THE CURSE OF OAK ISLAND – THE HISTORY CHANNEL (All Pics)
In last night’s episode, “Diggin Back In”, metal detectorist, Gary Drayton and Jack Begley are working in the southeast corner of the Swamp, near the stone road feature. They uncover a piece of notched wood that they describe as similar to pieces found at the U-Shaped Structure at Smith’s Cove. It is speculated that this piece of wood may be related to a boundary of the road and placed underneath it to provide stability to the area. Rick is called over to look at the artifact and he remarks that it looks like a dowel/pin fit inside of it to hold it together. The wood will be tested to give an approximate age of the artifact.
THE CURSE OF OAK ISLAND – THE HISTORY CHANNEL (Both Pics)
At the Lot 5 excavation area, Alex Lagina and the archeologists are working the site looking for more artifacts. While working, archeologist Fiona Steele discovers some pieces of iron that are speculated as being parts of a treasure chest or decorative box. It is also stated that the excavation site is much larger than originally thought and too large for just one family residing there. The team believes it may have been a group of people working there. The artifacts are bagged and tagged and sent to Emma Culligan, the team’s Archeometallurgist for further testing.
THE CURSE OF OAK ISLAND – THE HISTORY CHANNEL (All Pics)
The scene shifts to the new Lab, which is taking the place of the temporary lab at the Interpretive Center. Blacksmith Carmen Legge visits to give his opinion on some of the artifacts that have been discovered on Lot 5. The first objects are several thin copper pieces that Carmen inspects. He says that some look tapered and thicker than others and speculates that the decorative pattern on it may have been part of a Jewelry Box or Chest. Emma mentions that the pieces have a mixture of copper and iron. The next artifacts are the iron pieces which Carmen mentioned look like straps that would have been on a fortified box, specifically a strong box/money box. Emma states the chemical makeup is lead and iron, which Carmen found unusual. Emma said that it is typical of Old English Iron with a date ranging from the late 1600’s to 1700’s, which launched speculation about William Phips and the theory of his involvement on Oak Island.
THE CURSE OF OAK ISLAND – THE HISTORY CHANNEL (Both Pics)
Back at the Lot 5 Excavation area, the archeologists and Alex Lagina continued their work. Archeologist Moya McDonald discovered another bead, that looks exactly like the one previously discovered. It’s stated that it appears to be glass and possibly Venetian from the 14th Century. As they continued to work, archeologist Lindy Martin uncovered a round piece of metal that appeared to be a coin. After studying its features, the ends appeared milled which prevented counterfeiting. This was created by Sir Issac Newton, who was once Master of Mint in Britain. Compendium Investigations immediately thought of his colleague and friend, the astronomer Edmund Halley, who was also involved with the Mint. It has been theorized that Halley was involved with Oak Island and the time frame fits the Late 1600’s to 1700’s period. Compendium Investigations will be exploring this possibility and will provide our readers with a new investigation into the possibility in the near future.
THE CURSE OF OAK ISLAND – THE HISTORY CHANNEL (All Pics)
We are taken back to the southeast corner of the Swamp, where Marty Lagina and Gary Drayton are working. As they are going through the spoils, Gary finds a barrel stave and it is mentioned that several similar pieces have been found in the area. Gary also finds a piece of wood, that after closer inspection, looks like a handle to a tool. Perhaps the tool was associated with barrels? This reinforces that something was being stored in these barrels and the features they are uncovering in this area suggest the loading and unloading of cargo. What was the cargo is the big question? Until next week.
Good day from the Compendium!