Dug James Shell #3 today!

[garren]

I can't believe I dug another James shell and this one is different than my first two. This one is a type II and still has a large piece of sabot attached. I guess I can't electrolysis this without losing the white patina on the lead but I want to keep it intact. Any suggestions?

Also found some .69 cal. musket balls, canister shot, Sharps, .32 cal. Colt Navies, .58 cal. Minies and an eagle cuff button.

 

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[Digger RJ]

Very Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[civilman1]

Great dig there Garren! I have half of a Read shell (split directly in half length wise) with the side loader lead plug that hasn't been through electrolysis yet. I'm in the same boat,hope someone chimes in to help you. Nice saves

 

[Steve in PA]

Nice group of battlefield recoveries

 

[Wildcat1750]

Amazing big iron find!

 

[cmthunder]

Nice history

 

[powrsurg]

I would electrolysis it and give it a wax bath at the end. You will lose the white but at least it will look more presentable and be preserved.

 

[Force_of_Iron]

The acidity of different soils sure has an impact on the condition of the dug artifacts.

 

[Joe-Dirt]

If you want to retain the white patina, just let it dry out and remove the rust best you can. You should be able to remove 90% but electrolysis would be your best bet. Excellent job on those civil war recoveries!!

 

[JBnNC]

Great Finds! Love the shell!

 

[Rookster]

Nice digs.Congratulations

 

[garren]

Thank you guys for the nice comments. I’ve got the scary part done. I wanted to save some gunpowder and when digging it out a piece of cloth came with it. I hope you can see it in the picture. What’s up with that?
I tried to light some of the powder but it wouldn’t burn with a cigarette lighter. I had to use a torch to get it to burn. I didn't expect it to still be good...the location where it came from stays soggy most of the year.
I guess I’ll electrolysis this one just like the last two and sacrifice the white patina on the sabot. I want to leave the sabot attached.

 

[Digg Mo]

Dude that’s AWESOME!!!
Sure like your drill press

 

[garren]

Sure like your drill press

LOL! Thanks dude! Some awesome treasure hunter gave it to me!

 

[Digg Mo]

Have you started electrolysis on the shell?

 

[garren]

Have you started electrolysis on the shell?

Yes, It's been in for two days...here's a couple of pics

 

[mnixon]

How awesome is that !!!!! wow !!!

 

[garren]

Starting to make some progress on the fins.

 

[RVRoamer73]

Sure is coming along nicely. Congrats on the good work. Super recovery.

 

[islamoradamark]

those pics are great thanks