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| | Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers |
 | | Unfortunately, we have all become at an early age very familiar with the adage: "Finders keepers, losers weepers." It is probably our first encounter, as young children, with what could best be described as ancient common law. |
 | | This, of course, was completely in error, but through the 19th and into the 20th century, the idea that somehow "treasure trove" was exempt from all other archeological protection law and regulation became nearly as embedded in our collective world view as the old "finders keepers.." rhyme. |
 | | Pending that, one may safely assume that anything that was deposited, lost or abandoned more than fifty years ago is to be considered archeological by nature, and that all such property belongs either to the original owner or the current landowner - but never to the collector. |
| www.nysm.nysed.gov /research_collections/research/history/hisfind.html (1225 words) |
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