I have an unquenchable passion and drive for the past and it's preservation for the future. I have been fascinated by history and intrigued by the items, now artifacts, our ancestors relied on to survive. I started finding fossils and Spanish coins as a child on the beaches of Florida and then began collecting antique weapons at the age of 10. My freshman year of high school changed my life forever. I had the privilege to capture the attention of avocational archaeologist Eugene Petroski. Under his instruction we conducted an independent archaeological excavation of a late archaic to early woodland period rock shelter in Tewksbury, New Jersey. This formed within me a foundation for the proper techniques and respect for the preservation of archaeological sites.

 

I then became a volunteer at the Revolutionary War, Lord Stirling Manor Excavation in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Fortunately once again I was noticed by excavation director Archaeologist Dr. Alan Cooper. He became a great mentor who helped me hone the proper skills for archeology. By the end of the first season he appointed me the site artist and I became a permanent staff member for the following three years.

 

In high school, I began excavating archaeological sites in New England which led me to starting a hobby related business, The Treasure Connection. Hard work and perseverance convinced the head master of my high school to permit me to teach Archeology for a four week unit-term my sophomore through senior years. The lore of pirate treasure and artifacts have always captivated my imagination. As a junior in high school I became the broker and New Jersey State representative for Gulf Coast Rare Coins and Investments. I specialized in treasure from the Spanish Galleon Atocha and the 1715 Plate (silver) Fleet discovered by Mel Fisher. Over the following years I had the pleasure of working with Treasure Salvors, Inc. When time was available I conducted artifact analysis, brokered the treasure coins and made them into jewelry.

 

My freshman year of college in Newport, Rhode Island was another awakening. I was surrounded by many of the original buildings from the late 17th and 18th centuries with all the history that came with them. My passion for colonial American History had begun. While attending Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, I had an opportunity to undergo a master 5 year apprenticeship for antique gun restoration which in turn saved me thousands of dollars learning how to detect fakes and undisclosed restorations. One can never learn enough...

 

Scuba diving opened the door to my passion for shipwreck discovery, exploration and preservation. Artifact analysis, restoration and historical classification completes the intricate web that makes my new 2004 corporation, Tortuga Trading, Inc. (tortugatrading.com).

 

Starting in January 2005 I was hired as a weapons consultant, Armourer and supplied all the antique weapons to Disney Studio's, Second Mate Productions, Inc. for the Jerry Bruckheimer Production, Pirates of the Caribbean II and III, a Gore Verbinski film. Property Master, Kris Peck. For three years I worked on set with the Prop Department, and had the experience of a life time, and made some great friends.

May - June 2009 I have been working with Left field Productions, Shoshanna Ritzler (casting director) for an up-coming HISTORY CHANNEL series called "PAWN STARS" which will debut on July 19th. at 10:00 pm. I have been chosen to be on the show as their Antique Arms & Armour Specialist. I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with Left field Productions on this project as well as those that may be in the future.

2009 - SEASON 1 'PAWN STARS' appearing several episodes on HISTORY Channel's new hit show.

SEASON 2 'PAWN STARS' Some great episodes to come. As they say; "Stay Tuned ! "

Please note; It has come to my attention that I may have offended some of the men and woman of the United States Marine Corp. by wearing the Marine Corp. boonie cover that was given to me as a gift by my younger brother after his return from Iraq. I sincerely apologize for any misrepresentation. I was not aware that a civilian could not wear clothing with the Marine Corp. Eagle Globe and Anchor. I clearly wore the hat out of the utmost respect to all who serve, especially my younger brother Charles Halsey who is now in the Air Force Reserves.

In addition for those who may question mine or my families patriotism; FYI - Father retired USMC, Brother USMC, now Air Force Reserves, Step Father retired US Army National Guard Staff Sgt., Uncle retired US Army National Guard Major., Grandfather USN (WW II), Grandfather USMC (WW II), Great Grandfather, USMC (rode with Teddy Roosevelt. Rough Riders), and, my Great Uncle USN Admiral "BULL" Halsey (Pacific Theater WW II). Needless to say, we are Americans one and all...

2009 - Supplied props to; 20th CENTURY FOX Studios for the Movie production; 'KNIGHT & DAY', staring TOM CRUISE & CAMERON DIAZ to debut on April 19, 2010. A David Bentley Film. Property Master Kris Peck.

2010 - Supplying props to Walt Disney's, next film "PIRATES of the CARIBBEAN 4, On Stranger Tides". A Jerry Bruckheimer Production. A Rob Marshal Film. Information coming soon...

2010 - Filming more episodes for 'PAWN STARS'.

 

CADA (Collectors Arms Dealers Association), A National Arms Dealers Association.

 

The Arms & Armour Society, London.

 

The Armor and Arms Club of New York and sponsored by; Stuart Pyhrr, Curator, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Arms and Armor Department and Donald LaRocca, Associate Curator of Arms and Armor Metropolitan Museum of Art.

 

The San Diego Maritime Museum and sponsored by; Mark Alan, Curator of special exhibits. Note: Loaned personal collection for two exhibits 2000/2001, "Pirates!" and "The Manilla Trade Galleons".

 

The National Muzzle Loader Association, #108999

 

The National Rifle Association.

 

The Texas Gun Collectors Association.

 

United States Power Squadrons, Cert. #E226729