In 1982, author Byron Preiss published a book called The Secret (A Treasure Hunt). Inside Preiss included twelve verses and twelve illustrations, masterfully painted by his friend and famous book cover artist John Jude Palencar. The goal was to match each verse to an illustration and solve the riddles to find the 12 ceramic casks buried across the US. In the casks were small keys that could be redeemed for precious jewels. Preiss thought the treasure hunt would take only a few months to solve, but since 1982, only two casks were ever found.
Now I challenge you to help me find one of the casks. Other treasure hunters seem to believe the tenth verse and the twelfth image point to a cask in NYC. Since I live closest to the city and have lived there before, this will be my focus. Here is the image and the verse:
In the shadow
Of the grey giant
Find the arm that
Extends over the slender path
In summer
You’ll often hear a whirring sound
Cars abound
Although the sign
Nearby
Speaks of Indies native
The natives still speak
Of him of Hard word in 3 Vols.
Take twice as many east steps as the hour
Or more
From the middle of one branch
Of the v
Look down
And see simple roots
In rhapsodic man’s soil
Or gaze north
Toward the isle of B.
The first clue is perhaps the most misleading. The woman’s face closely resembles that of Lady Liberty’s, but the Statue of Liberty is green, not grey. Not to mention, the statue’s arm extends to the sky. Regardless, some believe the Statue of Liberty is still the statue in question, and the slender path she points to is the Narrows, a section of the Hudson River between Brooklyn and Staten Island. Others believe the grey giant is the statue of George Washington on Wall Street since he is a giant of American history. In this case, the slender path would be the skinny in size Wall Street.
Whirring could be helicopters. There are helicopter tours of Ellis Island, so perhaps that is a place of interest. Not to mention, the middle section of the island where boats dock looks very much like D4 in the illustration.
Cars abound? Well that could be absolutely anywhere. It’s New York City.
The native of Indies? Definitely Alexander Hamilton. If we assume Lady Liberty is our giant and she is pointing to the Narrows, the section of Brooklyn by the Narrows is called Fort Hamilton. Perhaps that is it.
The rest is quite confusing for me. Rhapsodic man? Is that NYC native George Gershwin, famous for his song Rhapsody in Blue? If so, I don’t see how that helps. But he is ethnically Russian and D5 shows a Russian Orthodox Church. Perhaps a Russian Orthodox Church is representative of his simple roots.
As for the isle of B, that is Liberty Island. Before receiving its current name, the island was called Bedloe Island. That seems fairly certain. So I guess we can at least determine that the treasure is south of Liberty Island.
Any thoughts guys?
He Who Wanders 
Dyker Park Brooklyn – grey giant is Verrazano – Fort Hamilton (from West Indies) and Gershwin went to school nearby – must be a Russian Orthodox Church close – not sure about the V or the slender path but I believe this is the spot. I live Grand Rapids MI so can’t investigate.
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Wrong picture for the Verse10.
Verse 10
In the shadow
Of the grey giant
New York Yankees
Find the arm that
Extends over the slender path
Bayonne Bridge over the Kill Van Kull
In summer
You’ll often hear a whirring sound
Ground keeper mowing the baseball field
Cars abound
Although the sign
Cars going to the baseball game
Nearby
Speaks of Indies native
Alexander Hamilton Ave
The natives still speak
Of him of Hard word in 3 Vols.
Alexander Hamilton Ave
Take twice as many east steps as the hour
Or more
About 20 feet east of the left foul ball line
From the middle of one branch
Of the v
The middle point of the left foul ball line
Look down
And see simple roots
In rhapsodic man’s soil
In the stands look down watching the baseball Game
Or gaze north
Toward the isle of B
Look north at the Bayonne Peninsula
(Isle: meaning a small island or a peninsula)
Casque Location
Richmond County Bank Ballpark
Home of the Staten Island Yankees
75 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY
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I think everyone is way off from finding the casque in nyc. a clue I think the only clue people have figured out. is casque is in nyc. if you look at the picture it says Nyc in it. a clue I figured out the clue look north to the isle of b. a.k.a. the isle of beauty a.k.a. Central park. so it’s buried someplace south of central park along a major street in a neighborhood park where central park can be seen from.
