I am not only new to this site (today! In fact, this is my first post), but am also new to metal detecting (1st hunt, 11/5/2011). However, I have been a treasure hunter all of my life (story for another day).
I was fortunate enough recently to dig a Union campsite that was very fruitful (22 bullets so far). I was able to ID most of the items using experienced friends and the internet. What I have attached here are the items that I could not ID. Any assistance will be appreciated.
My first question involves the hatchet head (#1). It was found in the same area where I pulled a majority of my bullets. Even though this is a current, working farm, the site itself seems too far out for this item to be a farm implement. I was wondering if this is CW period and/or did the U.S. issue official hatchets to soldiers?
The next item (#2) is very thin, brittle metal (Brass, I assume) that appears to have been black but has some green patina to it. It seems to be attached to rotted leather or heavy canvass. This was found in a field away from the campsite and closer to the barn.
#3 has a brownish patina (not rust) and was found a small distance from the main relics (100 to 150 yards). It looks too intricate to me to be of the CW period. Any thoughts?
Next is a small brass (?) item (#4) that is a real mystery to me. I thought it was a small straw-like item. However, both ends are sealed. The only hollow part is the raised area in the center. It has a hole through it but it is larger on one side than the other. It looks like it attached to something and spun.
#5 is a small brass plate with a green patina and two rivets down into rusted steel. On of my friends found one in another location but it did not have the steel backing. I would really like to know if this is from the CW and what it may have been attached to.
#6 was actually not from the same site, in fact it was found about 50 miles away. This "Rolled Lead" was found in a known CW area that had alot of Cavalry action. I did not find any other relics during this short and very trashy hunt. I am just curious if it is CW period and would it indicate that I may be on to something, despite all of the trash in the area.
Here is the back of #5 and the other side-views of #4 and #6.
Finally, I figured I would show my display from this hunt. I have wanted to hunt for CW relics for years. Now that I have, I never expected to have so much luck just two months into it. Needless to say, I am hooked. I am glad my fellow hunters talked me into the MXT!
Sorry for the long-winded post. I promise to keep it briefer in the future.
Thanks, in advance for any light that can be shed on my mystery objects!!!
Welcome aboard!!! Those are some awesome finds!!! Keep hitting that site....things will keep popping out for a long time.
I believe item #2 is part of a engine head gasket.
HH'ing, Kieth
I live in a state of rules where I am not permitted to live on my own country land because my home is not 130 MPH rated! I can only visit it from time to time and pay the fines. I feel so safe with Big Government protecting me. In some states its illegal to collect rainwater.
We find a lot of rolled up pieces of lead like that here, some are called Roman Curse Tablets curses were written on them backwards, although I have found hundreds, I have yet to find one with a curse
A lot of nice 3 ring drop bullets slot 4 in the tray the bullet looks like it has bite marks in it. Back in the day when getting a limb cut off soldiers would literally bite down on a bullet so hence the term bite the bullet.
I have seen bullets with a tooth still stuck in it.
Heroes take journeys, confront dragons, and discover the treasure of their true selves.
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curses were written on them backwards, although I have found hundreds, I have yet to find one with a curse 
