3 April Metal Detecting Alexandria VA

[Steve L.]

Folks,
Got out on some old ground in Alexandria just off I-495. Got permission after the land-owner had some old homes removed. Came up with a variety of finds, always like a variety! The site is adjacent to a road that has been in existence since the mid-1800s. It is on high ground with water running on the back-side about 100 yards down hill.

Found the what-is-it first. I kept it because I thought it could be a bayonet tip. It does not have a finial tip, and comes out to be just shy of 3 inches long. The wider end has a bit of a recess, not sure if it is period or not, but wanted to keep it to check it out.

Pulled the South African holed coin out next. Looks like a bronze 1D coin with a young Queen Elizabeth, I'd guess the date as 1958.

The next find is an old hammered-face button. Not sure how old the button is, but it feels heavy and judging by the shank I'd guess it to be 1800's. I certainly could be wrong. I make out no back-marks. If someone has a good idea on its age and what-not, I'd be all ears.

Pulled out the wheatie next. It came out looking like a fattie Indian-head, really had me fooled. I called my hunting partner over to show it off before I wiped it clean, a little embarrassed when he made out old Abe.

My hunting partner cleaned up on this hunt, a modern pocket spill that kept giving up quarters, I thought it would never give out. He also hit a very nice, worn 1944 Quarter -- love seeing shinny coins pop out of old ground.

Best wishes,
Steve

 

[Mystro7]

Nice diggins, I like the suspected bayonet thingy it looks interesting. I keep evrything cause ya never know what it may be. My first copper spear head I thought was some piece of old junk spoon but found out months later what it really was. Glad I kept it. Good luck on your next dig. Would like to find outwhat that artifact is. Thanks for showing.

 

[leslie(nova scotia)]

From the land of the Bluenose.....interesting assortment of finds. You going back there?

 

[Steve L.]

From the land of the Bluenose.....interesting assortment of finds. You going back there?

Bluenose,
Absolutely. The site is, in my view, quite promising.
The things we found today were found in a small area. The whole lot continues for about 200 yards along the road and extends about 100 - 150 yards back before dropping off to the water.
Certainly worth visiting again.
Steve

 

[NOLA_Ken]

That's cool, I found the same South African coin a few years back, also holed. I guess they were really popular on necklaces.

 

[timekiller]

I'd say your on target with the button.Early 1800's. I think I see part of the crown on yours
Here are some others it may be late 18th century.Size would help.
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=9136&cat=104
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=13634&cat=104
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=20163&cat=104

Copper alloy

23mm dia.

19th century


Description:

A die-stamped two-piece copper-alloy button originally with separate brazed/soldered shank (now missing); circular; flat; a basket weave pattern; backmarked with ribbon inscribed SOLID PLATED, crown above, plume of feathers at base; traces of gilt remain.

The makers, Jennens & Co, stamped their buttons with the Prince of Wales plume from 1860

http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=29998&cat=104
Take Care,
Pete,

 

[Steve L.]

I'd say your on target with the button.Early 1800's. I think I see part of the crown on yours
Here are some others it may be late 18th century.Size would help.
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=9136&cat=104
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=13634&cat=104
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=20163&cat=104

Copper alloy

23mm dia.

19th century


Description:

A die-stamped two-piece copper-alloy button originally with separate brazed/soldered shank (now missing); circular; flat; a basket weave pattern; backmarked with ribbon inscribed SOLID PLATED, crown above, plume of feathers at base; traces of gilt remain.

The makers, Jennens & Co, stamped their buttons with the Prince of Wales plume from 1860

http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=29998&cat=104
Take Care,
Pete,

Pete,
Man, that is awesome information.
Thank you for passing it along. I book-marked that sight as a "must-use" reference.
Thank you so much for taking time to research the button.
I jury-rigged a shot to give a measurement. Recognizing that the button has a bit of corrosion and that may effect the width reading some. It comes out to 20mm based on the measure taken. I have the button soaking in olive oil in the hopes that it will help it stabilize some.
Shot of the button follows.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your passing this info on. Really, you are very kind.
Best wishes and great luck in recovering the past!
Respectfully,
Steve

 

[timekiller]

I'd say your on target with the button.Early 1800's. I think I see part of the crown on yours
Here are some others it may be late 18th century.Size would help.
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=9136&cat=104
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=13634&cat=104
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=20163&cat=104

Copper alloy

23mm dia.

19th century


Description:

A die-stamped two-piece copper-alloy button originally with separate brazed/soldered shank (now missing); circular; flat; a basket weave pattern; backmarked with ribbon inscribed SOLID PLATED, crown above, plume of feathers at base; traces of gilt remain.

The makers, Jennens & Co, stamped their buttons with the Prince of Wales plume from 1860

http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/ukdfddata/showrecords.php?product=29998&cat=104
Take Care,
Pete,

Pete,
Man, that is awesome information.
Thank you for passing it along. I book-marked that sight as a "must-use" reference.
Thank you so much for taking time to research the button.
I jury-rigged a shot to give a measurement. Recognizing that the button has a bit of corrosion and that may effect the width reading some. It comes out to 20mm based on the measure taken. I have the button soaking in olive oil in the hopes that it will help it stabilize some.
Shot of the button follows.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your passing this info on. Really, you are very kind.
Best wishes and great luck in recovering the past!
Respectfully,
Steve

No prob.I thought everybody had that site. I have to use it all the time good site. Heres another I like for buttons of the old.I like colonial finds so have to use what helps me.

http://silversimon.piczo.com/?g=39870591&vsrc=search_google&cr=2

Bye the way like your avatar.

 

[JasonB]

Steve,

Good hunt on Sunday! Here's pic of my finds. I left the two old cars/toys on the stump. I'll get them next time. We have lots of diggin left at that site.