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Matthew, I have a solution for image #12 and am waiting for permission to dig. I discovered the grey giant and the slender path. I had to travel back in time to find them. These markers are from another era. Image #12 is not so much about a person, but a place. A very unique place. And if my solution is correct then asking for park permission is all that’s required. I’m excited about the whole process.
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Good luck in trying to get permission to dig for this buried casque in whatever NYC park you believe this casque is buried. From what I have been told and have experienced first hand, the NYC Parks Dept is very The Secret-unfriendly when it comes to being able to be given permission to dig in any park in NYC.
Keep us updated on your success on getting permission on this dig. Thanks.
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why on Earth would anyone ask the parks dept for permission to dig in a NYC Park? Unless you’re using an excavator, just go dig.
Also, I think everyone so far is of about the grey giant. I think I know what and where that is, but I’m not telling. Lol.
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Did you ever receive your permission to dig?
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November is also New York history month
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I believe all the clues are a whole lot simpler than we think. My thought on Rhapsodic mans soil is that it is simply gravel. One definition of Rhapsody is “a miscellaneous collection”. Man’s soil probably means man made. The three patterns in the image are probably gravel.
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Very good interpretation Jack – you are spot on with your man-made guess, as this is correct.
As for the gravel, there is more to these 3 patters than just randomness of circles, and if you know the location of the buried casque, you will know what these 3 spotted panels really are showing. But your definition on the rhapsodic part of a “miscellaneous collection” is kinda close to what the man-made soil really is.
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I’m pretty confident in the location of the casque. That’s how I know it is buried in gravel. I followed the map in the image and it lead me straight to the area, then the clues all fell in place one after the other from there. Once you are in the shadow of the gray giant, you are within 50′ of the casque. This puzzle took about 24hrs to solve but is only a theory until proven. The other New York casque took about 3 times as long because I had to start out in the wrong city, Roanoke,NC, Really?
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so…where is it. I’ll go there today and search for us. I’m serious.
i have ideas of where I think this is but, there are a few places and I haven’t narrowed it down to one yet.
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So think the consensus here it is buried somewhere in battery park , bowling green being another possibility , am I close ?
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This casque is buried in NYC, but from my view, it is not in either Battery Park or Bowling Green. Since Byron lived in NYC, his knowledge of parks was much more widespread than in the other cities that casques were buried, so Byron most likely found a lesser known park for us to search, since part of his goal on this hunt was for people to get out and see places they have not seen before. Battery Park & Bowling Green – even back in the early 80’s – were really more known and Byron probably didn’t feel like he needed any added incentive to get people to those 2 parks.
Good luck hunting !! Once the weather gets nicer and we are allowed to go back outside in NYC, I am hoping to find that sweet spot for where this NYC buried casque currently is residing.
Look for that V near the base of the arm
And 22 steps east later you will be more than just warm
Then Look Down slowly so you will not miss
The digging spot under manicured bricks
Where you can look due north to see the isle of B.
Whose man’s soil grows simple roots, as you can see
As well as the grey giant, and an old rusty sign
That shows the Hard word and the “him” right behind
With summer whirring and cars blurring also there
So when you discover, and if you dare
To uncover this treasure under stone, in cold soil
You will need to dig quickly, with purpose & toil
But the reward will be something that you will reveal
Is the answer to this puzzle, that this treasure is real
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This casque in buried in Waterfront and Battery Park Burlington, Vermont. The woman in this picture in the Russian winter fairy. State and City laws make digging illegal. Also, a two to five-foot environmental cap has increased the depth of the casque.
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For the last 30+ years, everyone has been looking in the same locations. Who set these locations? Someone in England who didn’t know squat about America. And this is why the casques have not been found and will not be found. At $60.00 bucks a pop to join the web site do you really think they want these casques found?
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Jack, you are right they are a lot simpler. So, how did they find the first two? Answer The Casques were found by people who lived in the city the casques were located and they used the book. Why haven’t the others been found? For 30+ years everyone is looking in locations picked by a person who lived in the UK, who match the images with the verses and charge 59.00 bucks to get same wrong clues on the PBworks site. If you are looking for the casque for image 12 try matching it with Verse 9 and looking in Waterfront Park and Battery Park in Burlington, Vermont.
