Our party was panning for gold in Josephine County, Oregon. One member came across this tool. At first glance it looked like scissors. But the outside of the handgrip is continuous - it is not two handles. The "blade" looks like a screw driver or tool for making grooves in wood. There also appears to be a spot to put your thumb in the second picture. Any tool types out there recognize this? Thanks. Don
Just a guess,but maybe an early wire tool.Like a stripper or twisting tool?
Any old telegraph or phone lines in the area?
Paleo
It is neither wealth nor splendor,but tranquility and occupation which give happiness
-Thomas Jefferson
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.
Here is a picture of the pointy end. The rocks and material are very well cemented in. Well enough cemented that my experience is it would be destructive to the tool if we chipped at it. But the tool is still at the gold claim with the friend who found it. I just snapped a couple of angles of it before heading back to town with my meager vial of yellow. I appreciate the suggestions. Don
If its iron or steel, electrolysis would work great to seperate the cemented crud and preserve the steel. The crud will just fall off.
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.