Gold Wax Seal Fob, 1919 CDN LC, Percussion Pistol lock?

ANTIQUARIAN · May 18, 2021

This is an old homesite that I'm able to detect early in the spring or after the harvest. I first detected this site in 2015 and always look forward to the interesting relics that pop up here, so on Sunday morning I got back again for 5hrs and was not disappointed. :thumbsup:

My first find was a 1919 LC laying right on top of the ground, it still had a dirt clump fused to the back, so this was likely popped out during disking. The soil here is drying out quickly due to the lack of rain over the past few weeks, consequently the ground is getting hard to dig. I found lots of horse hardware clips, a buckle and even two reins guides, the three-tine hay fork was an interesting surface find as well.

“A two-tine pitchfork would lift bundles or loose hay, but only an expert could prevent material from falling through between the tines. Workers with less skill could use three-tine pitchforks more conveniently. Certain three-pronged pitchforks were made of wood, but most had iron or steel tines. The pitcher standing on the ground beside the bundle wagon used a pitchfork with a long handle. The bundle loader standing on the wagon used a pitchfork with a short handle. The short handles were approximately four feet in length. The long handles ran between four and a half and five and a half feet.”
I was making my last pass down a slope to leave and I received a solid high-tone ‘75’ on the Deus. Now a ‘75’ signal on a farm site is pretty rare, but I certainly wasn’t expecting this would be a ‘gold-signal’. :hello2:

The gold on this piece shined the moment I uncovered it, unfortunately the bright sunlight made it difficult to photograph. I believe this to be a Late-Georgian or early-Victorian Period gold and copper seal fob. This fob is likely set in 9 karat gold and is ornately decorated in the early 19thc style. I feel this piece dates from the 1830 - 40s. Originally it would have been worn on the end of a watch chain, or possibly a chatelaine. If you feel this piece dates later then the Georgian/Victorian Period or if my assumption that this is a wax seal fob please feel free to let me know.

I also found what I feel maybe a percussion pistol lock, I welcome your suggestions as to what this rusty iron relic might be because I really have no idea. :icon_scratch:

Thanks very much for looking,
Dave

Steve in PA · May 18, 2021

Congrats on the gold seal fob and the other finds. I can't help with the gun lock, hopefully someone can.
I have to say that a "75" is a very common Deus number on the farms I hunt, and although it could be a button, it is usually a shotgun shell or a pull tap :laughing7:

releventchair · May 18, 2021

I'm inclined to believe the "lock" post dates flinters. And may be after percussion front loading black powder arms were the major option.
An early era cartridge rifle perhaps. (?)

The mortised looking area hints of untold uses , from latch to lock.

Great recoveries you made!

Hunk-a-lead · May 18, 2021

congrats on the awesome finds. Your posts are so well organized, thanks and way to go

erfranks · May 18, 2021

Nice Saves, I do not think percussion gun part, most of the time they had lockplate with hammer and then different area for nipple or if flint lock had compartment for powder. Looks more like shotgun or Pin or rim fire. But could also be Winchester, wish i know more about guns. But still cool finds

islamoradamark · May 18, 2021

That old gold sure is nice

Dougie Webb · May 18, 2021

what a haul!

DigToChina · May 18, 2021

Hey Dave,

Fantastic finds all around but that fob [emoji2956]Sweet!

Is it as cleaned as it’s going to get or will we be treated to one of your restorations?

Am I the only one who’s getting a chuckle out of your band aid? Used to be the funniest thing about band-aid was that commercial with John Travolta.

Florida Finder · May 18, 2021

I love those Finds!! Especially that gold seal fob!!!

lenmac65 · May 18, 2021

Nice finds. Love the coin and gold. Congrats!

ANTIQUARIAN · May 19, 2021

Steve in PA said:
Congrats on the gold seal fob and the other finds. I can't help with the gun lock, hopefully someone can.
I have to say that a "75" is a very common Deus number on the farms I hunt, and although it could be a button, it is usually a shotgun shell or a pull tap

Hi Steve

Thanks for your post, I guess '75' may mean something different depending on the program and the frequency you're running?
This was fob was a nice surprise, as it's been 6 years since I last found gold on a farm.
Hope you're having a great year so far,
Dave

releventchair said:
I'm inclined to believe the "lock" post dates flinters. And may be after percussion front loading black powder arms were the major option.
An early era cartridge rifle perhaps. (?)

The mortised looking area hints of untold uses , from latch to lock.

Great recoveries you made!

Thanks for your post RC. :icon_thumleft:

I was thinking it was some type of lock/latch as well, but it has too many screw holes in it.
You're right, the mortised portion on one end is definitely unusual. :icon_scratch:

Take care of yourself,
Dave

Hunk-a-lead said:
congrats on the awesome finds. Your posts are so well organized, thanks and way to go

Thank you so much for your compliment HaL. :hello:

The way I look at making a post... if you're going to take the time to look at it, then I want it to be worth your while.
Best of luck to you in KC,
Dave

erfranks said:
Nice Saves, I do not think percussion gun part, most of the time they had lockplate with hammer and then different area for nipple or if flint lock had compartment for powder. Looks more like shotgun or Pin or rim fire. But could also be Winchester, wish i know more about guns. But still cool finds

Thanks for your post my friend. :icon_thumright:

Trust me, I know even less about firearms than you do, we just find this type of relic everyday on our sites here in the north.
I appreciate your suggestions as to what this piece may have been.
Dave

islamoradamark said:
That old gold sure is nice

Thanks Mark, my only wish is that it was in better condition.

Dougie Webb said:
what a haul!

Thanks for your post Dougie. :thumbsup:

DigToChina said:
Hey Dave,

Fantastic finds all around but that fob Sweet!

Is it as cleaned as it’s going to get or will we be treated to one of your restorations?

Am I the only one who’s getting a chuckle out of your band aid? Used to be the funniest thing about band-aid was that commercial with John Travolta.

Thanks for your post D. :wave:

All I've done to this piece so far is to wash it with dish soap and a soft tooth brush.
The condition of this relic is tenuous at best, I honestly don't think I have the skill or the proper tools to restore this piece.
I'm always telling myself... "you only get one chance to restore an object, so you better not screw it up". :laughing7:

I picked up the band-aids at a farm show a few years ago, but our 18-year-old daughter refuses to wear them.
I'm not familiar with that Band-Aid commercial, I'll have to see if it's on YouTube.

Hope you're enjoying the 'summer-like' weather this week.
Dave

Florida Finder said:
I love those Finds!! Especially that gold seal fob!!!

Thanks for your post and for the compliment FF. :icon_thumright:

I'm heading back again on Friday for another round before the crops pop up.

lenmac65 said:
Nice finds. Love the coin and gold. Congrats!

Thanks buddy, I appreciate your support.
Hope you're doing well in MA,
Dave

ANTIQUARIAN · May 20, 2021

Restoration Update:
I did a bit of clean-up restoration yesterday using a fine sewing needle, but the piece is in fragile condition, so I'm leaving it the way it is. :thumbsup:

Dave