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Still working on the logistics of digging the buried casque out of the ground. It was easier solving this treasure hunt than it will be to go into a NYC park and just randomly dig until I find this buried casque – wish me luck !!
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Best of luck!
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Thanks Andrew. The park where I believe this buried casque is has some decent nearby foot traffic during the day and gets locked up daily from dusk until dawn, so it looks like this is going to be a “Secret” graveyard shift dig. Throw in the unpredictable NYC weather this time of year, and you have a recipe for fun AND adventure trying to get this plexi-glass out of the ground.
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Happy New Years and its been a month…!
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There is not one reply here that is even close to where this is buried in NYC. Stay tuned all.
Since the topaz and the chrysanthemum are the November reps for each of its groupings – gems & flowers – it is fitting we will find out where this box is really buried by the end of this month !!
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Image 12 Verse 9
Waterfront Park / Battery Park, Burlington, Vermont
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Another thought the payne with the Russian Towers could mean rushing waters over the falls and also turn it upside down what do you see not towers but then you see water and land.
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Niagara Falls and The Whirlpool at the Bottom, The Lady is the Maid of the Mist, also the window payne of different colors and the arch is the Rainbow Bridge.There is the number 3 in 3 locations one in the tail of the bird, one in the flower and one in her right hand maybe reference to the 3 sisters island on Goat Island and finally Find the arm that Extends over the slender path maybe the walkway that extends out over the Falls.The whirring sounds could be the helicopter tours of the falls during the Summer and the cars abound could be all the cars that cross back and forth across the bridge. Let me no what you think?
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Joseph are you from the Niagara area? I am. I think you are on to something and I have more to add
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If no one has commented before, the bird head looks like the ones on the Chrysler Building.
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You’re right that it kinda does, but I think in context with the other clues, the Chrysler Building doesn’t make sense. And perhaps it’s too obvious
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Has it ever been mentioned that that the treasure could be buried right on Liberty Island? The statue was surrounded by scaffolding in the early 80’s (gray giant).
Walking about 22 step off the slender path you see in a google earth pic would bring you to a V of one of the base star points. The simple roots of grass and you could gaze north to Battery park isle (peninsula)
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I also think in the summer you may have heard whirring sounds of the ferry’s in the Hudson and cars abound on them.
I’m really just baffled on how to connect the next verse about the Indies native.
Still studying the background of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi
and his other sculptures that could be “of hard word”
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There’s an Indian museum near by.
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Ah, this makes perfect sense. Does anyone want to follow my decipher? It’s in New York City but it’s not the Lady Liberty. The face is Lady Liberty but the gown is not but it does have the shape of New York. That’s about all I can say without giving away too much I’m too far away to look myself but all the pieces fit. Contact me.
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hello todd, i am in NYC and I would scout a location for you, get some pics. Let me know…karen
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I believe The verse- from the middle of one branch of the v- it is the victory bank on the corner of Bay St. Across from the clock take twice as many etc. This puts you in Baker square look down-the hill-simple roots or gaze north to isle of b
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Also the jewels in the solved puzzles, Houston for example,the jewel was traced to a clump of trees one of which is still there,but the blacktop path now covers the spot in painting the trees are portrayed as columns.i believe the jewel in the painting is portraying staten island the island is where the burial site is…The verse FIND the arm that is extended to me means go out and find not just look at the obvious.people dont find the Verazzano bridge. They look at it ,you dont need to find it.Thats my theory.
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The clock in the painting matches the clock @2 bay St. S.I. you can see that,the arch,the hand, the verse look down and see simple roots I think he means– the hill -look down “the hill” ,not the ground & see simple roots ,also the brick&beige panels in arch painting match FRONT of 2 bay st. The simple roots aspect is an inscription on a plaque behind the building it simply states: a public man
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Also the panel with ferry outline is in the 1st panel.i think he wants us to take the ferry to get to the burial site like immigrants getting off the boat.you can’t dig on Ellis so maybe he’s giving us reverse clues? Don’t know until I get there
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I also think the panels in the archway are important 2 panels are colored orange( brick )on gold.if you go to Baker square across from it is a building with an orange(brick) &beige FRONT. They run vertical but close enough to notice. Also the look down verse ..I don’t think he means look @ ground ,but maybe down the hill to basic roots or gaze north to isle of b
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Also anyone living in nyc. In the summer It’s HOT the whirring is the industrial a/c units next to the park. Vols is the st.George library across from the statue. Rhapsodic mans soil? Wagner (college)German composer. The hand of the statue that is extended is also identical to the left hand in the painting with a little twist. I think the painting is giving us the middle finger!
