No banners, but some coins, relics, and a what-is-it

[lenmac65]

It was mild around here last week, yet only the top few inches of the turf have thawed. Therefore, I went to a pine woods where I knew I would be able to dig. I also chose the spot because there was a farm there on an 1870’s map. I dug a couple hours there yesterday and the day before. While I did not find any really old coins, I found a Mercury dime, a Jefferson nickel, and a Wheat penny, all dated 1940. I also found some relics, including a couple skeleton keys, or more accurately lever lock keys, I believe. I dug a small heart shaped locket about 6 inches down, which looks like it had something mounted to its face at one time. I dug a broken pin stamped “sterling” on the back, with what appear to be fake diamonds. I recovered a small flat button with no visible markings, and a small button or pant snap with the word “Sprague” across its front. I dug a couple buckles, including one with a fully intact prong with no heavy rust, a first for me. The spoon is interesting and is stamped “1847 Rogers Bros.” I believe this is the company’s Portland pattern, which it first produced in 1891. Lastly, I dug a What-is-it that you will see in the bottom left corner of my main photo. It looks like it would screw into a light socket, which does not make sense to me. If anyone has any ideas on the What-is-it or the age of the locket and bigger buckle, I would be grateful. Thanks for looking. Happy hunting. Spring is only a month away!

 

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[firemanphob]

if the bottom part is rubber, it is an expanding plug. when you turn the tee handle, it mashes the rubber part and tightens. some big trucks have a plug like this on the oil fill tube.

 

[Yak1366]

Very nice finds, congrats!!! And a nice pair of skeleton keys too!!

 

[Hawks88]

Nice variety of finds. The item in the bottom left corner reminds me a bit of the plug on an old thermos.

 

[lenmac65]

if the bottom part is rubber, it is an expanding plug. when you turn the tee handle, it mashes the rubber part and tightens. some big trucks have a plug like this on the oil fill tube.

Thanks! That sounds like a good I.D. on my "What is it." There is no rubber on the piece, though I imagine it would have long rotted off. However, there is something like a nail head coming out of the bottom that might have held on a rubber gasket at one time. Perhaps this is some sort of plug from farm equipment or a truck. By the way, love the quote at the bottom of your post.

 

[Inspector]

Nice hunt and some nice coins & relics, congrats on all

 

[Mackaydon]

Reminds me of the stopper on an old hot water 'bottle'.
Don.....

 

[lenmac65]

Nice variety of finds. The item in the bottom left corner reminds me a bit of the plug on an old thermos.

Reminds me of the stopper on an old hot water 'bottle'.
Don.....

Mmmm ... you may be on to something. Here is a picture of an old hot water bottle stopper ...

 

[Digger RJ]

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[A2coins]

Great hunt I hit the woods in winter also last couple weeks crazy winter temps here. I love those skeleton keys Ive been looking for many yesrs for onr to put in my display case. That is some great very old finds Well done Thanks for sharing them. Tommy

 

[Tony in SC]

Firemanphob has it. It is an expanding type plug used for many things. Used today for boats.

 

[OreElse]

Great finds. Nice keys.

 

[Whyme]

Nice finds! Congrats! I like the skeleton keys.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Cool relics, congrats!

 

[Relicific]

That’s a great hunt