1839 LC, Hem weight with cloth, Owner gratitude

[Tommy G]

Over the past few of years I've been very fortunate to be able to hunt an 18th century home site (still standing and occupied) and have turned up so many buttons, buckles, and coins I've lost count. The owner just lets me hunt at will, so I went out for a quick hunt Labor Day morning. As usual, I was not disappointed. Aside from the 1839 LC and buttons, I dug a hem weight that was still wrapped in cloth. Amazing!




I show the owner every relic I dig, and every now and then, the owner will request to keep a particular relic. A couple weeks ago, I asked him for the past relics he'd kept, telling him that I wanted to "clean them up for him". He produced a shoe box with some items in it and I took them home. After sorting through them, I ordered a shadowbox for them. I gave him the shadowbox after my Labor Day hunt and he was floored! But really, this small gift is nothing compared to the pure joy he's given me over the past years in allowing me to hunt the property. The picture below is of the display where I have then used a photo of the display to create a powerpoint slide deck with an index of the items. I've never gotten to return an old high school ring or other precious item to an owner, but from the look on his face, this came real close.

 

[TheGreatNorth]

Very nice. I think the ultimate accolade to acquire in the hobby is sharing the history. Great saves and great story.

 

[against the wind]

Nice hunt and a great gesture of appreciation.
Your finds are nice and the shadow box is well done.

 

[Z.K.]

I really respect your attitude and ethics. Thanks for sharing this.

 

[trapperart]

Congrats on your finds and thanks for promoting the hobby the way you did. Very nice

 

[Steve in PA]

Very nice Tommy. Hopefully he will talk to some friends with older properties and get you some new permissions.

 

[Trezurehunter]

Very nice on your part. It looks like you have made some great finds in that yard. Who knows, the owner may know 5 more people that are willing to let you hunt in their yards now.

 

[Loco-Digger]

I nominate for honorable mention. That was a great thing to do in appreciation, Kudos to you. You are an exemplary member of the Metal Detecting community.

 

[pepperdawg]

Super Cool!!!!

 

[OutdoorAdv]

WOW! It always amazes me what sort of conditions allow organic materials to survive. I've pulled out organic stuff that I had a hard time believing myself. ha That cloth on the hem weight is just awesome. The display you put together for the home owner is just incredible. I'm sure the shoebox wasnt sitting on a coffee table for guests to look at, but I have a feeling this display will be. Awesome work man.

 

[Tommy G]

Very nice on your part. It looks like you have made some great finds in that yard. Who knows, the owner may know 5 more people that are willing to let you hunt in their yards now.

As a matter of fact, he introduced me to the owner of the neighboring farm, which was all part of the original plantation back in the day. I am very fortunate to be able to hunt both properties now, which total about 200 acres. Needless to say, I will never find myself without a place to hunt!

 

[Tommy G]

I nominate for honorable mention. That was a great thing to do in appreciation, Kudos to you. You are an exemplary member of the Metal Detecting community.

You are making me blush, Loco. Don't know that I've ever been described as "exemplary" The idea actually came from some feedback I received from the TNet group on one of my previous posts - several mentioned providing small gifts to property owners. Just got me to thinking, so decided to act. It really should not have taken me so long. Thanks to everyone for the comments!

 

[Steve in PA]

WOW! It always amazes me what sort of conditions allow organic materials to survive. I've pulled out organic stuff that I had a hard time believing myself. ha That cloth on the hem weight is just awesome. The display you put together for the home owner is just incredible. I'm sure the shoebox wasnt sitting on a coffee table for guests to look at, but I have a feeling this display will be. Awesome work man.

Organic material around lead often survives because the lead oxide leaches into the material and kills any bacteria that would otherwise cause the material to decompose. Perfect example the bullet in wood.

 

[sutphin]

A SHARE OF A FINDS WILL PUT A SMILE ON ANYONES FACE . NICE HEMWEIGHT AND LARGE CENT ..

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Congratualtions on the productive hunt and beautiful display case, you sure made his day!

 

[Gridwalker306]

I'm with Loco, honourable mention for sure. Sometimes it feels like a shame when a homeowner wants to keep items, but this guy sounds like he deserves it for letting you hunt at will. The items are displayed beautifully and now they will be admired by the homeowner, their family and friends. Everybody wins!

 

[McCDig]

Awesome display....some great finds, and many good memories.