Rick Lagina: “This Discovery Should Have Been Kept A Secret!”

Rick Lagina mistakenly revealed a discovery that should have been kept a secret. “Why should this discovery be hidden?” This is the question that echoes through Oak Island, where every artifact holds the potential to rewrite history.

In a significant announcement, Rick Lagina shares a revelation that challenges our perceptions of the island’s hidden past. As intrigue mounts and the allure of discovery beckons, we set out on a journey to unravel the truth behind Rick Lagina’s mysterious statement.

Let’s take a look. In the beautiful surroundings of Lot Five, archaeologists Jamie Kuba and Fiona Steel delve into their investigation, their focus honed on the ancient foundations nestled near the tranquil shoreline. It’s a spot rich with historical intrigue, particularly since the team’s remarkable discovery of a 14th-century lead barter token just one year prior.

As they meticulously comb through the soil, Jamie’s keen eye catches sight of another artifact—a button. But this isn’t just any button; it’s noticeably larger, its surface gleaming with a lustrous shine that hints at a possible gold plating. Fiona can’t help but marvel at its size and shimmer, suggesting the potential of a more significant find.

Their conversation takes a speculative turn as they ponder the button’s origin and significance. Jamie, ever the cautious scholar, confirms its identity as a button, noting the distinctive loop on the back. Yet, the possibility of it being gold-plated sparks a flurry of questions and theories. Could this button have belonged to a high-ranking military officer?

The mere thought ignites their imaginations, opening doors to a myriad of possibilities. With Oak Island’s rich history of mystery and intrigue looming over their investigation, Jamie and Fiona can’t help but wonder about the potential implications of their discovery. Could this button hold the key to unlocking long-held secrets buried within the island’s enigmatic past?

As they ponder the tantalizing prospect, they brace themselves for the journey ahead, prepared to unravel the mysteries that lie hidden beneath Oak Island’s storied soil.

The anticipation builds as the team eagerly awaits Jamie and Fiona’s discoveries, eager to see what secrets lie hidden beneath the soil. When Jamie unveils a gleaming object, the excitement is palpable. Though unsure of its identity, Jamie suspects it may be a piece of silverware handle—a possibility that sets their hearts racing.

Fiona’s eyes light up as she examines the intricate designs adorning the object. The prospect of unearthing a piece of precious metal, especially one as sizable as this, fills them with a sense of exhilaration. It’s a remarkable find, one that could potentially hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of Oak Island’s past.

With the thrill of the treasure hunt coursing through their veins, the team eagerly discusses the importance of analyzing the object. They recognize that studying it could provide valuable insights into the island’s history, offering clues about its enigmatic origins and the identities of those who once roamed its shores.

As they gather around to examine Jamie’s discovery, the team is buzzing with excitement. Each new find holds the promise of unraveling Oak Island’s secrets, and they’re ready to embark on this journey of discovery together.

With every artifact unearthed, they edge closer to unlocking the mysteries that have captivated adventurers for centuries. The excitement mounts as Jamie and Fiona continue to reveal their discoveries, each find more intriguing than the last. As Jamie unveils another object, the team can’t help but marvel at its beauty.

Fiona’s keen eye quickly identifies it as silver, a realization that elicits gasps of awe from the group. They take a moment to admire the object’s intricate decorations, marveling at the craftsmanship that went into its creation. It’s clear that this is no ordinary artifact; its ornate design suggests a level of sophistication beyond what one would expect from a typical domestic item.

The team begins to speculate about the significance of their findings, pondering the possibility that they’re uncovering traces of a much larger operation. Jamie’s earlier discovery of a cement-like substance in the area adds another layer of mystery, leading them to wonder if these artifacts are connected to a larger scheme to conceal something of great value.

As they contemplate the implications of their discoveries, the team is filled with a sense of anticipation. Each new find brings them closer to unraveling the mysteries of Oak Island, and they’re eager to continue their exploration. With determination in their hearts and excitement in their voices, they vow to press on, knowing that every artifact they unearth brings them one step closer to unlocking the secrets hidden beneath the island’s surface.

Three members of the team responded to the call at Lot Five, where Jamie had unearthed some intriguing artifacts. At the Oak Island laboratory, Rick, Craig, and Jack met with archaeologist Lar Nen and archaeometallurgist Emma Culligan to receive Emma’s scientific analysis of the discoveries made just a day ago in the expansive stone foundation on Lot Five.

Emma’s expertise shed light on the composition of the artifacts, providing crucial insights into their nature. The gold-plated button and the possible silver artifact, it turns out, hold secrets within their metallic surfaces. Emma revealed that the button is crafted from a copper alloy, with a thin layer of gold comprising approximately 3% of its surface area, indicating that it’s gilded—a fascinating detail that adds depth to the artifact’s story.

Gilding, a technique revered for its exquisite beauty and craftsmanship, has been practiced since ancient times, tracing its origins back to the opulent courts of ancient Egypt. This art form involves delicately applying thin layers of radiant gold onto various surfaces, transforming everyday objects into gleaming works of art. The process itself is a testament to human ingenuity and a reverence for luxury, as artisans painstakingly create these shimmering masterpieces.

