1785??? Any ideas?

[HighVDI]

I went out for a little over an hour before dark and dug this up. I don't know what it is or could be but it rang in high on the numbers.....like silver would. My wife asked if it could be something from a gun....that's when I figured I'd leave it to some more experienced people on here to give some insight! Thanks.

 

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[Javadroid]

Is it curved or flat? What are its dimensions? What sort of place were you at when you dug it up? Do you know any history of that spot?

 

[HighVDI]

Laid on yardstick for reference. This was about 15 yards off of the RR that was completed in 1867...ish. this twp. Was established in 1790, with early settlers along the creek which in reality follows the RR or the other way around, lol.

Technically, this would have been the outskirts of a very early farm that was 1770's. Another home was built a little closer, maybe a 1/4 mile or so from the spot this was dug. That home was built in 1825. Now, it is a pavilion area that has been there since the 60's I believe. Most of the dirt is dark, but seems rather rocky to not be fill. This was found right on the edge of what I think was old dirt. That's why I'm kinda stumped. Then I wondered if it were a serial number.....or an actual date.

 

[Kurios1]

Not sure what it is but, I don't think it's silver. Corrosion in your find indicates it's some other pot metal type of thing. I have dug LOTS of silver sounding targets that were just some alloy metal and piece of trash. 1785 could be a part number? No idea.

 

[HighVDI]

Yeah, I was just stating that it was a high tone like silver. Pretty sure its not silver just from the color alone.

 

[trapperart]

No help with ID but congrats

 

[DocBeav]

Might be pewter? The 1785 could be a patent date or serial number?

 

[HighVDI]

Just my opinion, but I think you have a RR location marker. The 1785 is the tag number, not a date. They were used at different points along then track, kind of like a mile marker is used today but it marks a location, not a distance. I think this had to do with the telegraph lines that usually ran alongside the tracks. Could be totally wrong, though.

Sounds logical to me! I will try to find some research on them. Thanks.

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Part of a cap gun? Is it pot metal?

 

[HighVDI]

Could very well be. How do you get a definite on pot metal?

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Pot metal is a crude aluminum/tin metal. It rings up high tone, brittle, corrodes, and turns gray when old. There are a couple cap gun websites you could search, only a guess

 

[A2coins]

cool either way