Cellar hole-ing today - research paid off.

[TrpnBils]

Out to a cellar hole today. I originally found this house and four others nearby on a hand drawn 1876 map. There was also a sawmill there at the time but I don't think that's what this site was. Produced an 1854 braided hair variety large cent, a Max Minke ladies' silver pocket watch, and this cool ball valve.

 

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[Chiltepin]

Lots of watches this week, nice gas valve very ornate.

Great finds.

 

[TrpnBils]

Lots of watches this week, nice gas valve very ornate.

Great finds.

Thanks - not sure if the valve is period or not, but it's old. Still turns and everything!

 

[hbru123]

Amazing finds!! Congrats!

 

[trapperart]

Congrats on some nice finds

 

[pepperj]

Three nice finds for sure each having their own appeal. The gas valves are still a little mystery as I found one at a cellar hole two yrs ago, portable gas was available after 1911, a steel gas cylinder was reported to light a ordinary house for three weeks.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Love the pics of your hunt site, the ladies silver pocket watch is a great find!

Here's a pic of one I found a few years ago,
Dave

 

[scruggs]

Nice variety of finds!

 

[TrpnBils]

Three nice finds for sure each having their own appeal. The gas valves are still a little mystery as I found one at a cellar hole two yrs ago, portable gas was available after 1911, a steel gas cylinder was reported to light a ordinary house for three weeks.
View attachment 1507279

Yeah, you know I'm not convinced that the valve is of the same period, but it was cool anyway. It's brass, still turns, and has threaded couplers. I don't know when the ability to thread metals became a thing, but I have a feeling it was later than the 1850s. As far as the portable gas is concerned I'd believe it lasts a long time. I myself am not Amish obviously, but several of my neighbors are and they have their gas lights running all night long most of the time.

Love the pics of your hunt site, the ladies silver pocket watch is a great find!

Here's a pic of one I found a few years ago,
Dave

Thanks - I like seeing pictures of hunt sites too in the threads because it gives me a better idea of what I should be looking for when I'm out in the woods!

 

[Kurios1]

Love the LC and pocket watch BUT, that old brass valve is SO flipping COOL! I love the ornate design and it can still be used! They certainly don't take the time to construct such beautiful and functional pieces today. Great sight and sweet finds.

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

I love that 1876 map! Great finds! Congrats

 

[sutphin]

THE POCKET WATCH IS KINDA CREEPY < NEET FINDS

 

[terpfan]

I just love hearing when great research pays off. Well done.

 

[TrpnBils]

I love that 1876 map! Great finds! Congrats

Yep - there are a lot of good ones out there from that couple-decade period. Where are you at in SWPA?

 

[TrpnBils]

I just love hearing when great research pays off. Well done.

Yeah me too, but it so rarely happens for me

 

[TrpnBils]

Update: The crust that formed on the coin got worse (and harder) as it dried out, so I did a CLR soak tonight. First time for me, but I'm impressed with the results.

 

[P.ALLEN]

If there's a creek nearby also check for a milk box. (basically it was a rock wall square they would put the metal milk jugs in to help it keep (the stream water kept it cool)

 

[sandchip]

That valve be rockin'!

 

[TrpnBils]

If there's a creek nearby also check for a milk box. (basically it was a rock wall square they would put the metal milk jugs in to help it keep (the stream water kept it cool)

It's a pretty decent size creek nearby... would this be IN the water, then I'm guessing?? Never heard of a milk box, but it makes sense.

Also, see if this makes sense to anybody...the one corner of this cellar sure looks like it has a circular stack of rocks in it (looks similar to a rock lined well) but it's partially collapsed overtop and all the way filled in. The walls are all straight except for this one corner. Would it have been possible to have had a well dug in the cellar?

 

[RustyGold]

Awesome photos and finds. Thanks for showing us.