Look at photos and identify please

RonO · Feb 15, 2006

I found this at a Union Campsite last week and just took it out of it's electrolysis bath tonight for photos. This piece of iron is 6" long, 4 1/2" wide, and 1/2" thick. It was practically solid rust but I could tell even before I started cleaning it that it had a "horse" on it and since Sherman's Right Wing camped here and included a Cavalry detachment I naturally was hoping for the best. I am including a photo of the back of the relic as well as the front. The back looks like a waffle iron. Could this be part of a stove? This area gives up of Union and Rebel items. I would appreciate any input that any of you can offer as to what this is.
Thanks,
Ron

Gypsy Heart · Feb 17, 2006

What is throwing it off ,is the fact that the two holes are not dead center....like a lid handle would have.......but then it has no hinge indications either....... what about a coal tender.....One of those little cast iron boxes that they kept live embers in when traveling from camp to camp

? Would explain the waffle design inside .

RonO · Feb 17, 2006

Cheese,
You waffle iron guessers have me convinced. I think you must be right. I assume that this piece was heated and then placed down on the batter which was in another pan? Anyway, it is an interesting piece and since it was found about 9" down in a campsite I am convinced that it was being used in the CW even though I think it dates from before then. I also like your idea that it possibly is European. That would explain the appearance of the horsemen. Gypsyheart has just posted a very viable theory, also. Thanks everybody for all the posts.
Ron

Gypsy Heart · Feb 17, 2006

okay.....I now think.....LOL....that it could be a waffle iron....and can see the positioning of the iron tong handles in photo below....but i do think that it is of french design/origin....which would have been a oublie wafer maker .....now go find the other half and lets eat!

nhbenz · Feb 17, 2006

Good photo Gypsyheart! I searched and searched for a pic like that. Where did you end up finding it?

Gypsy Heart · Feb 17, 2006

waffle irons ebay ...1st page ....almost to bottom....has several photos included.......

Leon · Feb 17, 2006

I'd say that's probably a positive ID, neat find, WTG!!!
Good luck, & Happy hunting~

RonO · Feb 17, 2006

Gypsyheart you have totally convinced me. I went back today and looked over the area in which I found it, but no luck finding the rest. There will always be another day of detecting, though. I really appreciate all of you guys jumping in and collectively making the i.d.. I just hate that it might be French. If it is it probably left the owner looking for someone to surrender to.
Ron

cheese · Feb 18, 2006

Cool! I was also thinking French. In fact, I almost said "French" instead of "European", but I'm not an expert by any means so I kept it general. I suppose it could still be CW related. I doubt the military issued waffle irons, so why not a French iron?

rvbvetter · Feb 18, 2006

It's a commemerative Lipazon Stallion stove lid.
Or not.
The french didn't make waffles. They made crepes.

Obviously I don't have a clue what is. But it's a neat find. WTG!! HH

RonO · Feb 18, 2006

Thanks for the post, Rvbvetter. Now if I can just find the other side and the syrup can that I'm sure is there we'll have a Georgia waffle/crepe breakfast. lol

nhbenz · Feb 18, 2006

Ron, if you need some real Maple syrup, its readily available up here in NH.

southbound · Feb 18, 2006

Intresting find, whatever it may be. Vern

Gypsy Heart · Feb 18, 2006

actually the French call them oublie makers .....or wafers .....street venders began selling them on the streets.....stuffing them with fruit and heavy cream......me...its a waffle....when do we all come for breakfast ,Ron

nhbenz will bring NH syrup, I will bring Wisconsin butter....

The Seeker · Feb 18, 2006

Waffle Iron.....That is was it is ...easy to cook with not only for waffles but you could also cook meat with it....Use it for heating any food....They use the same thing today but less crude....Just stick the iron in the fire and within a few minutes the food is done....Now i'm hungry !! Nice find... Seeker

RonO · Feb 20, 2006

Thanks, Seeker. After I get it cleaned better I'll try out all of the recipes that you guys sent.
Ron

rvbvetter · Feb 20, 2006

Like I stated before. I don't have a clue (ask anybody) what it is. But if it's a waffle plate, it sure would have made some weird looking waffles. Everything is reversed (the pattern) from the waffle and waffle Iron we know of today. HH