Discovery in the Northern Triangle-Shaped Swamp

Uncovering a Mysterious Piece of Wood

In the northern region of the triangle-shaped swamp, Rick Lagina, his nephew Alex, and other team members continue their search for possible caches of buried valuables. During their excavation, they come across a significant find—a piece of shaped wood buried approximately three feet deep.

Rick immediately recognizes its potential importance, suggesting that their archaeologist, Laird, might be able to date the artifact. The discovery raises questions about whether it could be linked to previously found structures near the surface or possibly another one buried even deeper.

Rick reflects on the unusual depth of the find:

“What is this piece of wood doing at this depth? It’s quite deep for anything to be there. But it certainly suggests the possibility of multiple treasure caches.”

With renewed motivation, the team decides to continue their excavation in hopes of finding more evidence.

Investigation at Lot 5

A Potential Entranceway to the Money Pit?

Meanwhile, at Lot 5, Jack Begley joins archaeologist Fiona Steele and assistant Todd Langseth as they investigate a mysterious round foundation near the shoreline. The team believes this structure may serve as an entranceway, as they have previously discovered soil in the area that matches material found in the Money Pit, over 100 feet deep.

As they carefully excavate, they make another intriguing discovery—a small hinge piece. Fiona speculates that it could have belonged to a box or a chest, raising hopes that it may be linked to hidden valuables.

A Possible Gemstone Found

The most exciting find comes moments later when the team uncovers what appears to be a gemstone or cut glass with a star pattern on the back.

Jack excitedly remarks:

“That’s a piece of treasure for sure! It could have come from a ring or necklace.”

This discovery adds another piece to the puzzle, reinforcing the idea that Lot 5 may have been used to hide valuables.

Scientific Analysis of the Artifact

Linking the Find to 18th-Century France

The following morning, Rick, Marty, and Alex Lagina meet with archaeologist Laird Niven and archaeometallurgist Emma Culligan at the Oak Island lab to analyze the artifact.

Emma reveals that the item contains an unusually high lead content, a characteristic of 18th-century French glassmaking. Laird identifies it as “paste” jewelry—a type of artificial gemstone invented by French jeweler Georg Friedrich Strass in the early 1700s. These simulated diamonds were popular among French nobility and high society.

The significance of the discovery is not lost on Marty Lagina, who connects it to the Duc d’Anville’s expedition:

“Somebody of importance and wealth was on Lot 5, at least visiting—if not overseeing an entire operation.”

This raises further speculation that Lot 5 may have been used as a workers’ camp during a treasure-burying operation linked to the Money Pit.

Conclusion: More Questions Than Answers

The discovery of the shaped wood in the swamp, the hinge piece, and the paste gemstone on Lot 5 all point to past human activity tied to wealth and hidden valuables. While the team now has more clues, they also have more questions.

As the search for treasure continues, the Laginas and their crew remain determined to uncover the secrets of Oak Island. Could these latest discoveries bring them one step closer to solving the centuries-old mystery? Only time will tell.