A  SHORT  COMMENTARY  ON  ARTIFACT  RESTORATIONS

(SPECIFICALLY CENTRAL TEXAS FLINT)

By Randy Brown (4 Sep 2007)

While restorations are frowned upon by some in the artifact world, it is my opinion that the restoration of a quality artifact is worth the investment. Whether it be flint/chert spear points and other assorted stone tools, or whether its pottery or bone, one can achieve as much pleasure from the resorted artifact as you can the complete piece.

As in most cases, many collectors have boxes full of heartbreakers. For a small fee you can enjoy that artifact after having a tip, barb or edge repaired, and it will look just as nice hanging on the wall in a frame with the rest of your collection.

I personally have had experience with three restoration experts in the recent past. While all three are good at what they do, one is exceptional.

And again- “in my opinion”- I will explain the differences.

First up is Keith Etchison of Maryland (www.etchinstone.com).

The picture below shows five pieces that he recently worked on with each one needing only a small tip replacement. The coloring on all the artifacts is just ok- the shapes are good- the edges are real good (almost sharp like real flint). However, the flake scars or patterns could be more pronounced. The cost for the five pieces was about $125 which I think was great but the turnaround time was almost 8 weeks.

I wish to relay to you a few comments that came through in his emails. First, he is an artist and not a restoration expert so he calls himself a “restoration artist”. Also, at the time he got my artifacts he was working on a new coloring process, and he would not repair translucent artifacts because he had not mastered that process either. So all in all, I feel I did get my monies worth but time factor gives the whole experience a negative for me.

Second up is Dennis Bushey of Alabama.

The pictures below are of Castroville Blade found my Col. Jim in May. As you can see the restoration needed was to have the edge repaired. I personally have had many artifacts repaired by Bushey, always with great success. However in the recent past, Bushey has sent my pieces back (as is the case with Col Jims blade) with dull edges- not sharp like flint- not even close. Bushey’s expertise is obvious with the great coloring, flaking and shapes. He is a real master at what he does with his work on display in museums all over the world.  Recently he has gone up on his prices, so be sure and get a quote before making your final order.

Third up is Dr. Gomer of Florida.

The pictures below speak for themselves. The two bases I sent him both needed major restoration, and that’s why I sent them because I had been planning to write this article. Dr. Gomer is the real thing in restorations- perfect matching of translucent material, great shapes, perfect flake patterns/scars, perfect edges, real good prices and quick turn-around time.

  


Below two more restored by Dr. Gomer. On both of these the top half was missing.

Three more that I will be sending to Dr Gomer soon.
 

Well judge for yourself and try them all in you feel the urge. I did and I am happy with all my restorations.
After all, the point was to make my artifacts enjoyable and displayable.

The End.