Do you know what this is? From Civil War battlefield

Roadquest · Feb 18, 2014

Found this on a Civil War Battlefield in Chester Virginia. Size is 1'' 1/4 x 1'' 1/2
It is made of some type of metal. It was about 4'' in the ground. There are symbols
on the back and front. It looks like a stretched out spring? With and a craved line
running alone some of it.. This go's from top to bottom. There are three other
"springs" that run 1/3 the leanth of it. The front has an upside down V carved
in it. And there are other symbols. that I can't make out yet. If you look at the
pictures. You van see an Eagle at the top front of it. More pics coming

Roadquest · Feb 18, 2014

BosnMate · Feb 18, 2014

Do you think it's silver? Did it come out of the ground looking like that. I don't know what it is, but those lines are hand engraved. It's a way to engrave that is used by people like me that really can't engrave. By holding the graver straight up and down, then twisting the hand left and right you make that track. Check out the picture of the hand engraved concho and note the tracks. As far as what the thing you found is, I don't know, I don't think it's all there.

Roadquest · Feb 18, 2014

Yes it did come out of the ground looking this way. But, it had dirt stuck to it. I wiped it off. It doe's look like something, a part of it was broke off at the bottom. i may have got it and though it away. i also most did with this. Thinking it was just a piece of junk. You are right, the engraving doe's look like that. I'm not sure its a Civil War piece.
Just trying to find out. My nephew has some books on CW items. i'm looking tru them. Thanks for the info.

Back-of-the-boat · Feb 18, 2014

It seems as though the 2nd picture I will call that the back is representing flames so on picture 1 maybe instead of an eagle it might be a phoenix. Also right at the bottom where the break of the piece occurred, on the back picture you can see 5 marks that look like part of the design from the part that is missing.Which look to be the leaf or feather pattern that you refer to as springs

BosnMate · Feb 19, 2014

Coming out of the ground looking like that, it very well could be silver, that and the fact it's engraved make me think silver. It's not very large, but I have trouble in my mind visualizing size, could you post a photo with a coin along side. It looks like the finial on something, and the side with the V would be the back. Bottom left of the squiggley lines looks like a very worn leaf was engraved. Possibly the end of the handle of a gravy ladle or some such item from a set of sterling dinner ware? I'm just guessing, but I think you ought to go back and find to part you threw away.

creskol · Feb 19, 2014

Were you digging a hut or a pit or a?? .. You say it was down four feet?

Davers · Feb 19, 2014

creskol said:
Were you digging a hut or a pit or a?? .. You say it was down four feet?

Maybe it's a type-o .
Unless the item is very large . ( that would be great if it is made of Silver),
Hmmmmm
Davers

nhbenz · Feb 19, 2014

I note the same incorrect notation was used on the size description of the item, so four inches deep seems to be the intent.
I did just dig down four feet this morning... With the help of a snowblower... Almost reached the ground.

Roadquest · Feb 19, 2014

Davers, You are correct type-o As you did, i would think everyone would realize that. I will take it to a friends coin shop. And have him check it.
Itmay very well be silver.

Roadquest · Feb 19, 2014

creskol said:
Were you digging a hut or a pit or a?? .. You say it was down four feet?

I would like to think that you. Of all people would know it was a type-o

Roadquest · Feb 19, 2014

nhbenz said:
I note the same incorrect notation was used on the size description of the item, so four inches deep seems to be the intent.
I did just dig down four feet this morning... With the help of a snowblower... Almost reached the ground.

Yes I made a mistake. It was at 4 inches. The only site I have dug 4 feet down on. Is a little project I am working on in the Southwest.

Roadquest · Feb 19, 2014

Back-of-the-boat said:
It seems as though the 2nd picture I will call that the back is representing flames so on picture 1 maybe instead of an eagle it might be a phoenix. Also right at the bottom where the break of the piece occurred, on the back picture you can see 5 marks that look like part of the design from the part that is missing.Which look to be the leaf or feather pattern that you refer to as springs

I'm going back this weekend. Hope to find the other missing part. I have dug some nice 2 and three ringer bullets from this site. All at about 4'' to 5 '' deep. If I have time I will post pics of them, and some other items I found on this site tomorrow.
I'm going to look at it from your point of view. You may very well be right.
Roadquest

Roadquest · Feb 19, 2014

Thanks to everyone for your reply's. What ever it is. For me it is a keeper. When I find out just what it is.i will post the info.

creskol · Feb 20, 2014

Roadquest said:
I would like to think that you. Of all people would know it was a type-o

My! My! Don't be so damned testy, Roadquest! I was merely looking for clarification on how deep it was.
By the way, your snide comment to me should read, "I would like to think that you, of all people, would know it was a typo."