Frigid colonial hunt produces a few interesting finds

[Bill D. (VA)]

Myself and my buddy Dan and his father teamed up for another trip to our colonial honey hole. It was in the teens when we hit the field about 7:30 this morning but at least the wind had died down. Dan and I were on a mission to dig out several potential colonial trash pits we had identified on previous hunts. The first and most promising one turned out to be the brick foundation for one of the many structures that are scattered about in this field. The other pits were almost devoid of the pottery and glass we were seeking, but we did scrounge out a few brass items. While Dan and I were toiling away John was having a great day in the coin department, and Dan followed suit late in the day to keep our coin streak alive. I'll let Dan give you the details on those finds, but by the end of the day our total colonial silver count for this site had jumped to 16. I spent the remaining time after the pit digs roaming around trying to find another hotspot. Wasn't very successful with that, but did find a very interesting and unique item that was partially exposed on top of the ground. It was a colonial ring with a nice green patina and a 3-masted tall ship design etched into its face. This ring appears to be made in a very similar manner to the 1600s signet ring I found last year, but not sure its quite that old. But it should definitely be pre-1800. I also dug what may be a colonial copper coin of some sort. At first it looked like a flat button, but upon closer inspection it does not have any indication of a shank, and its holed and a little irregular in shape. My only real killer signal all day turned out to be big silver, but unfortunately it was a barber quarter. I knew it wasn't colonial as soon as I saw the reeded edge, but I'll take it just the same. We called it a day by early afternoon, but we'll be back again soon I'm sure.

 

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[grasshopper]

Cool finds! This looks similar to the ring you found.... UK Finds Database - - - UKDFD

I know it's not exactly the same, but may be something close.

 

[hamiddetecting]

Nice!!

 

[joeyfresh]

That ring is very interesting Bill. Another productive hunt!

 

[flyinryan2]

Very nice finds!!! My cousin and i are going to try and dig out were an old school house use to sit. Do you have any tips on finding the right spot to start digging?

 

[WHADIFIND]

You've got more gumption than I do. I could only stand the cold for about 45 mins today. Just can't handle what I used to I guess.

Anyway, you sure made the hours count!

Very nice ring indeed! I love finding personal items from long, long ago.

I'm still looking for the tag that says, "If you find this little boy wandering, his name is George and please send him home. signed Mrs Washington."

HH!

 

[frogginfish]

Great finds, Bill! Enduring the cold paid off for you guys!!

 

[VOL1266-X]

Real good digs Bill and you guys earned every one of them. That ship ring is really cool!! HH, Quindy.

 

[matt092079]

Awesome recoveries, Bill. Loooove to see that green patina and you always have such great pics. What kinda camera do you have. By the way, I'll take that barber off your hands if it's not good enough for you. lol I understand what you mean by digging the barber out of all the colonial relics and coins. I was digging all 1800's and 1700's silver last year and when I dug a silver roosie, I was like "really?"...still a keeper. lol Great hunt guys. And yes, any tips on trying to locate a good spot to start digging a pit? I heard to start digging out a pit when you get into a lot of iron targets then just start digging. True? False?

 

[The Sanddigger]

Sweet finds! Especially the silver quarter and the ring!

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Awesome recoveries, Bill. Loooove to see that green patina and you always have such great pics. What kinda camera do you have. By the way, I'll take that barber off your hands if it's not good enough for you. lol I understand what you mean by digging the barber out of all the colonial relics and coins. I was digging all 1800's and 1700's silver last year and when I dug a silver roosie, I was like "really?"...still a keeper. lol Great hunt guys. And yes, any tips on trying to locate a good spot to start digging a pit? I heard to start digging out a pit when you get into a lot of iron targets then just start digging. True? False?

Matt - my camera is just an inexpensive Canon PowerShot Elph 100HS. Cost about $150. I use the macro function for close-ups, and take the pics only in natural lighting outdoors. Generally it does a pretty good job, although sometimes the pics can get a little fuzzy around the edges. As far as pit digging goes, send me your email address and I'll forward a magazine article I wrote a few years ago on my experiences with finding and digging colonial trash pits. Might give you a good starting point.

 

[DJWEHAGE]

Only Barber? That's a good find for anyone. Great photos!

 

[matt092079]

Matt - my camera is just an inexpensive Canon PowerShot Elph 100HS. Cost about $150. I use the macro function for close-ups, and take the pics only in natural lighting outdoors. Generally it does a pretty good job, although sometimes the pics can get a little fuzzy around the edges. As far as pit digging goes, send me your email address and I'll forward a magazine article I wrote a few years ago on my experiences with finding and digging colonial trash pits. Might give you a good starting point.

Thanks, Bill. I sent you my e-mail.

 

[birdman]

That ring is just phenomenal! You guys are hard core and your finds show it.

 

[Fitzwilk]

Awesome finds.

My favorite of the lot is what appears to be a musket part with Imperial proof mark.

 

[TomPA]

That's a very neat ring Bill. When I look at your 'coin', I 'see' what looks to be some sort of bust relief, but then it disappears or changes on me!

 

[VWandSTUDEBAKER]

COOL STUFF !!! id love to find a spot like that when I visit my kids and grandkids in Virginia Beach.

 

[Tykit]

Wow! Great digs.

 

[JT1080]

Great finds! Congrats

 

[HomeGuardDan]

Bill, I am telling ya, that ring is the find of the day! As always had a blast, now that we got a couple of guests out of the way (and put us to shame) we need to now get to work and dig more hammereds!

Dan