1861 Fatty, relics, and a turtle surprise!

[lenmac65]

Findings are slim nowadays, as I am nearly out of spots and must work up the nerve to seek new permissions. However, I did manage to find an 1861 Indian Head penny and a few relics today at a former homesite in the woods. The ox shoe was a surface find, presumably left behind intentionally by a prior detectorist. The turtle was an unexpected surprise. I believe it is a male Eastern Box Turtle, though I did not inspect his junk to be sure 😁. (Just kidding, as I think the eyes are generally used as the gender clue.) They may be somewhat rare around this part of New England. Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[lenmac65]

I like the clog clasp with the memorial that some attribute to Washington's death in 1799. I found the same one on my land.

Thanks again for the info. I did some more searching and see that many attribute cuff links, clasps, and buttons with this motif to the mourning of Washington, while others say it is a common design with no evidence to link it to the President. Given there are no initials or identifiers on mine to link it to that great man, I will assume mine is just a common shoe-related item. I am still happy to have gotten the ID from you, as it makes the find more interesting for me. Thanks!

 

[scruggs]

Congrats on your nice recoveries!

 

[Silvermonkey]

Findings are slim nowadays, as I am nearly out of spots and must work up the nerve to seek new permissions. However, I did manage to find an 1861 Indian Head penny and a few relics today at a former homesite in the woods. The ox shoe was a surface find, presumably left behind intentionally by a prior detectorist. The turtle was an unexpected surprise. I believe it is a male Eastern Box Turtle, though I did not inspect his junk to be sure 😁. (Just kidding, as I think the eyes are generally used as the gender clue.) They may be somewhat rare around this part of New England. Good luck and happy hunting!

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[Silvermonkey]

That turtle looks a little...cranky. Congrats on the old IHP. Looks like its in pretty great shape. I feel your pain about spots drying up. I find myself digging signals that I normally would skip past. Sometimes it pays off, but mostly not. My track record for finding productive new spots during the first half of this year has been pretty poor,,,about 1/20. Hopefully things improve in the coming months.

 

[lrgoodger]

That 1861 is a tough date to find. I've only found one in 50 years. I've found the entire IHP folder except four, 1877,1878,1908-s and 1909-s.

 

[lenmac65]

That turtle looks a little...cranky. Congrats on the old IHP. Looks like its in pretty great shape. I feel your pain about spots drying up. I find myself digging signals that I normally would skip past. Sometimes it pays off, but mostly not. My track record for finding productive new spots during the first half of this year has been pretty poor,,,about 1/20. Hopefully things improve in the coming months.

Thanks! The turtle does look a little cranky… perhaps I interrupted his nap😁. Best wishes on finding places to go. At least you have had some really nice finds and posts this year. I am out of new public spots and my permissions have all run their course. Unless our forefathers come back from the grave and lose some more stuff, I may have to start fishing again, as at least fish reproduce 😁.

 

[lenmac65]

That 1861 is a tough date to find. I've only found one in 50 years. I've found the entire IHP folder except four, 1877,1878,1908-s and 1909-s.

Thanks! My record keeping stinks, so I have no idea offhand how complete my Indian Head penny collection is; however, I know it is not as extensive as yours. Given that the US minted that coin for 50 years and at a few mints, it is impressive you are only missing four coins. Good luck … they are still out there waiting for you.

 

[Trezurehunter]

That Indian is in excellent condition, but I think that turtle takes the daily prize for finds !

 

[lenmac65]

That Indian is in excellent condition, but I think that turtle takes the daily prize for finds !

Thanks! I agree. Were it not for the turtle, I don’t think I would have bothered with the post. I thought it had such great colors, and I don’t recall ever seeing one in all my time in this state (60 years).