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In the 2 solved puzzles the clues lead the contestants from a known landmark/symbol(chi-town was “the bowman” in grant park) then they went from a to b,b to c, etc. In the shadow of the grey giant it might just mean NYC itself not a key clue but a clue none the less. With the immigrant theme the most important aspect to an immigrant was “getting off the boat”.Mr. Priess got off the ferry @ Staten island and started walking.He wanted the puzzle to be solved by visual and literal clues.The archway in the painting is identical to the door of 24 stuyvesant place S.I. when you get there walk 1 block and you see- what natives still speak of. Inscription on the statue “in memory of” this is the words of 3 verse statue is civil war hero clarence t barrett man of Hard.he was a botanist and agriculture basic roots also the extended arm points to the narrow path out of the park.you have to remember he was walking this without GPS
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Hi I’m i think is not in this is Atlanta the back ground has a mosque you can find it in Atlanta the bird is a Falkon that’s Atlanta and the clock is in east point atlanta
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Ehhh…I think people are pretty confident it’s in NYC. The lady looks so similar to the Statue of Liberty. Many of the clues add up. So on
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I don’t get it 30+ years people have been looking in these locations. Who said it is in NYC? Someone from the UK who didn’t know squat about America. Image 12 is not buried in NYC and the woman in the image is the Russian winter fairy has nothing to do with the Statue of Liberty.
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I also think in the summer you may have heard whirring sounds of the ferry’s in the Hudson and cars abound on them.
I’m really just baffled on how to connect the next verse about the Indies native.
Still studying the background of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi
and his other sculptures that could be “of hard word”
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Yeah, the main problem with that theory is the Indies native part. As far as I know, there is no mention of any Indies native on Liberty Island. Also, the hard word always stumps me, no matter which theory I’m looking at
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Feel free to add pics,notes or any information you want to share. Ideas and theories are always welcome. https://discord.gg/gQhrDYH this new link is set to not expire if you still have problems find me on the discord app Atom#2486
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Andy
Send me an email
Think I have a spot
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Find me on discord Atom2486
https://discord.gg/bsefk9. New theories and places
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In doing some research, it appears that everyone on this blog misses the Grey Giant as The Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Yes, the Indies Native is Hamilton, it is verified by the sign nearby ( as you come off the Bridge into Brooklyn there is a huge sign for Fort Hamilton) and the clue of how they still speak of him of hard word in 3 volumes. I believe that refers to the 3 volumes of the Federalist Papers, to which he is famous for, along with James Madison and John Jay. or the three volumes could be the 3 NY newspapers that published those articles during the whole Constitutional Ratification process.
Now there is an actual “V” and a “v” inside Fort Hamilton (It’s clearly visible from map app on satellite view.) the poem shows a lower case v and perhaps the two together differentiate which “v” you start from. The problem is after 1999 and 2001, that area became part of the Washington defense zone. the Soldiers on base nor the Commanding officer will NEVER let you dig there. So if that’s the v, the search is dead. However, I haven’t abandoned all hope and continue to search for the one clue’s meaning that eludes me… The Rhapsodic Man’s Soil?
