Cellar hole - Update w/ site pics and 1809 Half Cent! And a small shield whatsit

[Bramblefind]

and it was right in front of me the whole time! I have been looking for this site for a few days now. It is an mid/late 18th c house/farm that disappears from the maps before 1898.

When the land owner gave me permission he showed me around and the first place he took me was an area he called the foundation for the "Smith House" - it was far too big to be a foundation IMO. It is a large stone walled enclosure. Next to it was a small dump with more modern looking items lying on top. I did a quick scan of the "Smith House" area and didn't get much so we moved on to the back of the property since the two maps I have both showed the site much further back.

On the way around the 30+ acres I dug countless shotgun and rifle shells. Found a gilt backed flat button in an old orchard area and then a lead ball and another button down the trail. I went over and over the area the maps showed the house should be but I found no evidence it was there.

Coming out from the back I turned a corner on the trail and suddenly was getting some iron hits I looked around and realize there was a stone wall corner. This was not where the site was supposed to be! But it was definitely something. Found a very worn wheat penny in the trail and while digging found a small piece of stoneware. Yes! In retrospect I think this is a barn or outbuilding foundation but I will definitely investigate it further.

I had to leave for the day and as I went down the trail and got my bearings I realized I was very near the "Smith House" and dump area. So I looked at it again and suddenly I realized that dump area was dug out and there were rocks lining the sides! I felt like such a dummy!

I scanned around it and found another flat button, a tombac button and a very cool carriage plate which reads: J. Wheeler 2d Maker Jamesville Sar. Co., NY I love this relic! I found Joseph Wheeler on the 1860 census for the area and his occupation is listed as "Carriage Maker".

Next time I go I will get site pics - here are the finds -thanks for reading!

___________________________

Went back and got some pics of the site and found my first half cent! Right in front of the cellar hole area. Very happy to find a good coin here. Hope it is the first of more!

This is what I think is the cellar hole - with the modern type trash on top. I know I need to clear it but it is going to be a big job

This is the area the land owner thought was the "Smith Foundation". You can see how large it is - it is right next to the cellar hole. Maybe a garden area?

Half Cent

Just found this today - can anyone ID it for me? Thanks!

 

[DirtMan1]

Great Hunt

 

[Potter Poker]

That's a great site, thanks for the pics. I would detect every square foot for a wide radius around that whole site. Could be a lot of finds around the far edges of those cellar holes. 8)

 

[jamesbibb]

Beauty of 1/2 cent that one is one my list BIG TIME!!!!

 

[allen]

that site could end up been a gold mine for you.
Take your time and G/L !!

 

[bearbqd]

i dont think anyone answered you about the mystery object. Looks like a martingale to me. The part that would be attached to the saddle gear on a horses chest.

 

[Deepdiger60]

Good looking half cent one of the better ones dug i seen Great hunt Jim

 

[Bramblefind]

Thanks for all the nice comments everyone I've been back a few times but nothing too exciting to add. I really need to clear out some of the large iron. I gave the 1838 large cent I found to the landowners and they were thrilled! So that was a feel good moment

Nice finds Bramble great site , and the half cent is a beauty . Saddle shields are a favorite find for me !

Thanks Dawg! I posted the shield in What Is It? and saddle shield or some kind of horse tack item seems to be the most popular ID - but there were some questions based on the single attachment post which is different from most of the saddle shields. I think.

Hello again!
Great Old Copper!
looking thru this post again, I think the item on left, first photo is a brass/copper measuring cup, found similar, has 1, 1-1/2 , & 2 oz marks, I think mine broke off from the other section. I never found the rest.
Check yours for markings!
Also a lead shield whatsit.
Great Digs to you!!

Thanks SHW! That is a very cool measuring cup! I didn't see anything like that on mine. Interesting shield whatsit too

i dont think anyone answered you about the mystery object. Looks like a martingale to me. The part that would be attached to the saddle gear on a horses chest.

Thanks Bear - if you have any pictures of this idea I'd love to see them. I tried to google it but the things I found didn't look quite right.

I'm going to keep hitting this site so long as the ground stays soft and will be sure to update if I find anything I think is worth an update

Thanks all!