Mysterious Red Box

[winslow]

Yesterday I get out detecting along an old wooded logging road that was also a huge gold mining area. I get several large targets near the side of what's left of the old skid road. One is a huge wrench. The thing must weigh 10 lbs! The other is a metal box that still has some red paint on it. I take a picture with my cell as it's coming out of the ground just in case I find it's loaded with coins or something interesting. I get the box home and decide to give it a bath in a mild citric acid solution to remove some of the rust ... hoping that maybe somethings written on it. The hinge is rusted shut too so maybe it will loosen it up a bit as well. Enough rust gets removed so that I can make out the words "flameless flares". I'm thinking what the heck is that. A little more cleaning with the toothbrush and I see "No 70 and the word Grote.

A Google search results in finding these boxes on Ebay, Etsy etc. as collectible tins some with reflector set-ups inside. I never knew a flameless flare was a reflector but I learn something new every day. Ha! I pry open the lid and what do you know 3 sets of reflectors that are in a lot better shape then the box.

Look at this one (box only) … “beautiful wear and patina” only $50 LMAO:

Vintage Tin or Mailbox Grote No 70 Flameless Flares by Florimancy

I’m amazed that the reflectors were still in one piece. Why throw them away? That wrench was still usable as well. Hmmm. Disgruntled logging employee Who knows.

 

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[HutSiteDigger]

I know exactly what happen! Guy left the box on the truck somewhere pulled off and the box went on the side of the road and got covered up by equipment and then boom 10-15 years later you are there to find it!

 

[vpnavy]

Actually, it really is a cool fine and a nice conversation piece winslow!

 

[jeff of pa]

cool find ! I'm pretty sure I still have a set out back yet.
Used to carry it in my vehicle at one time

 

[mical66]

kool finds,,,look like some one broke down beside the road and was working on the vehicle , possibly left those items due to night time .

 

[CoilyGirl]

I've got a mental picture of Wiley Coyote in my head.nice find!