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I think the rhapsodic man’s soil is something that eludes us all. Some people have ideas, but I don’t think I’ve heard anything that sounds logical or fits in with any of the other clues
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I’m glad at least ONE other person has considered the ‘grey giant’ being the Verrazzano Bridge!! My thoughts about ‘rhapsodic man’s soil’ was mainly a ‘location’ clue…as Bklyn was the birthplace of Gershwin who composed “Rhapsody in Blue.” I believe I know where the casque is buried, however it’s now in a SECURED area…(not the Fort Hamilton base, but nearby.) I’ve visited the site once but plan to go again to try and speak to someone about gaining entry and, hopefully, permission to check out the spot. The clues in the image mainly designate NYC and the harbor as being the general location. Perhaps the ‘logic’ I used in figuring out the clues in the verse was a bit plain and simple, however- every line seems to point to the location where I believe the casque is buried! If I do ever get close enough to check out the spot…and find the casque…I’ll definitely let everyone know!
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I’m sure we’d all be happy to hear your thoughts. Best of luck!
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Thanks! Good luck to you, too! I believe the main problem we ‘Secret Searchers’ face is the vast amount of TIME that’s passed;…many areas that were once open and accessible to the public in the early 1980s, are now secured. Once I’ve exhausted all possible attempts at checking out where I believe the NYC casque is buried, I’ll reveal everything that led me to the spot……and then, I’ll probably cry A LOT, not ever being able to determine if I was right!!
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Hahah yes you are right. If only we could still harass the clever man that started the whole treasure hunt
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I have request permission and even got a wiki link pbworks stuff and still can not write on the image comments help I’m in need of a partner in all this .. I think I may have found 3 cities
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I have an amazing clue to share to find the new York treasure.
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Well, feel free to share the clue hahah
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Hi Alayden,
Thank you for responding. It appears I might have to join a university research group in order to get that permit since it does not fall under normal excavation rules. If I do by chance receive permission, I will be glad to post location her and would love if you as well as any others who want to, would join me!
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That sounds like a great plan. Let me know how it goes
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Hello, I have question. I believe I know the exact spot of the NY casque. My question is, is it not possible to get a permit to dig? It seems a shame that these casques would remain for decades more without being found. I did check the permit route but it appears no description matches the need. There are permits for research, tree pruning and such but not treasure hunting! any help would be appreciated.
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You can ask for permission to dig. It’s worth a shot. However, don’t be disappointed if they turn you down. Also, where is it? Do you mind telling?
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The whirling noise isn’t helecoptors, they fly year round. Lawn mowers only whirl in the summer.
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I totally agree with the lawn mower idea, or weed eaters, or even sprinklers. That will tell you a lot about the indies native which in my opinion is not Hamilton nor human.
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I think the simple roots clue is a reference to the authors and Gershwin’s NY, Russian and Jewish roots. It’s also telling you to look down and dig. There have been many parallels between this hunt and my life I would like to thank Byron Preiss for the great ride myself and my daughter have taken. And The Travel channel and Josh Gates from Expedition Unknown for opening my eyes to this last month. Any treasure hunter worth a hoot should be able to take the unspoken verse and image and find the ‘v’ ictory spot, happy hunting. Cheech
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There are yet other images from the painting unmentioned. The unforgiving ocean, which does have a connection. The two Manhattan like forms with their SW corners highlighted, that image instantly grabbed me. The November references with the clock, chrysanthemum, and topaz, which itself is a Russian symbol. As an aside, recent science actually says some American indian origins can be traced to Russia. The first submarine attack occured off the Battery in 1776 when patriot Ezra Lee in the ‘Turtle’ attacked a British ship in NY harbor.
Any guesses where the plexi box was buried?
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The box should be by the ocean, but the doesn’t exactly narrow it down.The surf seems to show the image of a lion, though. The woman is definitely in the shape of Manhattan with the topaz in the SW, but where is the other Manhattan form? All the November symbolism makes sense. I’m not sure how Ezra Lee relates though.
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When you say ‘v’ictory spot, I think of the WW2 memorial in Battery Park. It was built before the Secret. You can see the ocean, Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and a bird. The pillars even look like the thing at D4, though that could be the World Trade Center.
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Ezra Lee was just an interesting unrelated facet of local history. In the image of the minarets the area of the bright spot could be interpreted as a Manhattan like form. The WW II East Coast memorial was dedicated by JFK exactly 6mos. before his demise. It commerates those who lost their lives in the turbulant Atlantic. Like some others, this clue hits close to home in regard to what I do in retirement. Of course It’s more steps if you start from the middle of one branch of the V!
