Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of treasurebeachesreport.blogspot.com.
Here is an article from Florida ScubaNews.com - Dan Sedwick: Where Does Sunken Treasure Go? It is a good introductory article.
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| Dug Gold Ear Ring |
I mentioned the Craigslist lost and found section the other day. I noticed a few listings that I suspect are scams. They offered fairly large amounts of money for lost items that were not described. For example, one lost item was listed simply as a "engagement ring" and the amount of reward offered for the return of the ring was $5000, a sizable amount indeed. The really odd thing though is that the person that listed the lost item said that the finder would have to provide a very detailed description of the item to receive the reward. That is different. Normally, and what I highly recommend, is the person claiming the lost item needing to provide a detailed description to prove the item is actually theirs.
If the finder provides a description of the found item rather than the person claiming the item, the person offering the reward has the opportunity to claim a found item if the description convinces them that the item is worth considerably more than the reward they offered. Doesn't smell right, does it?
I noticed more than one listing offering a specified reward if the finder would provide a detailed description of the found item. If this is not a scam, it easily could be.
I''ve written before about how people have attempted to claim valuable finds that they did not lose. I've seen it happen several times. They'll simply say I lost that or say that they lost an item and only give a very general description and try to claim whatever was found.
I've never seen anyone else write about this, but it happens. That is why I highly recommend not showing found items until after a description including specific details that could not be guessed have been obtained. If a dug item has already been seen, be sure to require specific information that could not likely be guessed (such as concealed inscriptions) before concluding the claimant is the real owner.
Likewise, before you agree to hunt an item for someone, obtain a very specific and detailed description BEFORE hunting, Get it in writing too, so you will not later hear something like "Oh, that is what I meant." Or, "I forgot about that."
Also when hunting a lost item for someone, require that they remain at a safe distance from the search area so that you have plenty of space to work. You want to have enough room to swing your coil and properly cover an area in a tight grid pattern and not have to worry about banging someone on the ankle as you concentrate. Also they do not need to see whatever else you might dig as you hunt the targeted item. Stopping to inspect and discuss each and every item dug would only distract you from the work at hand. You have a defined target and you should concentrate your time on that until it is found.
Also, people are not always as thankful as you might expect. I've seen people claim valuable items and take the item and run without so much as saying "Thanks." On the other hand, some people are truly grateful for your time, effort and honesty and express that fact. You never know what you will run into. That is why it is good to be forewarned.
Here is an older story but one worth bringing up again. For one thing, it refers to a treasure that to my knowledge that has never been found. And for another, it shows that when you go looking for one thing, you might find something else, and that something else might be more valuable than gold.
Here is the link.
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/jul/19/gulf-treasure-hunters-went-looking-gold-found-lost/
I'm sure getting tired of the southeast breezes. That is what we've been getting for weeks now. Seems almost like summer again. Conditions remain poor for finding shipwreck cobs on the beach.
Low tide along the Treasure Coast will be close to 5 PM.
Happy hunting,
Treasureguide@comcast.net
