Here's an Appendix from the Book on the seal that I have.
While we were writing this book, we were understandably motivated to get as much authentication as possible regarding the artifacts. To this end, we had an ongoing discussion with Ludwig Schneider ( the man whom the Orthodox Monk gave the 8 pieces of pottery with the symbol on it) that ultimately produced the certificate of authenticity included herein,. However, we have continued to seek more validation, even after the first edition was released in July 1999.
Concurrent with our press conference at the Christian Booksellers Convention in Orlando Florida in July, where we formally introduced the book, Reuven, who remained in Israel, shared the Seal as it appears on the eight artifacts held by Ludwig Schneider with six Israeli scholars, all connected with archeology and/or history facilities of leading Israeli Universities, representing a very credible cross section of individuals who are by experience and position the best available in Israel to assess the artifacts authenticity.
Without exception, all agreed that all of the eight artifacts are ancient. Following their "first look" the majority of these scholars expressed their belief that a further formal study would likely date these artifacts to the time of the Nazarenes. One scholar suggested they might possibly be dated to just before the Nazarene period (as early as 200 BCE), another, to a period just following this ( to as late as possibly the 5th century CE) . There is both "good news" and "bad news": all of these individuals are doctoral level scholars. All have a firm standing as contemporary archeologists/historians and all privately held that the artifacts are, as we believe, genuine antiquities. The "Bad news" is that, in keeping with standard academic/professional practice, none of these six scholars were then or would now be willing to formalize their opinions in writing. This is a serious business for them, and their initial opinions were based on private "off the record" reviews. All agreed that to offer a formal opinion for public consumption, would require a much longer study, along with the assignment of appropriate responsibility/credit for their work. Such a study would carry with it professional standing and reputation and understandably it could not be casually offered.
Because of the great importance we and many others ascribe to the Seal and its meaning, Barry Rubin, Director of the Lederer Foundation and others have suggested that we undertake an independent archeological examination of the artifacts in order to put to rest any lingering doubt whatsoever regarding their authenticity.
As this second printing is being prepared, we have begun to organize such an independent archeological study. Our focus is to arrange for this effort to be conducted by the Department of Archeology of some leading American university that already has been active in Christian oriented archeological projects in Israel. For example, several such universities were involved in the continuing dig at Bethsaida.
We will certainly include the outcome of any such future study in the printing immediately following its availability.
Dec 15, 1999
PS on the artifacts that show the whole symbol you can see that the "eye" of the fish is actually an ancient "tav". some believe this to be the "sign" that the L-rd marked Cain with for protection.
See my picture below.