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I wish I coud see the original painting! It’s hard to see but there is an arrow or arrowhead on the bottom of the flowers stem. It points down to an area right behind the eagle. Josh gates, where are you? His Expedition Unknown episode featuring NYC is airing again this week, check the Travel Channel schedule if you wish to see it.
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The whirling sound is now year round, and cars ‘abound’ next to and under the park. The ‘nearby’ sign is for the National museum of the American Indian just south of the park in Bowling Green. ‘Him of Hard word’ is a direct jab at…………
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Oops, forgot to include the museum is located in the Alexander Hamiliton US Customs house, Hamilton was born in Nevis, in the West Indies.
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Hmmm interesting. That all sounds good. Not to mention, there are bird statues on the museum that resemble the one in the picture. But Him of Hard Word and the rhapsodic man still trouble me. You seem to know who Him of Hard Word is. Is it Peter Minuit, who bought Manhattan at Bowling Greens?Bowling Greens is a V, so the east steps could lead to the Bowling Green Marker or perhaps to the Francis Makemie monument. Francis Makemie was rhapsodic. But the monument was built in 1982, which is when the treasure hunt was published.
You seem like you know more. I’d be interested to hear more
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He lived in nearby NJ for one year before moving to upstate NY and becomming famous for Cooperstown and as an author. In several volumes of his American classic ‘The Leatherstocking Tales’ he depicted the American indian as noble, but sub human and animal like. Im sure Preiss realized the original owners of Manhattan ( island of many hills), the Lenape or Deleware were a branch of the Mohican. James Fenimore Coopers most famous work was ‘Last of the Mohicans’. And yes, save 35+ years of tree growth, all can be seen from where the box was buried.
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Also two things:
1.Byron Preiss said all of the images in the picture would be visible from the cask location. You can’t really see the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island (if that is what the onion dome thing is), but maybe that’s because taller buildings have been constructed after the treasure hunt was published.
2. He says “or gaze north toward the isle of B.” I assumed the Isle of B was Bedloe Island where the Statue of Liberty is, but that’s south, not north. What is the Isle of B?
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Oops, you walked past the isle of B!. From 1896-1941 the NY aquarium resided there, hence the mosaic pool tiles in the painting. Prior to the construction of Ellis is., between 1820-1892, eleven million immigrants landed at the isle of B. Originally it was a manmade island with a fort of 28 cannon (the west”B”attery), there are great pictures of it online. Today the park totally engulfs the former island that is now Castle Clinton. Obviously the box wad buried south of it.
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I feel obligated to reveal this hunt is being revealed on several sites simultaneously.
After exausting ALL ‘Offical channels” to legally dig I decided to reveal all.
I feel before one could dig or even probe they would be arrested. It’s Lights, Camera, Action 24/7 . Once detained the location would become open game, and a some estute park employee will finish your hole. The history is the true treasure! Consider that an onlooker may have dug up the box before Preiss got out of the park.
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Yeah, there’s no way you could legally dig in NYC. Sad 😦
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I think you are on the wrong end of the United States… the bird is the first clue. Looks more like a Seahawk…
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Only when you enter Battery park at its north corner are you afforded a full view of the looming WTC giant. Continue into the park and glimpse the clock tower and the arched window on the Pier A Harbor House. In front of you are the Minarets of Ellis Is.and of course Lady Liberty, all from the painting! Head south and see the outstretched arm from the statue “The Immigrants”, the path below is no longer slender…..to be continued. Cheech
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The Isle of B, the slender path, and everything else in in one NYC park. I would be glad to interpret almost any of the verses or images. Cheech
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I would also add that the vast majority of the clues are lost history that Preiss wanted exposed. The history I’ve learned on the hunt far exceeds the value of the treasure, so does my monthly SS check.
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Welcome to the hunt! Here’s what I came up with for Charleston: https://jamesvachowski.com/2017/12/31/the-buried-treasure-of-sullivans-island/
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Great deductions. Sad that you can’t actually dig it up if it is there. One of the things I like that you picked up on was the focus on immigration in each illustration. For Charleston it was African immigrants. The NYC one seems to be Russian immigrants. It’s always one piece of the puzzle to focus on while on the hunt
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