Need An accurate ID on these Guys!!

[dubby90]

Hey guys, these came out of an old school yard, various sizes, made of brass and has a thin metal strip on back. For some reason it reminds me of something from an instrument, maybe piano keys Need quick help on this one and a link or picture for more information if available. Thanks!!

 

[HotRodder]

Might be reeds from an harmonica.

 

[dugupfinds]

Might be reeds from an harmonica.

yeap

 

[warsawdaddy]

I don't know.They don't quite look like harmonica reeds to me.Usually harmonica reeds resemble a comb more closely.

 

[Montana Jim]

I don't know.They don't quite look like harmonica reeds to me.Usually harmonica reeds resemble a comb more closely.

Agreed... like this reed I have.  Although dubby90's reeds are single, I do think they ARE reeds for something...

This is where PBK tells you what they are below...

 

[PBK]

Source: http://www.musical-museum.org/teachersframe.htm

Organ reeds

What are they like and how do they work?

Metal reeds, usually of brass, were developed early in the 19th century. They look like this photo here. Air flowing across a mounted reed causes it to vibrate and make a sound pitched according to its shape and size. They can be shaped so that they imitate various instruments, such as a flute, oboe or piccolo, etc.

 

[Montana Jim]

Well done as always PBK...

Looks like dubby90 can rest in peace, he seemed pretty anxious to get an answer on these things!

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Source: http://www.musical-museum.org/teachersframe.htm

Organ reeds

What are they like and how do they work?

Metal reeds, usually of brass, were developed early in the 19th century. They look like this photo here. Air flowing across a mounted reed causes it to vibrate and make a sound pitched according to its shape and size. They can be shaped so that they imitate various instruments, such as a flute, oboe or piccolo, etc.

My wife has a Civil War era melodian (like a BIG foot operated harmonica with a leather bellows). Itinerant preachers used to take them along. Plays like a small organ. About the size of a kid's desk.

 

[dubby90]

Thanks so much guys. Man you guys are Ridiculously quick. I am finishing up this archaeological dig in MI in the next couple of months. I have been wanting to post all of my amazing finds but I need to finish my report and presentation to the local historial society before I release my results. I will probably post a few more what's its for your valuable input, next to the college campus and my own schooling you guys are one of my best resources. I have uncovered 19th century bottles, toys, coins, slate pencils and slate chalkboards, even a kids tooth. Results will be released soon and I might post the archaeological report online so you guys can get a look at all the science behind it. Thanks again!!!

 

[Skrimpy]

I don't know.They don't quite look like harmonica reeds to me.Usually harmonica reeds resemble a comb more closely.

Agreed... like this reed I have. Although dubby90's reed are single, I do think they ARE reeds for something...

So what in sam hill are these other things? I see them all the time and toss em in the garbage. What were they used for.

 

[jeff of pa]

I don't know.They don't quite look like harmonica reeds to me.Usually harmonica reeds resemble a comb more closely.

Agreed... like this reed I have. Although dubby90's reed are single, I do think they ARE reeds for something...

So what in sam hill are these other things? I see them all the time and toss em in the garbage. What were they used for.

What "things" are you Referring to ?

the Organ Reeds have been I.D.'d

 

[vic910]

I can't wait to see the report! The stuff you've found sounds awesome!

vicki

 

[bongo1962]

Dubby, where are you digging Mi? I would leap at the opportunity to see a real archaeological dig. When they built the Genesys hosp. in Grand Blanc, I got to watch a bunch of students do a test hole, but didn't have time to see any of the real work. Grid digging and such. I'd be thrilled if it were allowable to observe. Bongo


One Mans Trash is Another Mans Treasure

 

[Colonial Copper Zeus]

i have been finding both of those objects for all my 18 years of metal detecting. many, many, many of them. either you guys are wrong about them being reeds or our ancestors were a very musical bunch of people. i would like to know what they are also

 

[BMS]

Kind of looks like a girl's hair barrett. My daughters wear them all of the time. I could see finding them in a school yard.

 

[dubby90]

Have to keep my location secret for a while, with all the great artifacts still coming out of the ground I don't want to give it up for obvious reasons with looters and such. I might be an archaelogist by trade but have been a MDer by heart since I was 10 years old. This site I have been working on since last year has been one of the most productive school houses excavated in MI, maybe in US (not to toot my own horn). But like all things the site is going to be developed soon so I need to get out as many artifacts as possible for my employers as well as my own personal satisfaction. Everything from skeleton keys, shanked buttons, large cents, silver seated, 3 cent pieces, Indian heads, buffalo nickle, jewerly, ceramics and old pontil marked bottles have come out of this site with good ole fashion archaeology work and metal detecting to back it up. I even found an intact glass inkwell with my detector, was under a big piece of junk metal. Soon as the weather breaks and the ground thaws I will be out again for a few weeks to perform a "salvage job". I will keep all that are interested posted on future developments as well as open volunteer positions that may become available. I have been trying to work within the community to show how and why archaeological investigations are needed to help save our ever diminishing historical heritage.

 

[bongo1962]

Awesome, put me on your volunteer list. Bongo

 

[jonw440]

i have been finding both of those objects for all my 18 years of metal detecting. many, many, many of them. either you guys are wrong about them being reeds or our ancestors were a very musical bunch of people. i would like to know what they are also

Think about the life they had back then. No TV, Computers, cars, and not a 100% sure they had electricity.
To pass the time they would make music.

 

[tymcmurray]

One of those were found this weekend at
the 1823 house I hunt. Didn't have a clue,
But thought it might be a reed. Good to know.

 

[rebelLT]

Thats what those things are?! Harmonica Reeds huh. I guess I've probably thrown enough of those things away to fill a gallon bucket over the years. Are they worth anything? NOPE, dont tell me if they are!