Found this along an 1860s gold rush route

[bcboy]

Hi everyone, I was detecting an area a few days ago that was a gold rush route around the 1860s and my second find is this "what is it find?" relic. I believe its made of brass, it has two boat carvings on it and the top of it is threaded. It is pretty heavy for its size. I have no idea what it is or how old it is. The chinese were in this area in the 1860s so im guessing its chinese oriented because one of the boats carved into it has on its sail a chinese/japanese logo. I think theres something inside as its pretty heavy but theres no movement of anything inside when i shake it and i do not want to try and force it open incase i damage it. My guesss is it might be some kind of gun powder holder and the powder inside has hardened being in there for so many years? Just my guess. If anyone knows what this is i would appreciate your help. Thank you.

 

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[Treasure_Hunter]

We have a forum titled "What Is It", post it there....




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[NOLA_Ken]

I think the idea of it being a grinder for spices or tea is pretty likely, it would be missing a crank handle on top. I googled "asian brass tea grinder" and found a couple on images that look like it. If it were mine I'd have to get it open, the gold rush connection would be too much to resist and I'd definitely be wondering if someone stashed their poke in it.

 

[jodan3399]

Does the do-dad on the top unscrew from the lid?

I'm thinking opium jar.

 

[A2coins]

That is one of the coolest relics I have seen on here amazing. Thanks for sharing with us!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was hoping it was some kind of gold poke some one made!!!

 

[A2coins]

That is one of the coolest relics I have seen on here amazing. Thanks for sharing with us!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was hoping it was some kind of gold poke some one made!!!

 

[A2coins]

That is one of the coolest relics I have seen on here amazing. Thanks for sharing with us!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was hoping it was some kind of gold poke some one made!!!

 

[U.B.]

One of a kind for sure. It's amazing what comes out of the ground.

 

[sawmill man]

Looks just like a piece of machinery oilier ( grease) cup, but dont know why it would be decorated. see the NPT flare end . someone with a hit and miss engine or a steam engine would love it.

 

[The Beep Goes On]

The three crosses on the sail seem odd with the rising sun symbology... might be the key to figuring it out.

Very cool find!

 

[Doubter in MD]

We have a forum titled "What Is It", post it there.

Hi Treasure Hunter. Could you possibly move this thread to the "What Is It?" Forum? This is killing me. It is a very cool find but I can't even imagine what it is.

 

[relic lover]

Looks just like a piece of machinery oilier ( grease) cup, but dont know why it would be decorated. see the NPT flare end . someone with a hit and miss engine or a steam engine would love it.

That's exactly what I was thinking either that or some kind of vacuum chamber. Again really odd that it is decorated that way if that's the case.

 

[highnam]

I cast my vote for a powder flask...here is a powder flask from 1850's found online....if this was a powder flask it should would have to unscrew at the bottom to fill it up....hope you get your ID

 

[bcboy]

Just a quick update on this item i found, it does have a hole in the top of the threaded piece. I think im going to wd-40 it and over time slowly try and quarter turn it back and forth till it eventually unscrews so ill keep you all posted if i can get this thing open and i appreciate all your help. thanks

 

[jwarner51]

Could be opium related. The Chinese smoked alot of opium and they had very ornate pieces to smoke it with. Check that out

 

[alabama11]

Wonderful find. Great work. Waiting on the answer.

 

[hittinghard]

That's pretty sweet, deffenitly gonna keep me motivated to get out more ,all I find is penny's and dimes but maybe I'll start looking at the gold rush trail here in bc. Keep up the good work.

 

[materdigger1]

Very cool find indeed

 

[Got_4by4]

Using heavy latex or other rubber gloves I think you could loosen the flat bottom reeded end. Wearing gloves could help the grip around the cylinder with the least chance of damage. Use a loupe to examine if there is even the slightest gap between the cylinder and bottom. You might even give that area a olive oil soak too.(Just the bottom)

 

[Tnmountains]

It may've pepper corns in it. Spice grinder from afar.

 

[ARC]

Killer find... well done.
You have IMO just found a piece of real history.