First Box Plate........unexpected find

[3searchin]

We decided to detect my brothers new house.It was built in the 70's and sits on about half an acre. We certainly were not expecting to find anything like this.

The letters are really clear but covered in something. I'm not sure if it's rust or just filth. Can I soak this in olive oil or distilled water to clean it more? Any other suggestions on doing light cleaning?

Thanks
3S

 

[cwdigger]

Awsome first box plate bud, mine looked like it got hit by a truck, If I were you I would clean it with some warm water and soap,then brush some aluminum jelly on it. Bring it back to life. WTG

Cw
www.wedigdixie.com

 

[brnn53]

Be careful with the aluminum jelly. If gold gilt is not present it will discolor an item to an ugly reddish brown. Very nice find!
Mike

 

[3searchin]

I don't believe there is any gilt left on it. I could be wrong but I certainly don't want to ruin it. So is aluminum jelly not a good idea or is it ?

I would like to clean it up a little, but I want to be very careful

Thanks for your input because I'm lost

3S

 

[brnn53]

Do not use the jelly. There never was any gilt on plates or buckles. Just try and coat it with a light oil such as mineral oil or Briwax. Its a nice find no matter what!
Mike

 

[texjim]

awesome bud i just found a us buckle yesterday here in the great state of pa. i just used a soft tooth brush and warm water to clean mine up. Good JOb

 

[Michigan Badger]

Man would I luv to find one of those!

That's the great thing about living in areas with some real history.

If it wasn't very deep it may have been carried in with the landscaping dirt. Almost everytime we have dirt hauled in for landscaping I find old coins or jewelry in it.

As for cleaning check with BuckleBoy. He's the master of cleaning CW relics.

Badger

 

[BuckleBoy]

I can't really tell what is on the plate...is it dirt, or corrosion? Have you cleaned it with water at this point, or not?

If you have not cleaned it with water, I'd consider toothpicking the crud off. Certainly stay away from the olive oil and aluminum jelly. If you use olive oil on that plate, it will be a soggy mess for the rest of your life.


-Buckles

 

[treasurefiend]

 

[johnreb1980]

Sweet find.

 

[Baldingboy]

I found half of a box plate that looks exactly like that one. Whatever that is on the brass, is just like that on mine.

Baldingboy

 

[fortbball9]

Sweet CW Relic,still looking for my first.
CONGRATS


fortbball9

 

[tymcmurray]

Civilman and I were hunting a 1920's house and He got
a beautiful Box Plate..... You just never kno0w where
them boys were.
Great find!

 

[rovnrbl]

Don't use jelly, water or oil. Suggest a toothpick and an old tooth brush.

n/t

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Nice plate! Congrats! So true TY! I found mine Behind the Fudruckers parking lot. The parking lot (paved Now) is atop of the old CW camp....I cant wait till they redo that parking lot.

 

[Roadquest]

I would not use olive oil on this. That's a awesome find.