As Emma Culligan delves into the metallurgical aspects of the artifacts, her analysis unveils intriguing details that provide valuable insights into their age and origin. The significant presence of phosphorus, constituting around 5% of the composition, is a striking revelation. This element, often overlooked in casual examination, serves as a distinctive marker, hinting at the artifact’s unique context and historical significance.

Emma’s discerning eye discerns that the composition of the button suggests a purpose beyond mere adornment. Rather, its makeup aligns more closely with objects associated with naval military usage, evoking images of officers adorned in regal attire. This inference leads Emma to speculate that the button likely adorned the uniform of a high-ranking officer, symbolizing authority and prestige on the high seas.

Furthermore, the button’s distinct style and composition provide valuable clues about its origin. Emma surmises that it is most likely of English descent, harkening back to the illustrious naval history of the 18th century. This revelation adds another layer of intrigue to the artifact, suggesting a connection to a bygone era of exploration, conquest, and adventure.

The implications of Emma’s analysis are profound, hinting at a rich tapestry of history woven into the fabric of Lot Five. The presence of such a meticulously crafted artifact speaks volumes about the individuals who once traversed the shores of Oak Island, leaving behind traces of their legacy for future generations to discover. As the team delves deeper into their investigation, they are driven by a shared sense of curiosity and determination to unlock the secrets hidden within the island’s storied past.

The notion of British explorers venturing to Oak Island in search of something of great value is certainly plausible, considering the island’s intriguing history and its reputation as a potential treasure trove. Engaging in original research necessitates carefully monitoring and protecting the excavation site, ensuring that any discoveries made are thoroughly documented and preserved. The team’s hope is to unearth artifacts that not only shed light on the island’s enigmatic past but also fill in the gaps of its captivating story, particularly on Lot Five.

Regarding the silver artifact, Emma’s confirmation that it is indeed composed of silver, at around 90%, is a significant revelation. Rick expresses his excitement, noting that in his four decades of experience, he hasn’t encountered such a substantial piece of silver. Emma’s classification of the artifact as treasure underscores its value as a precious metal, highlighting its importance in the broader context of the excavation.

As the team ponders the significance of the silver artifact, they contemplate its original purpose and function. Both Rick and Emma agree that the artifact likely remains in its original form, offering tantalizing clues about its past use and significance. While the artifact’s exact role may remain shrouded in mystery, its discovery represents a significant step forward in unraveling the secrets of Oak Island’s past.

The observation of slits on the sides or edges of the silver artifact sparks a fascinating discussion among the team. Rick and Emma both acknowledge the presence of intricate craftsmanship, suggesting that the artifact may have served a decorative or functional purpose. They speculate that it could potentially be part of a tassel or even a knife hilt, adding to its allure and historical significance.

Rick expresses his enthusiasm for the artifact, noting its uniqueness among the discoveries made thus far. While the initial excitement stems from the confirmation that the artifact is indeed silver, Rick emphasizes the importance of obtaining further information to fully understand its significance. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Rick proposes the idea of a potential metallurgical match between the silver artifact and samples from the Concepción, a ship associated with Sir William Phips. If such a match were to be confirmed, it would provide compelling evidence linking the artifact to a specific historical context, opening up new avenues of exploration and discovery.

Throughout the year, the team has unearthed a series of metal artifacts within the large foundation on Lot Five. Emma’s metallurgical analyses suggest that these artifacts may be connected to Sir William Phips, further deepening the mystery surrounding Oak Island’s storied past. As the team continues their quest for answers, they remain driven by the prospect of uncovering the truth behind these fascinating discoveries.

Sir William Phips, an English naval officer and privateer, made history in 1687 when he successfully recovered an estimated £210,000 worth of silver from the Spanish treasure ship Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, which had wrecked off the coast of Hispaniola. This remarkable feat marked the first recorded recovery of a sunken treasure ship in history, cementing Phips’ legacy as a pioneer in the world of maritime exploration and treasure hunting.

Born in humble circumstances to a family of Puritan farmers in present-day Maine, Phips’ journey from obscurity to fame and fortune is a testament to his resourcefulness and determination. He embarked on a career as a shipbuilder before venturing into the world of treasure hunting, eventually obtaining a commission from the English Crown to search for the Concepción’s lost riches. Phips’ perseverance paid off when he located the wreck and successfully retrieved its valuable cargo, earning him both wealth and recognition.

Following his treasure recovery success, Phips continued his maritime exploits, including an ill-fated attempt to capture Quebec during King William’s War. Despite his setbacks, Phips’ name remains synonymous with the thrill of treasure hunting and the allure of the unknown. His connection to Oak Island, a site steeped in mystery and legend, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing search for answers. As the team delves deeper into the island’s history, they are reminded of Phips’ legacy and the enduring appeal of the quest for hidden treasures.