If I recall, correct....

Posted by Michaelson from eeespace208.utsi.edu (150.182.24.208) on Monday, March 17, 2003 at 2:34pm :

In Reply to: I hate to be the proverbial wet blanket... posted by graml from user-2ivevbh.dialup.mindspring.com (165.247.125.113) on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 7:25am :

....there was a really grusome skull gobblet offered several years ago, supposedly encrusted in real jewels and gold that had been 'found' in a Columbian dig that found it's way to eBay. I believe someone posted the link right here, so if some enterprizing soul wants to go digging in the vaults, you can find it. Anyway, some of us contacted the individual with the kind of questions mentioned above, and the seller AND auction disappeared, never to re-appear again. Yep, there are some REAL treasures floating around on auctions that really DO need to be in museums, but somehow escape into the hands of 'collectors' who will pay any price for these kind of items, and darn the history that's being lost in the transaction. Regards. Michaelson

: But the number of stars an Ebay seller possesses does not necessarily indicate that he or she is a reputable dealer of antiquities. It simply means that they are willing to complete the transaction and get their money. The true mark of a reputable seller (whether it's "greek god statue heads" or a Hawaiian Punch bobbing head doll) is openness. Are they willing to answer an email inquiry before you bid? Are they forthcoming with details on how they acquired the item? If they ignore your questions or become oddly defensive, it's a may be a matter for the authorities.
: I recall looking at auctions from a seller who seemed to have the Midas touch when it came to finding pre-Columbian artifacts from Mexico. The numerous emails from Maya-nuts like me went unanswered and it was eventually revealed that the guy was a college professor/archaeologist/grave robber who was pinching small stuff from his own digs. The police and the Customs Service got after him and I would imagine the university he worked for gave him the gate. I feel compelled to quote forum member Operator Jake: "Let's be careful out there."
: That being said, I still think Ebay is a great source for old Atari 2600 games and unusual tiki mugs.
: -graml

Indygear Follow Ups: I agree with you both but..... - Darth Indy 3:12pm 03/18/2003 Very true - Michaelson 2:44pm 03/19/2003 Post a Followup Name: E-Mail: ( default ) Subject: Message: : ....there was a really grusome skull gobblet offered several years ago, supposedly encrusted in real jewels and gold that had been 'found' in a Columbian dig that found it's way to eBay. I believe someone posted the link right here, so if some enterprizing soul wants to go digging in the vaults, you can find it. Anyway, some of us contacted the individual with the kind of questions mentioned above, and the seller AND auction disappeared, never to re-appear again. Yep, there are some REAL treasures floating around on auctions that really DO need to be in museums, but somehow escape into the hands of 'collectors' who will pay any price for these kind of items, and darn the history that's being lost in the transaction. Regards. Michaelson : : : But the number of stars an Ebay seller possesses does not necessarily indicate that he or she is a reputable dealer of antiquities. It simply means that they are willing to complete the transaction and get their money. The true mark of a reputable seller (whether it's "greek god statue heads" or a Hawaiian Punch bobbing head doll) is openness. Are they willing to answer an email inquiry before you bid? Are they forthcoming with details on how they acquired the item? If they ignore your questions or become oddly defensive, it's a may be a matter for the authorities. : : I recall looking at auctions from a seller who seemed to have the Midas touch when it came to finding pre-Columbian artifacts from Mexico. The numerous emails from Maya-nuts like me went unanswered and it was eventually revealed that the guy was a college professor/archaeologist/grave robber who was pinching small stuff from his own digs. The police and the Customs Service got after him and I would imagine the university he worked for gave him the gate. I feel compelled to quote forum member Operator Jake: "Let's be careful out there." : : That being said, I still think Ebay is a great source for old Atari 2600 games and unusual tiki mugs. : : -graml Optional Link ( default ) URL: Title: Optional Image Link ( default ) URL: This board is powered by the Mr. Fong Device from Cyberarmy.com