Indian Key Fob

[button]

Dug this fob yesterday (11-9-06) in a vacant lot behind
a local Harley dealership. It was encrusted with dirt but
cleaned up nice with dish soap and a soft toothbrush.


Obverse of my find Reverse of my find

I found the following online at
http://www.dwasserman.com/INDIANMOTOCYCLES1.htm

quote:
key fob, celebrating bicentennial of George Washington, 1 1/4" dia.,
brass, marked "George Washington 1732-1932 Indian Motocycle
1901-1932
unquote

Here're dwasserman's pix of the fob in excellent condition and
appraised at $200:


Obverse - EXC cond Reverse - EXC cond

Couple of observations/questions for you guys:
1. Since the fob is brass, should I clean it better with Brasso?
2. What's it worth anyway in pocket-change condition?
3. I spent about 4 hours today trying take some decent pix of my
find but I'm still not happy with the ones I posted above. Does anyone
have any idea how to do quality close-up work with a Kodak DC215?
If my expertise were a tank of gas, I'd be sucking fumes!

Hoping you enjoy! Later....Bill

 

[DigDugNY]

kool

 

[Nana40]

That's an awesome find Button!

LOL @ the tank of gas!

I think my best pics are when I go outside and use the natural lighting (during the day ). Put the camera on the flower setting and don't get too close...the image will get larger when you crop it.

Congrats on that find! Nana

 

[Gypsy Heart]

That is really a unique find! Very Nice!

 

[Postalrevnant]

Welcome to the forum Button. Incredible find.

Congratulations,

Postalrevnant

 

[River Rat]

Button,

1st, welcome to TN. Your find is very unique. Congratulations!!

RR

 

[jopher]

Im thinkin of the look on someones face when that first came out of the ground.
Very cool find .........Joe

 

[PBK]

Great find!

It's also a great illustration of how important it can be not only to research your finds but to find the right collector. The same piece is listed in the latest edition of Rulau & Fuld's Medallic Portraits of Washington for $15. Yet, as the link that Button posted clearly proves, to a collector of Indian Motorcycle memorabilia, it's worth $200 in excellent condition!

 

[ringfinder]

Great find and thanks for the information. My hunting partner just found one of these
Indian Motor Cycle Watch fob's the other day. He found it at an old 1920's ball park,
which is now a cow pasture.

I agree on using the flower mode on your camera, it sort of looks like a tulip. It will focus
on your object and you will get a really nice picture. Good Luck, and thanks for the post,
pictures and information.

HH, Ringfinder,

P.S. I found an Indian Motor Cycle Pin early this year, it looks just like the Indian on the back
of your fob. It has Indian Motor Cycle wrote on it and it is Silver.

 

[sparkymaster]

Wow!!! That's a real nice fob. I found a harley pin this year but it's not as cool as your indian. WTG!

 

[groundfisher]

That's a really cool find.And to think that it was found near a Harley dealer.
The Indian motorcycle is a classic and I'm sure an owner would be willing to pay good money for a fob like that.Enjoyed the post and pics. Welcome to Tnet!