibility of penalties if you do not comply.
On a more general note, one more quick reminder. The state claims ownership of items found in state waterways, the and the last I read, consider items 40 years old to be of historical interest.
Steve from Iowa, was in the area for the holidays and has been making some good finds, including a nice gold bracelet, toe ring, and a long silver chain. He saw nine people detecting Jensen beach when he was there. Steve also told me, Thanks again for all your hunting tips. They pay off. I'm glad to hear that. Thanks for letting me know that I'm helping.
The wreck of La Salle's Griffin has possibly been located in Lake Michigan. The ship is claimed by France, but according to agreements, will be salvaged and displayed in the U. S.
Here is the link for more of the story.
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/researchers-excavation-of-shipwreck-warranted/
Treasure Coast Beach Conditions and Forecast.
The seas was a bit calmer today. The beaches haven't changed significantly in the past few days. Most of them are very sandy.
You can still find stuff, as I've shown. I found a few coins and a ring today, and noticed a fossil bone sticking partially out of an old cut. So there are lots of things to be found even though conditions for finding old treasure coins is poor.
I always say when conditions are not right for one thing they are right for finding other things. If you are interested in only one type of target, you will have some long dry spells, but if you are willing and able to adapt to the current conditions, you'll usually be able to find something.
There are a lot of detectorists out this week, with people getting time off from work and all of the tourists in town, but there have also been a good number of people going to the beach.
It looks like we'll have relatively smooth seas through the weekend, then they'll increase.
Happy hunting,
TreasureGuide@comcast.net