Initial Thoughts About What We All Need To Know

    In today's relics world, the microscope can be a valuable and indispensable tool when it comes to determining the authenticity of an item.  In many cases though I feel people also rely on them far to much and use it as a replacement for general overall knowledge of artifacts in general.  Some may say that you don't need to know materials, identify flaking patterns, etc., etc., but I highly disagree with that thought and feel it could not be further from the truth.

    The microscope is only as good as its user, and if used improperly there are very distinct things that can be either missed, or misunderstood as well.  Also consider the fact that most will not be packing their microscope along to shows in order to judge relics.  I feel it is always wiser to arm yourself with as much knowledge as you possibly can and use all the tools you have available to you at the time.

    The more you learn about lithics, materials, flaking patterns, patination, etc., the better off you are.  I personally use the microscope heavily, but only as a final reassurance of my initial judgment of a piece.  I however do not want to become so reliant upon it that I am lost without it either, as I see many collectors do today.

    Most experienced collectors educations did not come free to them.  It took work, determination to learn, and some mistakes along the way too.  Find all the information you can out there, and also judge it accordingly, as not all sources will be accurate either.  Some may be the truth, but not the whole truth, and leave some things unsaid also.  Time and perseverance will be beneficial in the long run though, and you will feel more confident in your own abilities.

Using the Microscope

    One of the first primary things I notice some doing when judging a piece under the microscope is that they lay the piece down flat and try to focus on it.  I see two problems with that.

    First, points have high and low spots throughout the piece and you cannot maintain a constant focus on the item being observed.  Run the microscope all the way up and hold the piece in your hands.  This way you can move the piece and constantly raise, lower, or angle the piece to maintain its constant focus.

    Secondly, proper lighting is critical.  A light on one side that has enough intensity to create a glare on the piece is necessary.  In particular, it is crucial when evaluation pieces that have some degree of translucency.  Look through the scope and angle the piece until you see the glare across its surface.  That way you know you are truly looking at, and evaluating, the surface of the piece and not looking into it.  This is a common mistake often made and many times and you will be missing the surface of the piece.

    The microscope is an extremely valuable tool overall and I feel there is no replacement for it.  But it also should not be the only tool you should rely upon either.  Knowledge is power, especially in this hobby, and you don't want to be caught unarmed.

    I will be posting more information on  good and bad iron growth/deposits, crushing, hinges, and many other items in the future which will show authentic and modern reproductions and aging techniques.  They will be in their own section in the Education Center.