Colonial pit dig results in recovery of early dated wine bottle seal plus much more

[Bill D. (VA)]

My digging partner Dan and I were thrilled to get another invite from our good buddy Stan to make a return visit to the early trash pit site on Saturday. We had hit it right after Christmas and ended up in a very productive clay pipe spot, so we decided to pick up in the same area where we left off. We didn’t fare too badly, but finally started to run out of productive real estate. I decided to wander around and see if I could probe out another promising spot, and soon found one although it was unclear if the area had been previously dug. After opening up a small test hole I was convinced it was virgin due to the still intact layers, and it was also chock-full of brick, oyster shells, bone and glass with a few pipe stems throw in. Strangely, we had not encountered any glass at the other spot for some reason, but this new area was loaded with early onion bottle parts which always helps to ramp up the excitement level. All 3 of us dug small test holes right next to each other, but had to start sifting and filling in after less than an hour as it was getting late and we were frozen and exhausted from a long, hard day in the pits. I had already eyeballed and removed what I thought were all the larger glass frags as I was digging, but about halfway through I saw a fairly large piece show up in the sifter. It was slightly concave in shape and I knew this was from a bottle shoulder, and it had at least a small chance to be a seal. And when I flipped it over I instantly saw that amazing round disk affixed to the glass. It turned out to have the monogram “RWE” representing Ralph and Elizabeth Wormeley and was dated 1719. We've found other similar seals at this site along with many others, but it was still exciting since it had been quite some time since my last seal recovery. It was definitely a great way to end the day, and gives us renewed hope when we return to the site. I thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with my digging buddies, and can’t wait to give it another shot soon.

 

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[Carolina Tom]

Congrats Bill. I didn't even know what bottle seals were, until your post last year.

The only thing I enjoy more than the posts, is your book. Excellent saves.

Best of luck to you sir.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Congrats Bill. I didn't even know what bottle seals were, until your post last year.

The only thing I enjoy more than the posts, is your book. Excellent saves.

Best of luck to you sir.

Thanks Tom. There's a lengthy discussion of colonial bottle seals in the book if you want more info.

 

[CRUSADER]

A date & a family tie down, nice when that happens. But its rare in my opinion. I wouldn't mind one of those, to fill a gap.

 

[treasurehunter313]

Very cool

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Congratualtions on the fantastic relics!

 

[Relicific]

Amazing to see those bottle seals Bill.
Can’t wait to see what else you dig up.

 

[trdking]

That seal is way cool!

 

[smokeythecat]

That is what I call a good day. And love the book, I've had it a few weeks.

 

[Scrappy]

When I read your posts I see how good pit digging can get...and press on. Unbelievable find bud with that wine seal - it doesn’t get much better than that! Congrats

 

[A2coins]

Amazing old relics Thanks for sharing Tommy

 

[Silver Tree Chaser]

Great Finds Bill! More pics. to publish when your classic goes to a 2nd edition. I really like the intact pipe with such an early bowl shape.

 

[Aureus]

Amazing finds Bill and full of great history! I'm hoping to uncover my first colonial trash pit next year. I already know the spot just need some more techniques for the digging and sorting through. Finishing your book at this moment, it sure is helpful.

 

[BLK HOLE]

Really nice finds, I got my copy of your book two days ago and love it! Thanks for putting what is I'm sure a ton of blood, sweat and tears into such a great book.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Great Finds Bill! More pics. to publish when your classic goes to a 2nd edition. I really like the intact pipe with such an early bowl shape.

I don't think I have a 2nd edition in me Jim. This one wore me out putting it together, and selling it has kept me extremely busy, which is a good thing I guess. I'm looking forward to getting back to a normal life, and digging in a 17th century pit is a good start.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Really nice finds, I got my copy of your book two days ago and love it! Thanks for putting what is I'm sure a ton of blood, sweat and tears into such a great book.

Thanks for the comments, and you're right about all the time and energy it took to get this done. But now that it's over I'm soooo glad I toughed it out. But there won't be a #2 I assure you.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Amazing finds Bill and full of great history! I'm hoping to uncover my first colonial trash pit next year. I already know the spot just need some more techniques for the digging and sorting through. Finishing your book at this moment, it sure is helpful.

I can tell you from experience Anton that once you start digging early trash pits you won't even want to pick up your detector again. It's that addicting and fun - good luck!!

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Thanks Steve. Hope the snow and frozen ground up your way has gone, at least temporarily. Looking forward to your next post - good luck!

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Amazing to see those bottle seals Bill.
Can’t wait to see what else you dig up.

Thanks Tony!

 

[pepperj]

Well done on the seals Bill and the other goods from your latest efforts. I wish my history was as old as yours, only a 100 yrs short but it might as well be a 1000.
Query about something in photo#2- directly above where the stem goes into the side of the hole/bank/dirt what was the flat disc, a button, coin or a seal?