Dovetail- old or modern repro?

OntarioArch

OntarioArch

Sr. Member
Nov 26, 2017
424
1,138
Cayuga County NY
Primary Interest:
Relic Hunting
Have a chance to see/hold this 'Dovetail' tomorrow, with option to buy. From an Old Timer's collection, to be sold off by his grandson. Seller is sincere, knows little about collection's provenance except 'found by Grandpa in Ohio/Indiana 50 years ago'. No price negotiated yet.

I remember seeing quite a discussion - several times maybe - about a flint knapper from the midwest who, in the 1950's - 1960's, churned out perfect Dovetails like crazy. Can some one remind me of the knapper's name....and perhaps link me to some pics of his fine, but modern, work?

I have seen 100's of points with authentic patina...and some amatuer fakes that were obvious...but never a real good modern knapper's work. I am anticipate holding this huge Dovetail and not being sure! (no, don't have a microscope!) If my naked eye sees mineral deposit-type patina....I may make an offer.

Any help is much appreciated.

dovetail maybe.JPG
 

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I have no clue, however, something that long is suspect. I mean, what were they hunting, elephants? Looks like one of the fables "grey ghosts" you were referring to.
 

I would be skeptical but if price was really good it would be a nice piece to have. I believe the knappers name is Bryan Reinhardt and it does resemble some of the pics I have seen of his work.
 

Not that I am in any way an authority on authenticity, but the base caught my eye first off as not quite the correct shape or the notching, and the size would be questionable as well. Although a Reinhardt grey ghost would carry some value I don't think this looks correct for one of his either.
 

I wouldn't touch it. Clearly not an ancient Dovetail. As pointed out above the basal configuration is not that of a Dovetail but of a modern design.
 

There is no way anyone can tell you unless it’s in their hand. Way too many variables to consider. If buying of the web, beware.......
 

Mineral deposits and patina can be faked. Get a good eye loop and educate yourself before you buy anything....
 

Jbenson said:
There is no way anyone can tell you unless it’s in their hand. Way too many variables to consider. If buying of the web, beware.......
Click to expand...

Actually, with pieces such as this it is very easy to say modern. Style is completely wrong, base is incorrect, and this "style" is typical of modern attempts at a Dovetail. This piece screams modern.
 

I passed on this piece. Seller was a good guy who was interested to learn about 'gray ghost' reproductions and wanted to keep it. We were both happy. Will post pics of a couple cool pestles and axes when I get a minute. Thank you for the advice!
 

I went to a outdoors show one time where a guy was knocking out super nice looking arrowheads like crazy. He could make a nice one really fast. Don't know about this one but I'm just sayin' ........
 

Unless that Indian had a nice set of serrated files that is a fake.
 

I remember seeing quite a discussion - several times maybe - about a flint knapper from the midwest who, in the 1950's - 1960's, churned out perfect Dovetails like crazy. Can some one remind me of the knapper's name....

Tussinger made a ton of points... I think he did it a little earlier from what i recall? Also, his pieces were usually more eccentric and had many barbs or serrations to them. They are still collectable for the art and story behind them. I have a couple Tussinger pieces and they are well made!
 

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