|  | 
|  | 
|  1st August 2015, 08:29 PM | #1 | 
| Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 
					Posts: 10,661
				 |   
			
			Thank you very much Mark!! and again well said on the notes on the integrity of Mr. Clifford's achievements and work.  Someone of his stature and reputation is always going to face controversy, and as noted, the notorious Captain Kidd is almost ironically another case of apparently undeserved controversy. But then, these larger than life figures often become such via that very influence, and frankly, makes them far more interesting, actually exciting ! Often I do wish I could write such a book, but honestly the thing in its hard to write in such an organized fashion of ongoing adventures in history and research as I am still headlong into them!!  That is why my posts on these pages often are so 'Tolstoyean' (?) as it suffices for me for the time. In essence, I am writing a book, but here  Speaking of that , it seems that Barry, you have a flair for innovative and creative ideas, as you perfectly illustrate in your deductive explanation on the lead and silver corrosion theme. Wonderfully suggested, and mindful of the "Maltese Falcon" !!!! A perfect plot which reveals the drama and intrigue which actually did prevail in these fantastic times. Thank you so much guys! and Gav and Rick for the great links and input!! All the best, Jim | 
|   |   | 
|  1st August 2015, 10:24 PM | #2 | 
| Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 
					Posts: 6,376
				 |  A Good Yarn 
			
			We believe what we want to believe Jim .     http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/37626 Sometimes a big wind is just that . | 
|   |   | 
|  1st August 2015, 11:26 PM | #3 | 
| Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK 
					Posts: 4,259
				 |   
			
			oh, god - y'all got me going again. can't not think of this: how much does pirate corn cost? a buccaneer. i recalled my son telling me that one when he was three. he's in his 40's now. feel free to shoot me. with a lantaka. | 
|   |   | 
|  1st August 2015, 11:58 PM | #4 | |
| Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 
					Posts: 6,376
				 |   Quote: 
   | |
|   |   | 
|  2nd August 2015, 12:19 AM | #5 | |
| Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 
					Posts: 10,661
				 |   Quote: 
 | |
|   |   | 
|  2nd August 2015, 01:12 AM | #6 | 
| Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 
					Posts: 6,376
				 |   
			
			Yes, Jim . Private funding means Investors . This reminds me of the fellow that swore there was a freighter full of Platinum sunk off the Cape during the War Years . He was in the News this Spring . Uh oh ! No Platinum ...   He had 'Private Funding' too . I hear those individuals are not at all happy . Rainmakers .   | 
|   |   | 
|  2nd August 2015, 04:45 AM | #7 | 
| Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 
					Posts: 10,661
				 |   
			
			Very true Rick,  If you have followed the unbelievable 'Oak Island' uh, mysteries (?) this is a prime example of how far back these kinds of schemes go. Much of the now antiquated structuring and curious symbols etc are the remnants of earlier 'ventures' (usually syndicated) as well as Masonic oriented 'pranks', so the entire area is quite compromised as far as actual archaeological context. I find the 'lead ballast' claims by this organization rather questionable, and am still looking into more on the nature of these ingots. While I know most people do indeed believe what they want, and especially if its in the news or on TV, I choose to research further without express conclusions either way. The whole 'Captain Kidd' enterprise has really become a fascinating adventure in itself, and I have been reading through books on these 'ventures' which definitely do fall into the schemes category. Mr. Clifford's outstanding work on so many historically key wrecks to me does put him in my opinion in a quite different league. Actually I was quite surprised that he was NOT considered a proper archaeologist! Kronckew, that 'corny' joke was a hoot!! Reminds me of the goofy jokes my youngest grandson and I would come up with when he was about 8 (he's in the Marines now). They were true 'groaners' and we still laugh about 'em. To DASHIELL VANDOO  , another idea for your plausible plot.....what if while this merry band of pirates, as the were looting the Capt Kidd ship in preparation to be scuttled......perhaps one stashed the ingot of silver in the hold with intents to return to claim it later? much in line with your other scenario. I' m not sure these guys had the means to fabricate fake lead bars in these places, nor the time or inclination to go to that trouble. Melting down lead for shot is a lot different that smelting an ingot of this size! | 
|   |   | 
|  2nd August 2015, 05:52 AM | #8 | 
| Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 
					Posts: 6,376
				 |   
			
			I expect it's a real lead bar . Keep digging though .   These particular Investors won, as did Mel's . Or did they ? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Central_America | 
|   |   | 
|  2nd August 2015, 08:54 AM | #9 | 
| Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK 
					Posts: 4,259
				 |   
			
			i was just reading recently about, i think it was denmark, sending all their gold reserves to canada via ship to keep it out of german hands in ww2. it was sunk by a u-boat. lots of gold just waiting out there on the ol' briney wet thing. | 
|   |   | 
|  | 
| 
 | 
 |