Something I found some 30 years ago

[Rescue Diver68]

It's hard to tell what it is made of. It feels like stone but is lighter in weight. It feels much more sturdy than ceramic though. It may be ceramic tile of some sort? Also the symbol is raised up rather than stamped in.

Antiques road show anyone?

 

[Mr.X]

It's hard to tell what it is made of. It feels like stone but is lighter in weight. It feels much more sturdy than ceramic though. It maybe ceramic tile of some sort? Also the symbol is raised up rather than stamed in.

Antiques road show anyone?

Couple of things. Where was it found? Knowing the geographic location helps a lot. Then you can start hitting the books. The first step is research. General details like NYC, Boston Harbor, sand or rocky shore helps a lot. It's always interesting what the sea throws out.

X

 

[Rescue Diver68]

It was found in the Surf along Southern NJ approx 1974.

 

[dave4868]

It was found in the Surf along Southern NJ approx 1974.

Was it across from Angelo's Pizza?

Probably not much worse than a fresh piece....

Dave C

 

[Jim Lapenta]

It's a pendant from Opus Dei....you've found a clue to the location of the Grail.....

You fool! Now we will have to kill you. It was supposed to be a secret. Please disregard this poster's message. He is insane, a looney, or drunk. There is no Grail, no Bloodline, and no marriage certificate.


It does appear to be some type of pendant. the fact that the symbol is raised would indicate that it was cast or molded that way. The circle and lines also appear from the photo to be very regular and clean. Indicating that while it was done by hand it was not free hand in the mold. A compass and straight edges were involved. What does this mean? I have no idea but it is neat and was not just a trinket to whoever made it. Hey isn't there an island with a supposed treasure up the coast from there?

 

[Gary D.]

Could it be Jimmy Hoffa's?

Gary D.

 

[Mr.X]

It was found in the Surf along Southern NJ approx 1974.

Time for research. Depending on the locale:

Ships that grounded near that area. There is the off-chance that some ship grounded nearby and some debris/cargo manage to move towards shore? Heavy stuff tends to sink on the spot. Lighter stuff like ceramics can get moved around a bit. Wood disintegrates. Did a river nearby empty into the ocean?

What groups inhabited that area...say 100-200 yrs. +?

Is artifact completely flat and is the hole intentional? Meaning, manufactured into the piece?

There is also the chance that some late 19th century casino dude lost his shirt betting , found Jesus, but after losing at a game of Snooker decided to throw away his good luck relgious totem into the ocean...with the hope it would end up some day on a internet discussion.


X

 

[ianw2]

Can you take another set of photos on a neutral background such as a white or light colored sheet?
Lay a ruler down next to the piece. Shoot the front, back and sides, if possible. A macro shot of the hole would be nice, too.

I'd like to know what the surface looks like, as well.

Does it look like ceramic glaze or is ir a patina of some sort?
I'm looking to see if there are any clues as to manufactuer process or age.

Was the object cleaned after it was picked up or did it come out of the surf that way?
An object that was fairly clean would indicate a newly dropped piece as opposed to ne that sat in ocean water for many years.

Does the surface coating/treatment continue into the hole?
This would give us some clue as to the manufacturing process.

Are those chip marks around the hole? Are there any sharp edges to those chip marks or have they been softened by the coating treatment?
This would help us to figure out if the hole was made during manufacturing or after

Are there any markings on the back?
A marking such as "Made in China" or "Hecho enMexico" would help detrmine the date and origin of the piece.

Ian

 

[wedivebc]

It's hard to tell what it is made of. It feels like stone but is lighter in weight. It feels much more sturdy than ceramic though. It may be ceramic tile of some sort? Also the symbol is raised up rather than stamped in.

Antiques road show anyone?

Could it be bakelite by any chance? Could the cross be an alignment mark from a plastic mold?

Scrape some particles off with a knife and see if they burn. Does the burned substance smell like plastic?

 

[khblair]

It's a pendant from Opus Dei....you've found a clue to the location of the Grail.....