Patriot Relics
Silver Member
Hey guys,
Still in shock over digging this one yesterday at my latest site. This particular permission continues to defy explanation, not listed on any maps...Mills Atlas or otherwise. It appears the site was abandoned shortly after 1800 with the exception of a small union picket post nearby. My research continues as I attempt to pin down the family that owned this property during the 18th century. Regardless of who the land belonged to, it's clear that this southern family was loaded. So far the coinage has included a 2 pence rosa americana, 2 COBs, and 3 pre-1750s Spanish. I could only dream of the prospects of recovering a colonial gold coin, but managed to recover the next best thing. Here's the in situation shot, fresh out of the plug - Deus XP 11.7Khz 45VDI at 8 inches...not pictured is my jaw on the floor in shock.
Quick rinse under the sink and wow...just wow (any other site I would have walked right over thinking it was small foil)
Suspect the stone is blue turquoise, all the patterns are hand etched on the surface- 22K gold. I've reached out to a few experts to try and narrow the date range, but most have stated early 1700s. I've dug a few 18th century copper rings, 1 silver, but this target is without a doubt a find of my lifetime, and a very personal piece. Just incredible to think this stuff is still out there to be found after 300 years in the dirt.
Did score another stunning late 1600s/ early 1700s crystal/glass button
The "modern" buttons came from the old picket post- pair of general service and a 1 piece patriotic eagle.
In the pluff mud I also pulled a slamming brown bess butt plate, took a few hours to remove the salt corrosion- no regimental markings visible
Also pulled a flintlock plate with MB stamped inside
The flat buttons...there's more not pictured; nice variety of early blank slave wear, and highly decorative pieces (nearly all with no backmarks).
Copper pin/brooch
Padlocks
Horse tac
That about covers the spread, this week has been one I'll not soon forget, rattlesnake and a gold colonial ring within 7 days. Probably time to hang up the detectors as I'm not going to top these find anytime soon. Thanks for your comments and good luck out there!
Still in shock over digging this one yesterday at my latest site. This particular permission continues to defy explanation, not listed on any maps...Mills Atlas or otherwise. It appears the site was abandoned shortly after 1800 with the exception of a small union picket post nearby. My research continues as I attempt to pin down the family that owned this property during the 18th century. Regardless of who the land belonged to, it's clear that this southern family was loaded. So far the coinage has included a 2 pence rosa americana, 2 COBs, and 3 pre-1750s Spanish. I could only dream of the prospects of recovering a colonial gold coin, but managed to recover the next best thing. Here's the in situation shot, fresh out of the plug - Deus XP 11.7Khz 45VDI at 8 inches...not pictured is my jaw on the floor in shock.
Quick rinse under the sink and wow...just wow (any other site I would have walked right over thinking it was small foil)
Suspect the stone is blue turquoise, all the patterns are hand etched on the surface- 22K gold. I've reached out to a few experts to try and narrow the date range, but most have stated early 1700s. I've dug a few 18th century copper rings, 1 silver, but this target is without a doubt a find of my lifetime, and a very personal piece. Just incredible to think this stuff is still out there to be found after 300 years in the dirt.
Did score another stunning late 1600s/ early 1700s crystal/glass button
The "modern" buttons came from the old picket post- pair of general service and a 1 piece patriotic eagle.
In the pluff mud I also pulled a slamming brown bess butt plate, took a few hours to remove the salt corrosion- no regimental markings visible
Also pulled a flintlock plate with MB stamped inside
The flat buttons...there's more not pictured; nice variety of early blank slave wear, and highly decorative pieces (nearly all with no backmarks).
Copper pin/brooch
Padlocks
Horse tac
That about covers the spread, this week has been one I'll not soon forget, rattlesnake and a gold colonial ring within 7 days. Probably time to hang up the detectors as I'm not going to top these find anytime soon. Thanks for your comments and good luck out there!
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So what about your one-week old avatar of the snake button? Keep it or go for the gold? Man, your going through avatars like I go through underwear. You the man! Congrats to you - EPIC FIND! I believe you have no worries on the date range - solid Colonial Period find. Check the link - turquoise was used for 18th century jewelry. 
