πŸ₯‡ BANNER Colonial/Civil War site yields unusual silver object

Jason H.

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Dec 2, 2010
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Last Sunday I headed out to a mixed colonial and Civil War site with my buddy Ron. After five years of going to this place, we have a good feel for where the old home sites are and where the Civil War camp relics are. I like to dig both. Recently, we discovered another home site near the back end of this property, so I decided to check it out in the late afternoon. On the way there, I dug a crusty 1798 Large Cent. Once there, one of my first finds was the 1875 Seated Liberty dime. Then followed flat buttons and some Civil War relics- a knapsack triangle and a variety of bullets. Then I get a decent reading in the button range. After removing a nail, it becomes an awesome signal, reading in the mid-90s on my MXT. I get out the pinpointer and hand digger and begin to uncover something silver about 10 inches down. Taking it out of the hole, I am thrilled but curious- what is this? It's either a dog or a bear, I think. It's handmade, heavy, and it appears to be pure silver. It looks like the top to a cane, but what is that atop its head? Looking inside it, something iron went through the top. Something went through its teeth and one ear is drilled out- but not the other. Does anyone know what this was or what time period it's from?
Thanks and HH,
Jason

Update: This little work of art has been identified as a officer's sword pommel from the Revolutionary War era.
 

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Upvote 35

CRUSADER

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Thank you sir! That is quite a compliment considering what you've found. Do you have any idea as to whether it's British or American? I am happy either way. Thanks!

Sadly, one reason I like it so much, is because I have a lack of knowledge of this design, I 'think' it's because it's rare but it might be because its a hole in my study (born from the fact these are very unusual 'British finds', many more end up in the colonies than homeland). If I had to guess I would edge towards British manufacture, but I hope someone will chime in & fill in the gap?

However you look at it, it's one of the first ones ever in Silver I have seen posted on Tnet & that has to say something!

(it also has a kind of German 'look'??)
 

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Wildcat1750

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Beautiful find and very interesting to follow how the ID unfolded.
 

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Jason H.

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Awesome find...my banner vote is in. I would focus on that part of the property for a while. Good luck on future hunts.

NJ[/QUOTE

I appreciate it! I will be going straight to that spot very soon and spend some quality time there!
 

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Jason H.

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Sadly, one reason I like it so much, is because I have a lack of knowledge of this design, I 'think' it's because it's rare but it might be because its a hole in my study (born from the fact these are very unusual 'British finds', many more end up in the colonies than homeland). If I had to guess I would edge towards British manufacture, but I hope someone will chime in & fill in the gap?

However you look at it, it's one of the first one ever in Silver I have seen posted on Tnet & that has to say something!

(it also has a kind of German 'look'??)

Thanks, most dug pommels do seem to be made of brass. I took this by a guy who's knowledgeable about military items and he feels certain it's English in origin. Like you, I'm not very familiar with this type of relic- it could indeed be German. I still haven't found an exact match, just some very similar ones. Thanks for your reply!
 

sorahc

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Jason H, thanks for the shout out. There are lots of good books on military swords through the ages. I have a few and have seen lots of early swords first hand. The more research knowledge you have the more fun the hobby.
 

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Jason H.

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Jason H, thanks for the shout out. There are lots of good books on military swords through the ages. I have a few and have seen lots of early swords first hand. The more research knowledge you have the more fun the hobby.

You're welcome, and I agree- learning about this stuff is fun and when you know what you've dug it's a more meaningful experience. Thanks again!
 

ivan salis

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it might be british made (things made with loins were quite popular in british culture (the loin and unicorn are well known pottery symbols for old british pottery) *"brave as a lon or fieirce as as a loin" when thinking of a sword = easy to think of ) --being british made does not mean it fought on the british side during the war for independance however --remember that americans were former british colonials --and many a british made sword or musket were used by americans against their former british makers.

plus looking at it a bit more it the hole for the handle seems a bit ovalish thus more for a sword handle --* (pipe tamper holes tended to be more rounde for a round rod type handle )
 

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CRUSADER

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I thought this would be on the banner by now. When will we see another one?
 

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DirtyMike

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Congratulations on such a beautifully unique find.
 

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Jason H.

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it might be british made (things made with loins were quite popular in british culture (the loin and unicorn are well known pottery symbols for old british pottery) *"brave as a lon or fieirce as as a loin" when thinking of a sword = easy to think of ) --being british made does not mean it fought on the british side during the war for independance however --remember that americans were former british colonials --and many a british made sword or musket were used by americans against their former british makers.

plus looking at it a bit more it the hole for the handle seems a bit ovalish thus more for a sword handle --* (pipe tamper holes tended to be more rounde for a round rod type handle )

That is a good point- I find British made buttons all the time, but that's because they were imported. Lafayette camped near this area during the war, so it may have been dropped then. Thanks!
 

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Jason H.

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I thought this would be on the banner by now. When will we see another one?

I can't recall seeing another one quite like this that's been dug. Hopefully I can find the rest of the sword tomorrow!
 

ivan salis

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well when a brit like crusader * says he hasn't seen one quite like it thats saying something since he lives in england and digs nice british relics all the time -- I think its "banner" worthy
 

Tnmountains

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Jason H.

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Thanks Ivan! Detecting in England would be amazing to say the least.
 

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Jason H.

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Thanks for the link! Wow, an undug sword with provenance can muster some serious money. I went back to the site last Monday and searched it thoroughly but couldn't find the rest of the sword. I did find a neat 18th century buckle and a few buttons, but that was about it. Maybe someday it will turn up.
 

HISPAN

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Nice Revolutionary Sword pommel ...I vote banner ! :icon_thumright:
 

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Gridwalker306

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This thing is freaking awesome. I started reading this thread from the top, curious to learn what the item is. The pipe idea sounded plausible, maybe the end of a cane, then maybe this or that.

Then Iron Patch chimes in and tells us what it IS. There be some knowledgable dudes on this site...

Again, great find!
 

Tnmountains

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Nice Banner Jason. Looks good on top . :thumbsup:
Congratulations.
 

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